History
What to see
The occupation of Steep Holm stretches back into antiquity, probably as far as the Stone Age, before rising sea levels isolated it from the mainland. There is significant evidence that the island was used by the Vikings, Romans and 12th Century Monastics. The British army occupied it in the mid 1800's and during World War II.
Take a look below at some of the sites you can tour. Please note some images have been provided by our visitors:
Barracks
Now the Visitor Centre, the Victorian Barracks would have housed some 28 soldiers in addition to the Master Gunner and his wife in the married quarters
The Inn
Built by John Baker in 1832, it was blown up by the Army in 1941 to make way for the narrow-gauge railway and was partially restored by the Trust in the 1980s
Split Rock Battery
Named after the rock formation in the cliffs below, it is a scheduled monument, the best preserved Victorian Gun Emplacement on the Island, still housing two original seven ton guns
Rudder Rock Searchlight Post
Originally built as a Victorian gun emplacement, the now observation post was built in WWII, 51m above sea level
Summit Battery
This is the highest battery on the island - hence the name. Two WWII concrete guns are housed here, built by men of the Port Construction and Repair Company of the Royal Engineers
WWII structures
Across the island, there are several World War II structures to be explored
East Beach
The pebble beach is subject to powerful tides and storms, which change its configuration quite dramatically. Please don't swim from the beach, as the current is strong
The Farmhouse
To the east of the island stands the ruin of a Victorian farmhouse, built in 1868. In the floor of the farmhouse is an iron ring, likely used to tether mules of the Royal Indian Regiment during WWII
Trig Point
Enjoy 360 degree views of the island and Bristol Channel, from the highest point of the island, sitting 78m above sea level
Book your visit
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