Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions
All FAQs
We’re coming to stay on Bardsey, what time will our boat leave?
You will need to phone Colin Evans, the boatman, on 07971769895, the evening before you are due to cross to Bardsey. Colin will leave a recorded message after 6.30pm that evening with time you will need to be at Cwrt Farm the following day with your luggage ready to be taken down to the boat in Porth Meudwy. As a rule, crossings start in the morning and run until early afternoon.
What happens if the weather’s bad and the boat won’t be crossing as planned?
If the weather is too bad for the boat to cross on the day originally planned, Colin Evans, the boatman, will get you over on the next available day.
What do we need to bring with us for our stay on Bardsey?
-
Sufficient food and drink. There is no grocery shop on the island, except what is available from the farm and cafe, where evening meals and breakfast can be booked in advance.
-
Footwear and clothing for all weather. Slippers for indoors as floors are cold.
-
Duvets are provided. Please bring the correct size duvet cover for each bed. See house description for information on the beds at your accommodation.
-
Base bed sheet for each bed
-
Pillowcase x2 (each guest is provided with two pillows)
-
Warm pyjamas, as there is no heating in bedrooms
-
Towels and washing kit
-
Tea towels
-
A good torch, head torch and spare batteries - the use of candles and tea-lights is not permitted.
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 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
How is all our luggage taken to the boat and to our accommodation once we arrive on the island?
Your luggage will be taken by a 4x4 and trailer down to the boat at Porth Meudwy and will be met from the boat by the tractor and trailer or a buggy once you arrive on Bardsey.
Do you have bedrooms downstairs?
A number of the houses do have downstairs bedrooms, these are as follows:
What are the cooking facilities like?
Each house comes with a fully equipped kitchen with crockery, cutlery, utensils, pots and pans, a gas cooker with hob, oven and grill and a small fridge freezer.
I’d like more information about the composting toilet, can you explain how it works?
The toilets for guests are simple compost toilets. They have a toilet seat above a bucket. When you use the toilet, only toilet paper must be put in the toilet, bins are provided for all other none compostable materials. A small sprinkling of sawdust is added after use.
Is there a fridge/freezer in our accommodation?
Each house has a small fridge and freezer which is powered by solar panels.
We don’t want to stay a whole week; can we stay for a short break?
Yes, we offer 3 or 4-night short breaks. All we ask is that you begin your break on a Saturday and leave mid-week, or arrive mid-week and leave on a Saturday, as this is our changeover day. We don't do Friday-Sunday short breaks as this breaks into 2 letting weeks.
I’m not bringing a car, what are my options?
There are regular train services to Pwllheli (the closest train station). From here you can catch the 17 bus to Aberdaron. Taxis are also available but we'd recommend booking ahead.
Is there food available at the farm?
Please bring your own food and drink with you as there is no grocery shop on the island.
Is there a food shop?
There are no grocery shops on the island, please bring all your food and drink supplies with you. Drinking water is available from one of the island wells and must be boiled and filtered before drinking.
How do I book a day trip?
To book a day trip please contact Colin Evans on 07971769895.
How are the houses heated?
Carreg Fawr, Carreg Bach, Plas Bach, Tŷ Capel, Ty Nesaf, Nant and Hendy all have multi fuel stoves. A supply of heatlogs is provided at the beginning of your stay. If you require more, packs are sold on the island at £5 per pack.
Can I bring my dog to Bardsey?
Guests are not permitted to bring their pets with them to the island.
What's the bathroom and shower situation when we stay?
There are no bathrooms or showers in any of Bardsey’s guest houses, washing bowls are provided. You use water from the water butt outside (not the well water as this is for drinking and cooking only and must be conserved). You heat your washing water on the stove in a big pan provided. There are plenty of bowls in the houses, so you can take it to your room to wash. Plas Bach and Nant have rooms that can be used as washrooms. The toilet is a compost toilet located in the garden (except for Llofft Plas, where it is linked indoors).
Do I need to book the boat crossing and parking?
We let the boatman know how many people are staying in each house, you don't need to contact him unless we have specifically asked you to, eg. if you have complex requirements.
Do we need to bring drinking water with us?
Houses are fed by water from one of the island's wells, which is drinkable once boiled and filtered. There are instructions in your accommodation on what to do.
Crossing FAQs
We’re coming to stay on Bardsey, what time will our boat leave?
You will need to phone Colin Evans, the boatman, on 07971769895, the evening before you are due to cross to Bardsey. Colin will leave a voicemail between 6pm and 7pm that evening with time you will need to be at Cwrt Farm with your luggage ready to be taken down to the boat in Porth Meudwy.
Staying on Bardsey FAQs
What happens if the weather’s bad and the boat won’t be crossing as planned?
If the weather is too bad for the boat to cross on the day originally planned Colin Evans, the boatman, will get you over on the next available day.
What do we need to bring with us for our stay on Bardsey?
-
Sufficient food and drink, more than is required for your stay, as occasionally the weather may prevent the boat from returning on your allocated day. There is no grocery shop on the island, except what is available from the farm. -
Footwear and clothing for all weather
-
Sleeping bag or quilt (blankets are provided)
-
Bed sheet
-
Pillowcase x2 (each guest is provided with two pillows)
-
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.
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 - no pianos please!)
-
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 will incur additional charges to your tariff. There is a 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
What lighting is there in our accommodation?
There is no electricity in any of the houses for hire on Bardsey. Small lamps and solar lamps are provided. We recommend bringing a head torch or two and some spare batteries for your stay...especially for any evening trips to the toilet!
General FAQs
Is camping allowed on the island?
Unfortunately camping is not allowed anywhere on the island.
Can I bring my dog?
No visitor dogs are allowed on the island. Only working dogs or residents dogs are allowed on the island by permission from the Bardsey Island Trust and Natural Resources Wales. As a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and a National Nature Reserve, with ground nesting birds its really important that we protect this special environment.
Can I fly a drone?
The Bardsey Island Trust has a no drone policy. The island is a unique, peaceful environment and home to important wildlife. Please see our drone policy for further information.