Bardsey Island/Ynys Enlli, Gwynedd

Details

Accessibility

See below

Brief description

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bardsey_Island

"Bardsey Island is a wild Welsh island located 2 miles off the Llŷn Peninsula. With a rich wildlife, dramatic coastline and fascinating history, there is plenty to discover from a day trip or a holiday on this unique island. 

Bardsey Island lies 2 miles (3 kilometres) across Bardsey Sound at the tip of the  Llŷn Peninsula, North Wales.

The island is 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometres) long and, at its widest point, it is just over half a mile (1 kilometre) across. The island mountain rises to a height of 167 meters and the whole island has a surface area of 180 hectares, most of which is farmland.

In 1979 the island was purchased by the Bardsey Island Trust and is now managed by the Trust with advice from Natural Resources Wales and CADW. The island is designated a National Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is in the Llŷn Peninsula Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The island is also of international importance and has been listed as a Special Area of Conservation for its habitats and species as well as a Special Protection Area because of the breeding birds. 

There are 12 properties on the island, each of which is Grade II listed. Of these properties one is leased to the farm, one to the Bardsey Bird & Field Observatory and one as a private letting to the Evans family (who have lived on Bardsey for three generations). 

The other nine properties are let out by the Bardsey Island Trust as holiday lettings. These range from whole five bedroom farmhouses, converted lofts and one small traditional cottage. If you're interested in staying on Bardsey more information can be found here."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-64731286

"Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island), off the Llŷn Peninsula, has become the first site in Europe to be awarded International Dark Sky Sanctuary certification."

Address

Bardsey Island Trust

PO Box 79

Pwllheli

Gwynedd

LL53 9AT

And Bardsey Bird Observatory

Cristin

Bardsey island

LL53 8DE

Email

https://www.bardsey.org/contact

Phone

See https://www.bardsey.org/contact

Website

https://www.bardsey.org/about

https://www.facebook.com/EnlliBardsey/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bardsey_Island

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-64731286

Directions

"Bardsey Island is a wild Welsh island located 2 miles off the Llŷn Peninsula." See our location map.

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

https://www.bardsey.org/essential-information

"You should find all the necessary information you require for your stay on Bardsey here. We're looking forward to welcoming you to Bardsey. 

The renting week is from Saturday to Saturday, April to October.

A limited number of short breaks are available, please contact us for details. 

A 50% deposit is required to secure your booking.

Full balance payment is due 12 weeks prior to the start of your stay.

Bookings can be made by completing this booking form. (please don't message us to book by text, Whatsapp or on social media as these messages aren't monitored regularly).

Parking

Accommodation 

What should you bring?

Cancellation

FAQs

Crossing to Bardsey

The boat fare is additional to the house price and is operated by Mordaith Llŷn from Porth Meudwy. www.bardseyboattrips.com. The cost for 2023 is £55 per person return. Adults, children and babies all pay the same fare. 

You are advised to wear waterproofs for the crossing.

Weather permitting, crossings take place on Saturday for weekly visitors - from Porth Meudwy (near Aberdaron). If crossings are delayed because of the weather, you will cross on the first possible fine day following.

The process of transporting passengers and luggage to and from the island is quite complicated and calls for patience and understanding.

Please check boat arrangements prior to your stay by telephoning 07971 769895 on the night before your stay which will give you details of time of crossing. Please call after 6.30pm.

You will be told when to arrive at your embarkation point and you should confirm the number of people in your group or family.

Parking

Cars can be parked at owner’s risk at Cwrt farm for a fee of £15.00 per week. This charge is payable to the farmer, G Roberts on arrival. You don't need to book in advance. 

You will be met at Cwrt farm car park and your luggage will be transported to the boat on a trailer; there is a ten-minute downhill walk to the cove at Porth Meudwy from the farm. You may have to wait at the cove for some time before you are able to cross. As there is nowhere for you to shelter at Porth Meudwy, please ensure that you have your waterproofs and some food and drink with you. The crossing will take approximately 20 minutes. If possible, visitors should help to move luggage to and from the boat.

The post code for Cwrt farm is LL53 8DA. See https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/52%C2%B048'03.2%22N+4%C2%B043'52.5%22W/@52.8008889,-4.73125,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d52.8008889!4d-4.73125

Please note: If you reach Cwrt - National Trust, which has a gravel courtyard, you have just passed Cwrt Farm. You'll need to reverse or turn around, it's the next gate up. Also, some Satnavs pass the farm, so please look out for Cwrt on the right hand side, the name is embedded in the gatepost on a slate plaque.

Gwynedd Council bus time table for service to Uwchmynydd can be found here. https://www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/en/Residents/Parking-roads-and-travel/Bus-timetables/Bus-timetables.aspx

There is also a coastal bus, details can be found here. https://www.bwsarfordirllyn.co.uk/

Gwynedd Council public transport information can be found here. https://www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/en/Residents/Parking-roads-and-travel/Bus-timetables/Bus-timetables.aspx

Accommodation details

We offer basic self-catering accommodation in a range of houses. None of these houses has electricity,  lighting is through LED lamps provided in each house and it is recommended that guests bring their own head torch.

These rustic houses are comfortably furnished. The kitchen includes a gas cooker, solar powered fridge/freezer (smaller undercounter fridge with a freezer compartment in 2 bed properties) and adequate kitchen utensils for the number of occupants each property allows. Crockery, washing up liquid, toilet paper, matches and household cleaning equipment are all provided.

Due to health and safety regulations, the use of candles and tea-lights is not permitted.

Bardsey’s tranquillity is one of the main reasons people come and stay; we therefore kindly ask that all visitors respect this and keep noise to a minimum, especially between the hours of 10pm and 8am.

Accommodation Occupancy

Under no circumstances may the number of occupiers exceed the maximum occupancy stated on our website. Infants under 2 years of age sleeping in a cot are not counted in the maximum (except for Carreg Bach, which is unsuitable for infants). We reserve the right to refuse admittance if this condition is not observed.

Pets are not permitted on Bardsey Island.

Heating: Most houses have a multi-fuel stove in the living room. A stock of fuel is provided for your stay. Additional packs are available for sale from the Island Wardens. Please do not burn driftwood as the salt damages the chimney lining. Please note that houses without a real fire may get chilly during bad weather. 

Babies: A cot and highchair are available by prior arrangement at no extra cost.

Compost Toilet Facilities: As these houses have all been maintained closely to their original layout none of the houses have bathrooms.  Each house has its own private outside composting toilet, usually situated in the garden. Llofft Plas' toilet is indoors. Please note that it is your responsibility to empty your own toilet bucket. There is a disposal site for each house.

Water: Each house has cold running water from a mountain spring or well. Please be aware that water is not plentiful and must be used carefully and sparingly.

Page updated January 2023

Cleaning and Refuse: The Bardsey Island Trust operates a self-cleaning policy in its houses. We ask that all guests leave their house in a clean and tidy state ready for the next guests. We ask guests to take all their refuse and recycling off the island with them. Recycling bins are provided at Cwrt farm on the mainland.

Cancellations and amendments: 

Once your full balance has been paid we are not able to make a refund in the event of cancellation. In the unfortunate event that you have to cancel your booking we will make every effort to re-let your booking. If we are successful, we will be happy to refund your payment with a small deduction of £30 for administrative costs. If, however, we are unable to re-let your booking we will not be able to issue you a refund. If you wish to make changes to your booking e.g. change dates or accommodation, an administration fee of £30 will be charged. 

The Bardsey Island Trust will make no charge to visitors who are unable to return to the mainland due to delayed crossings or bad weather.

We don’t expect to have to make changes to your booking, however sometimes problems arise, and bookings have to be changed or cancelled. If we are forced to cancel your booking, we will refund the money you have paid us in full.

If you are forced to cancel your visit to Enlli for any reason including bad weather, under no circumstances is the Bardsey Island Trust Ltd liable for loss of funds.

Insurance:

Crossing to Enlli depends very much on the weather and it is occasionally necessary to delay journeys. When this occurs the Trust will not be responsible for any refunds or compensation. You are strongly advised to take out your own insurance policy. Visitors are advised to take out their own cancellation insurance to provide cover in the case of illness or other insurable event.

Essentials - What should you take with you?

Please keep baggage to a minimum as the boat has only limited hold capacity. Pack all parcels in small easily-handled loads that are sealed and waterproof (use containers or wrap in plastic) and well secured. All belongings should be clearly marked with the name of the house in which you will be staying. Unmarked luggage may be delayed or go astray.

Please bring the following items for your stay on the island:

Footwear and clothing for all weather

Duvet cover for each bed (duvets are provided)

Bed sheets

Pillowcases

Warm pyjamas, as there is no heating in bedrooms

Towels and washing kit

Tea towels

A good torch and spare batteries - the use of candles and tea-lights is not permitted.

Important

Pack your luggage in small sealed packages which are easy to handle.

Medication - if you use any medication please ensure that you bring extra supplies to last at least another week.

Sufficient food and drink, although you don't need to bring water unless we ask you to (if there has been a drought). There is no grocery shop on the island, except what is available from the farm and café, where evening meals and breakfasts can be booked in advance.

Additional equipment:

There is a limit to the amount of luggage that can be carried on the boat, however, the following may enhance your Enlli experience:

Pair of binoculars

Art materials

Fishing rod / bait

Musical instruments (not too big!)

Camera and spare batteries (If you intend on taking any commercial photographs please contact the Bardsey Island Trust)

Mobile phone - Please be aware that you may pick up a mobile phone signal from Ireland which may incur additional charges to your tariff. There is a 4G signal for EE (best) and Vodafone from some areas on the island. There is no electricity to recharge your mobile on the island.

Portable solar charger for smart phones and tablets.

The Bardsey Island Trust does not recommend sailing, kayaking or swimming around the coastline of Bardsey as the strong currents can be very dangerous. Any of these activities are undertaken at your own risk. 

The Bardsey Island Trust does not permit the flying of drones, please see the Bardsey Island Trust Drone Policy for further information. 

Transport

Gwynedd Council bus time table for service to Uwchmynydd can be found here. https://www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/en/Residents/Parking-roads-and-travel/Bus-timetables/Bus-timetables.aspx

There is also a coastal bus, details can be found here. https://www.bwsarfordirllyn.co.uk/

Gwynedd Council public transport information can be found here. https://www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/en/Residents/Parking-roads-and-travel/Bus-timetables/Bus-timetables.aspx

Amenities

Caffi Ynys Enlli Cafe, Pwllheli, LL53 8DE "Tŷ Pellaf Farm and Cafe, Bardsey:

The café at Tŷ Pellaf farm, run by the Roberts family, serves various drinks, ice cream, snacks and homemade cakes daily.

​Tŷ Pellaf is licensed to sell alcohol, reducing the need to bring your supplies with you. See sample menu here. A full breakfast, especially on departure days, at a time to suit you, is available as well as evening meals or takeaways on specific nights (on request).  

The Roberts family hope this will enhance your experience and enjoyment of the island. Should you have any special requirements or fancy something completely different, please get in touch to discuss your needs. Various services will be advertised on site weekly.

If you need more details or specific information pertaining to your stay, please get in touch, prior notification of your requirements will help the cafe prepare your order. 

As well as the café, the farm will be selling fresh free-range island eggs, seasonal vegetables, crabs and lobsters boiled or fresh straight off the boat, again please get in touch in advance to check availability and place an order. 

To contact Tŷ Pellaf Café, please phone 07535 064943 or e-mail wgroberts@hotmail.co.uk