Caldey Lighthouse

Caldey Lighthouse sits on the southern side of Caldey Island, a short crossing from the town of Tenby in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The tower has marked the western approach to the Bristol Channel since the late 1820s.

Who built Caldey Lighthouse, and why?

Traders working in Carmarthen Bay applied for a light in March 1827, and Trinity House, the body responsible for lighting the coasts of England and Wales, took on the project. Joseph Nelson, an engineer from Leeds, built it for £4,460. A plaque on the tower records the year 1828 for construction, and the lamp was first exhibited in January 1829.

The light was meant to steer ships clear of the St Gowan Shoal and the Helwick Sands. Trinity House automated it in 1927, ending the need for resident keepers. It is now monitored remotely from Harwich in Essex.

What does the tower look like?

It is a short, round limestone tower about 17 metres tall, standing on a hill roughly 64 metres above sea level, which lifts the beam well above the waves. The former keepers' cottages are attached to the base. The lantern is thought to be a later replacement of the original.

What else is there to see around it?

Cadw listed the lighthouse and its keepers' cottages at Grade II in 1970. Separate Grade II entries cover the former oil store dated 1875, the compound boundary walls and an outbuilding to the west. Together they show how a Victorian lighthouse station was laid out.

Caldey Abbey lies about half a kilometre to the north, so it is easy to see both on one walk around the island.

How do you get to Caldey Island?

Boats leave from Tenby Harbour and take about 20 minutes. The operator states these are the only boats that land on the island. In 2026 the season runs from early April to late October, Monday to Saturday, and sailings depend on the weather. Tickets are sold at the office in Castle Square. Check current fares and times before you go.

When is the best time to visit?

Pick a clear day in season, when boats run regularly and the view from the island stretches along the Pembrokeshire coast and across the bay. The island is served only during the season, so do not plan a winter visit.

Frequently asked questions

Is Caldey Lighthouse still working? Yes. Trinity House has run it as an automatic navigation light since 1927.

When was it built? The tower went up in 1828 and the light was first shown in January 1829.

Is the lighthouse a listed building? Yes. Cadw lists it at Grade II together with the keepers' cottages and several outbuildings.

How long is the boat trip from Tenby? The crossing from Tenby Harbour takes around 20 minutes.