St Catherine's Island Island
Tidal island with 19th-century fortification and castle
Off the Pembrokeshire coast, St Catherine's Island features a small tidal island with a Victorian fort and short boat or coastal-walk access, popular for coastal views and photography.
St Catherine's Island at a Glance#
Admission: Varies by tide and operator; island visits by guided boat may incur a small fee
About St Catherine's Island#
St Catherine’s Island is a small tidal island off the coast of Tenby in Pembrokeshire, Wales, notable for its Victorian-era fort that occupies most of the island. The island sits just offshore from the town and is visible from Tenby’s beaches and promenades.
Visitors view the island and its fortification from the shoreline; at low tide the island can be reached on foot from Tenby across a short stretch of sand, while access onto the island itself is subject to ownership and local arrangements. The fort was built in the 19th century as part of coastal defence works and remains the island’s dominant feature.
Geographically the island lies immediately off Tenby on the south Pembrokeshire coast and forms a prominent nearshore landmark for the town.
- Tidal access: The island is tidal and lies immediately off Tenby, becoming accessible on foot at low tide from the beach
- Key structure: Principal landmark on the island is a Victorian-era fortification constructed for coastal defence
What to See#
- 19th-century fort: A 19th-century coastal fortification occupies the island and is the principal built feature visitors see from the shore
How to Get to St Catherine's Island#
Boat trips to the island operate from nearby harbours in Pembrokeshire; private landings are subject to tidal conditions and local regulations-check local operators for schedules and tide information.
Tips for Visiting St Catherine's Island#
- Time the visit to low tide if exploring the causeway area around the island-some approaches are easier at certain tides.
- The island is small and weather-exposed; bring windproof layers and sturdy shoes for the rocky perimeter.
- Photographers should linger for late-afternoon light when the castle silhouette and sea stacks are at their most cinematic.
Best Time to Visit St Catherine's Island#
Best visited in summer for boat access, but shoulder seasons offer atmosphere and quieter vantage points.
Weather & Climate near St Catherine's Island#
Temperate climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 4°C to 19°C. Moderate rainfall (943 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 4° - 9° | 2° | 97 mm | overcast | 85% | 7.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.2h |
| February | Poor | 4° - 8° | 2° | 70 mm | overcast | 85% | 6.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.8h |
| March | Acceptable | 5° - 10° | 4° | 72 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.5 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Good | 6° - 12° | 6° | 56 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 5.6 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 13.7h |
| May | Good | 8° - 15° | 12° | 54 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 5.3 m/s | 1.3 high | 15.4h |
| June | Good | 11° - 17° | 14° | 64 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 4.9 m/s | 1.5 very high | 16.3h |
| July | Good | 13° - 19° | 16° | 58 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.9 m/s | 1.5 high | 15.9h |
| August | Good | 13° - 19° | 16° | 78 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.0 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.4h |
| September | Good | 12° - 17° | 14° | 80 mm | overcast | 84% | 5.6 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 10° - 14° | 12° | 102 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.4 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.5h |
| November | Poor | 7° - 11° | 6° | 111 mm | overcast | 83% | 6.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.7h |
| December | Poor | 5° - 10° | 4° | 101 mm | overcast | 84% | 7.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.7h |
