- Caldey Island is in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
- Check access, weather and local guidance before travelling.
About Caldey Island
Caldey is a small island about a mile off the Pembrokeshire coast at Tenby, home to a working Cistercian monastery. Monks have lived here for centuries, and the island is known for its perfumes, chocolate and shortbread, sold to day visitors in season.
The story of Caldey Island
A monastery was first founded on Caldey in the 6th century by St Pyrog, and the island's medieval priory ruins date from a later Tironian community founded in the 12th century. The present Caldey Abbey, built in Italianate style, was begun in 1906 by Anglican Benedictines led by Aelred Carlyle; they joined the Roman Catholic Cistercian order in 1913, and the community adopted the stricter Trappist rule in 1928. The monks have long supported themselves by producing perfumes, chocolates and shortbread, which are sold in the island shop and shipped to the mainland. Caldey Lighthouse, built in 1829 by James Park, was the first lighthouse in Wales to be converted to solar power.
Visiting with care
Take the seasonal boat from Tenby harbour, a ten-minute crossing that runs when weather and tides allow. Day visitors can explore the abbey church, the medieval ruins, the lighthouse and the beaches before the boats return mid-afternoon.
Interesting facts
- Caldey has been a monastic site since the 6th century, founded by St Pyrog.
- The present Cistercian community joined the Trappist order in 1928.
- The monks produce perfumes, chocolates and shortbread sold from the island shop.
- Caldey Lighthouse of 1829 was the first Welsh lighthouse converted to solar power.
Getting there
Parking and access details — check locally for the latest information.