Major city · United Kingdom
Bardsey IslandYnys Enlli
Go only if you have a full day and a booked boat: 1 night in a Trust cottage, or a day trip from Aberdaron when sailings run (crossing about 15–30 min; check).
Bardsey Island (Ynys Enlli) is a 1.79 km² island 3.1 km off Aberdaron at the tip of the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd, with about four residents, a lighthouse, a bird observatory and a pilgrimage history going back to a 6th-century monastery. There are no cars, no shops in the usual sense and no bridge: the only way in is a boat, and sailings depend on weather and tide. Most visitors come for a day; a smaller number stay in self-catering cottages run by the Bardsey Island Trust.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Mar (few or no sailings, rough crossings)
- Airports
- LPL · MAN
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Bardsey Island999 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Bardsey Island, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetyVery low crime; the real risks are the sea crossing, weather changes, uneven ground and no phone signal.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers999 police, fire, ambulance, coastguard · 101 police non-urgent · 111 NHS non-urgent
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckLPL Liverpool John Lennon (Nearest large airport; drive time to Aberdaron check).
- Getting aroundOn foot only.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeTea or coffee at the farm£2–4 (≈ US$3–6)
- Budget bedTrust cottage (self-catering, whole house), a night, per room£90 (≈ US$120)
- Mid-range bedTrust cottage (self-catering, whole house), a night, per room£140 (≈ US$190)
- High-end bedTrust cottage (self-catering, whole house), a night, per room£220 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £40 (≈ US$55) · Mid £75 (≈ US$100) · High £130 (≈ US$180)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- LPL Liverpool John Lennon (Nearest large airport; drive time to Aberdaron check) · MAN Manchester (Drive time to Aberdaron check)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Apr
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
May
Best
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Jun
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jul
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Aug
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Sep
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Oct
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Nov
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Dec
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)), coolest Jan (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Nov (17 rain days), driest May (11). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Bardsey Island: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
16 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
13 rd
Mar
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
14 rd
Apr
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
12 rd
May
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
11 rd
Jun
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
11 rd
Jul
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
11 rd
Aug
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
13 rd
Sep
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
13 rd
Oct
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
16 rd
Nov
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
17 rd
Dec
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
17 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
On foot only. The island is about 1.79 km² with no roads and no cars; expect rough paths, gates and livestock. Walking time for the length and back: check.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Aberdaron
goDoor to door: Same day
On foot from the landing point; the village is the boat departure point
Base for the crossing; beach, cafés and the Wales Coast Path.
Porthor (Whistling Sands)
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Car or bus from Aberdaron, about 10 min
National Trust beach; check parking charges.
Door to door: About 1 h 45 min
Car via A493, about 1 h 30 min
Too far for a same-day return from the island.
Door to door: About 2 h
Car via A493, about 1 h 45 min
Better as a separate stop on the coast.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Trust cottages on the island
Nine self-catering houses, including former farmhouses and a converted stable; book through the Bardsey Island Trust.
Aberdaron (mainland)
The realistic base: village at the boat departure point, with guesthouses and pubs.
Pwllheli or Abersoch
More beds and services, 30–45 min drive from Aberdaron.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £35–60 (≈ US$50–80) excl. bed
- Mid
- £60–100 (≈ US$80–140) excl. bed
- High
- £100 (≈ US$140)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Guesthouse double in Aberdaron1 × 1 night × £110 | £110 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × £75 | £150 |
| Return boat crossing, Aberdaron–Bardsey2 × £45 · check | £90 |
| Self-catering food for one day2 × £15 · check | £30 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × £10 · check | £20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £40 |
| Trip total≈ £220 per person per day, bed included | £440≈ US$600 |
check
2026 estimate in pounds; boat fare and cottage rental are the main costs. Amounts marked check are unconfirmed. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Return boat crossing to the island | £45 (≈ US$60) |
| Tea or coffee at the farm | £2–4 (≈ US$3–6) |
| Pub meal in Aberdaron | £12–20 (≈ US$16–30) |
| Cottage rental, per night | £90–220 (≈ US$120–300) |
| Parking in Aberdaron, per day | £4–8 (≈ US$6–11) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Crossings are weather- and tide-dependent and can be cancelled at short notice: confirm the day before and again on the morning.
- No shops, no cash machine and unreliable mobile signal (check): bring food, water and any medication you need.
- Paths are uneven and exposed; wear shoes with grip and carry a windproof layer even in summer.
- Landing may involve a small boat or a slipway transfer: check what the operator expects if you have limited mobility.
- Dogs and drones are restricted on the island (check): confirm the Trust's rules before booking.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance, coastguard
- 999
- Police non-urgent
- 101
- NHS non-urgent
- 111
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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Bardsey IslandYnys Enlli
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
I'r cyfeiriad hwn, os gwelwch yn ddaTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance, coastguard999
- Police non-urgent101
- NHS non-urgent111
Embassy
No embassies on the island; nearest consular help is in Cardiff or London. US: US Embassy London. Check your own country's list.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Aberdaron → Bardsey, return boat: £45 (≈ US$60), about 15–30 min
- Aberdaron parking, per day: £4–8 (≈ US$6–11)
Say or show
- Bore da — Good morning (BOR-eh dah)
- Diolch — Thank you (DEE-olch)
- Os gwelwch yn dda — Please (os GWEL-ookh un thah)
- Ble mae'r cwch? — Where is the boat? (bleh mire kookh)
- Faint yw e? — How much is it? (fynt yoo eh)
- Dw i ddim yn deall — I don't understand (doo ee dhim un DEE-alh)
Mobile signal is unreliable on the island: download maps and save the operator's number before you leave Aberdaron.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Bardsey Island. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Nov–Mar (few or no sailings, rough crossings) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Boat-sailing contract for Aberdaron: operator contact, weather call-off rules, alternative dates.
- Walking clusters on the island with timings from the landing point to the lighthouse and back.
- Place pages for the lighthouse, the bird observatory and the Trust cottages.
- Hostile-weather fixtures so the crossing gate can go green or red.
Sources
- officialBardsey Island Trust
- officialBardsey Boat Trips
- secondaryWikivoyage: Bardsey Island, revision 4671453 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Bardsey Island
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