One place to visit whilst you are in Pembrokeshire is the monastic island of Caldey, situated about three and a half miles off the coast from Tenby. The island is home to a small village, but is best known for its monastery. Boats run regularly from Tenby Harbour or Castle Beach during the summer season. Why should you visit Caldey? This spectacular island has had religious connotations since the Sixth century when a Celtic monastery was founded on the island, and a Benedictine foundation existed from 1136 until the dissolution of the monasteries in 1536. An Anglican Benedictine community, led by Dom Aelred Carlyle, came in 1906 and built the current abbey. They were received into the Roman Catholic Church in 1913, but left Caldey in 1925 due to financial difficulties and moved to Prinknash Abbey. The Cistercians, who now occupy the abbey, came in 1929 from Scourmont Abbey in Belgium.
You can see a sixth century Ogham cross, a Norman chapel, a twelth century church, the lighthouse, built in 1828 and of course the twentieth century monastery.
The word “Caldey” comes from the viking name “Keld-Eye” meaning “cold island”, but I can assure you that if it’s sunny in Tenby, it’s glorious on Caldey. There is a spiritual retreat throughout the year, but the principal income for the monks is tourism, with the monks making their own delicous chocolate and also perfume (Their lavender perfume is said to be “simply the best lavender soliflore on earth” by the perfume critic Luca Turin) and aftershave to sell during the Summer months.
Caldey is a small island only 1-1/2mile by 1 mile. The monastery and ancient churches combine with the sea air and quiet, beautiful surroungings to create a unique atmosphere of timeless peace. The Lighthouse has spectacular views of the Pembrokeshire coast and beyond from the back of the island and Tenby’s beaches are panoramically displayed from the front of the island. This area is well worth a visit and FBM Holidays (the premier self-catering agency in West Wales) are ideally placed to offer you holiday accommodation overlooking this unique Monastery Island. As I write this today, the sun is shining and I’m looking out towards this beautiful restful island, so why not join us here in Pembrokeshire and enjoy the timeless tranquility of Caldey.