Visiting the island

Visiting Steep Holm

A day of discovery

Your Steep Holm adventure begins with a 15-20 minute boat ride across the Bristol Channel. Once ashore, you’ll have up to 12 hours to explore the island. Visit the visitor centre to learn about the island’s history and wildlife, wander through military fortifications, or enjoy birdwatching and nature walks. Relax on the beach, perfect for a picnic, or stop by the café and bar for refreshments.

With so much to see and do, it’s a day out like no other. Book your trip now!

Book from Weston-super mare

Book from cardiff

Toilets

Our toilet facilities are available near the visitor centre on the island, using collected rainwater.

Cafe

Our small cafe serves hot drinks, soft drinks and freshly baked goods for visitors

Walking trails

We have walking trails of varying steepness and difficulty, so there's something for everyone

Bar

We have a small bar that sells a variety of beers, wine and other alcoholic beverages

Cash preferred

We do accept both cash and card payments, though cash payment is preferred

Souvenir shop

We have a shop at the visitor centre where you can purchase our guide books plus lots more

Important information!

Before your visit please ensure that you read our important health and safety information.

READ SAFETY INFORMATION

Frequently asked questions

Are there conditions and restrictions?

Important Conditions

You must read the Terms and Conditions (including cancellation policy) and Safety Information on the Bay Island Voyages website.
The boats are chartered and if sufficiently booked any small surplus goes toward the maintenance of the island.
The Trust reserves the right to cancel any trip if insufficient bookings would mean financial loss to the Trust.
The gradients on Steep Holm make it unsuitable for those who are unable to walk unaided or who are otherwise unfit. If in doubt, please ask at the time of booking. For those living locally it is roughly the equivalent of being able to walk up the length and steepness of Manor Road in Weston-super-Mare but over rougher ground. However, once the top is achieved most of the island can be walked more easily.

Restrictions

Children under the age of 18 years must be accompanied and supervised by their parent or guardian at all times when on the island.
There is a minimum height restriction operated by Bay Island Voyages along with ability conditions.
Dogs and any other animals are not permitted on the island.
Metal detectors, drones, smoking, fires and barbecues are all strictly prohibited.
Unauthorised caving and climbing is prohibited.
Swimming is strictly prohibited due to very high tides and dangerous currents.
The Kenneth Allsop Memorial Trust is unable to accommodate overnight visitors.

When/where do you sail from and how do I book?

Currently most departures are from:
Knightstone Causeway,
Weston-super-Mare,
BS23 2AD

There are also some opportunities to depart from Cardiff at:
Lower Board Walk,
Mermaid Quay,
Cardiff Bay,
CF10 5BZ

Please visit our Book your trip page then telephone 07393 470 476 or visit Bay Island Voyages to book online.

Please note, there are separate pages for sailings from Weston-super-Mare and sailings from Cardiff.

What facilities are there on the island?

The Visitor Centre housed in the Victorian barracks will be your base for the day, with plenty of tables and chairs. Items you do not need on your exploration of the island may be safely left there.

Sales of hot and cold drinks, home-made cakes, confectionery and crisps. A selection of beers, wines and cider is available at the licensed bar.

There is a toilet block for men and women with water provided by the underground reservoir and pumped by our generator so is not for drinking. Fresh water is brought to the island for drinking from the barracks cafe, otherwise you will need your own water flask. Please avoid bringing plastic bottles as these cannot be recycled on the island and have to be returned to the mainland for recycling.

Souvenirs include a wide selection of books about Steep Holm – some only available on the island or through The Garret Press – teas and sweats, caps, fridge magnets, postcards, unique Steep Holm stamps, and much more. Royal Mail postage stamps are also available. Modern toilet facilities are located adjacent to the barracks.

What should I bring on my visit?

Read our full checklist above.

Warm and waterproof clothing for the ferry crossing, sturdy non-slip footwear (flip flops are not adequate for navigating the pebbles and walking the rugged terrain), a hat (essential when the seagulls are nesting), packed lunch, camera plus spare batteries or phone charger back up battery, binoculars, a torch to explore the underground ammunition stores, flask/water bottle, cash for refreshments and souvenirs.

Don't forget to bring high factor sun-tan lotion and protection from the sun. You can burn even on a cloudy day in summer.

We cannot recycle on the island so please take your rubbish home with you and avoid bringing plastic bottles to the island. We need to protect this precious wildlife sanctuary from pollution.

Please note that credit and debit cards are accepted, although connection may be limited, dependent on local weather conditions.

Where can I park in Weston-super-Mare?

In Weston inexpensive parking is usually available at Madeira Road car park, around 300m north-west of Knightstone (BS23 2HA). On-road parking may also be available on hillside roads.

You should arrive at the small slipway at the seaward end of Knightstone Causeway (BS23 2AD) at least 30 minutes before the departure time in order to check-in, and receive a safety briefing. Life jackets will be issued before you board the boat.

Is there a Safe and Sound Policy?

Please click here to view our Safe and Sound Policy.