Key Facts
- Location: Bristol Channel, south of Cardiff, Wales
- Size: 35 hectares
- Terrain: Easy grass paths; some free-range walking
- Access: Boatrip from Cardiff
- Height gain: 44 metres
- Map: OS Explorer 153
- Starting point: Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay. Lat/Long 51.463040, -3.164097; GR ST 192 744
Flat Holm is a limestone island lying in the treacherous currents of the Bristol Channel, approximately four kilometres off the coast of Wales. Its gentle grassy slope rises from the exposed rocky shore of the west to the more sheltered easterly cliffs. The interior is open, flat, and windswept. Managed by Cardiff Council it is a significant nature reserve. Yet it is not only natural forces that have shaped the island’s character. Augustinian monks, a radio genius, Victorian gunners, and cholera sufferers have occupied it over the last 800 years and all made their mark. Reached by an exhilarating RIB-ride from Cardiff Bay, there is plenty to see and do to fill a few hours or a few days.
Look out for
-
- Large gull colonies
- Explore a trove of military history
- Great views to Wales, Somerset and Devon
- Gull and Leek pub
Read more about the best things to do on Flat Holm Island – link to activities tab
Can you stay on Flat Holm Island
Staying overnight on Flat Holm Island is a real treat for immersing yourself in nature and for the night-time spectacle of town and city lights strung along the Bristol Channel’s.
Dormitory accommodation is available in the farmhouse field centre, which can sleep up to 24 people (two, 10 and 12 bedded rooms). Camping is available in the farmhouse paddocks (tents not provided) and the Grade II Listed Fog Horn Cottage has been converted into a self-catering cottage that sleeps 6 in a double and twin bedroom and a lounge with double sofa-bed. Flat Holm Island accommodation can be booked via the Cardiff Harbour Authority – link – https://www.cardiffharbour.com/flat-holm-island/visiting/#:~:text=Overnight%20stays%20and%20residential%20visits,paddocks%20(tents%20not%20provided).
Food on Flat Holm Island
Drinks, a limited selection of snacks, and toilets are available at Flat Holm’s pub, the Gull and Leek.
How to get to Flat Holm Island
The Flat Holm ferry is a RIB, operated by two companies, that leaves from Mermaid Quay in Cardiff Bay. Bay Island Voyages run daily 2–2.5 hour excursions http://www.bayislandvoyages.co.uk/booking-flat-holm-visit/ and Cardiff Sea Safari run a more limited service on specific dates that allows 10–12 hours on the island https://cardiffseasafaris.co.uk/index.php/trips/flat-holm-trips
See our book Islandeering for full description of the island and its walks.
About Islandeering
Hi and welcome to Islandeering Islandeering is for people who want adventure in Britain’s wild blue spaces – our rivers, coast, lakes, canals and islands. You will find amazing walks, paddles and swims in the UK’s most special places, those recognised for outstanding natural beauty, incredible geology or special and abundant wildlife.
More About UsWe continuously find new islands, rivers, lochs, canals and coast to walk, SUP and swim in and meet plenty of great folks along the way. Join our community to get new routes and adventures, latest blogs and news by using the email box below. Tune in also to our Facebook and Instagram pages to see where we are going next.
What to do on Flat Holm
Things to do and see on Flat Holm
Nestled in the Bristol Channel, just a short boat trip away from the Welsh coast, [...]
Apr
Walking around Flat Holm
About Islandeering
Hi and welcome to Islandeering Islandeering is for people who want adventure in Britain’s wild blue spaces – our rivers, coast, lakes, canals and islands. You will find amazing walks, paddles and swims in the UK’s most special places, those recognised for outstanding natural beauty, incredible geology or special and abundant wildlife.
More About UsWe continuously find new islands, rivers, lochs, canals and coast to walk, SUP and swim in and meet plenty of great folks along the way. Join our community to get new routes and adventures, latest blogs and news by using the email box below. Tune in also to our Facebook and Instagram pages to see where we are going next.
Key Facts
- Location:Bristol Channel, south of Cardiff, Wales
- Size:35 hectares
- Terrain:Easy grass paths; some free-range walking
- Access:Boat trip from Cardiff
- Height gain:44 metres
- Map:OS Explorer 153
- Starting point:Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay. Lat/Long 51.463040, -3.164097; GR ST 192 744
Accommodation/food:
Drinks, limited selection of snacks, and toilets at the island’s Gull and Leek pub. Dormitory accommodation in the farmhouse, camping and self-catering at Fog Horn Cottage can be booked through Cardiff harbour Authority at https://cardiffharbour.com/flatholm/#1488978342887-5f85083b-f80c
Island Summary:
Flat Holm is a limestone island lying in the treacherous currents of the Bristol Channel, approximately four kilometres off the coast of Wales. Its gentle grassy slope rises from the exposed rocky shore of the west to the more sheltered easterly cliffs. The interior is open, flat, and windswept. Managed by Cardiff Council it is a significant nature reserve. Yet it is not only natural forces that have shaped the island’s character. Augustinian monks, a radio genius, Victorian gunners, and cholera sufferers have occupied it over the last 800 years and all made their mark.
Look out for:
-
- Large gull colonies
- Explore a trove of military history
- Great views to Wales, Somerset and Devon
- Gull and Leek pub
Route description:
A clockwise route from the Barracks building takes in the stunning panoramas of the Bristol Channel, historic military buildings and wildlife.
Getting there:
By RIB operated by two companies from Mermaid Quay CF10 5BZ. Bay Island Voyages run daily 2–2.5 hour excursions http://www.bayislandvoyages.co.uk/booking-flat-holm-visit/ and Cardiff Sea Safari run a more limited service on specific dates that allows 10–12 hours on the island https://cardiffseasafaris.co.uk/index.php/trips/flat-holm-trips
