FLAT HOLM ISLAND

Pre-booking information for residential visits

The following is important information to read to help you make your decision to book. If you have any queries which are not answered here, please do contact us on 02920 877900 and we will do our best to help you.

Transport

The trip to the island will normally be in a fast Rigid Inflatable Boat which seats 12 passengers. Boat transport is provided by a third party and please note that for Health and Safety reasons the following conditions apply:

“Trips conducted by Bay Island Voyages are NOT Thrill Rides.  However, due to the manoeuvrability of the boats anyone with pre-existing conditions such as back pain, neck pain, previous injuries that could be aggravated by any sudden movements; or if you are pregnant will not be able to participate.

We reserve the right to refuse to carry anyone who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. We also ask that if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, for example epilepsy, you let us know before travelling so we can be aware of them.

Whilst we are an inclusive provider, safety of our passengers comes first. There are limitations for access onto the boats, therefore we ask that anyone with a physical disability contact us prior to booking, to ensure that we are able to safely get you aboard.”

For more information and FAQs relating to the boat trip please visit: Bay Island Voyages | Disclaimer & T&C’s

Island accessibility

The island has steep and sometimes slippery stone and concrete steps to climb from where the boat lands, therefore a certain level of fitness is required to access the island. There is a handrail to assist. Once on the island most footpaths are relatively level but note that they can be uneven with grass tussocks and undermining by rabbit holes in places. We regret that neither the boat trip nor the island infrastructure is suitable for wheelchair users.

If you have any queries about accessibility, please contact us on 02920 877900

Weather

For safety reasons boats to the island cannot travel under certain conditions of wind, tide, and waves. Final decision on this is made by the highly experienced boat skippers. While we endeavour to give people a minimum of 24 hours’ notice it is unfortunately the nature of the island situation that trips can sometimes be cancelled or postponed at short notice.

It is also possible, though this is rare, that return trips from the island can be unable to proceed meaning visitors may be stuck on the island until conditions improve enough for a boat to pick them up. You should be aware of this before booking and avoid making any critical appointments immediately after a planned trip. Note that in this event we will provide food from the island’s emergency stocks and you will not be charged any additional cost for this or for continued use of the accommodation.

Cancellations

We reserve the right to cancel the event under the following circumstances:

• Insufficient bookings to make the event financially viable
• Weather conditions meaning the boat journey is not possible
• Failure of the island power, water, or other critical support systems
• Other unforeseen circumstances which make the event unsafe or unviable

In all such cases we will endeavour to arrange an alternative date for the event, and you will have the choice to either transfer your booking to that new date or accept a full refund of your event fees.

Please note that we cannot be held responsible for any incidental costs incurred by yourself with respect to the event for instance travel to or from the event – we recommend that you are adequately covered by your own travel insurance against such circumstances.

If you wish to cancel your booking up to 14 days before the event you are entitled to a full refund of fees paid. After 14 days we cannot guarantee a refund.

Dogs

Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the island due to the vulnerable nature of this precious sea bird colony and restrictions of boat travel.

Life on Flat Holm – what to expect

Life on the island is certainly a different experience to mainland living, and this is an integral part of its unique charm. Many visitors have commented on how refreshing they have found it to get away from everyday life and its distractions and experience a simpler life on the island.

Facilities

You will be camping near the Old Farmhouse on Flat Holm which serves as a study centre and base for island staff. The building has a lounge, well equipped kitchen, dining room, and male and female toilets and showers. Outside there is a pleasant walled garden and outdoor dining space. There is also a small pub (The Gull and Leek) and shop selling a selection of bottled alcohol, soft drinks, crisps and chocolate, as well as a small selection of gift items and books.

NOTE THAT PAYMENT IS CASH ONLY.

Water and power

The island is self-sufficient in water and power. Tap water is collected rainwater which is filtered, purified, and tested regularly. The showers are solar powered so therefore we cannot guarantee they will be hot or sustain temperature or pressure; there is also a limited water supply on the island, so please keep showers as brief as possible. Power is supplied by a renewable solar energy system with a back-up generator. Please do not bring high-energy electrical articles such as hair dryers or straighteners.

Free time

During your free time you can take the opportunity to explore the island, make use of our pub facilities, sit in the garden or relax in the lounge.  If walking around the island, please be mindful of not disturbing the gull colony which will be pointed out during your welcome and introduction by the Warden and Volunteers.

Catering

For self-catering events you should bring sufficient food for the duration of your event for all participants in your party. You will have shared use of the fully equipped kitchen and fridges to store fresh food etc. and indoor or outdoor dining tables and chairs. Crockery and cutlery is provided.

WHAT TO BRING

Please note that space in the boats is limited therefore please try to keep all kit to a minimum amount and size where possible

Essential items to bring are:

Personal Luggage – Please keep your luggage to a minimum and in one easily managed bag.

• Warm clothing
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers
• Walking boots/safety boots or wellingtons
• Indoor shoes
• Towel and all toiletries (shaving kit, soap, toothpaste etc.)
• Torch and spare batteries – headtorches are ideal
• Any medicines or other essential items
• Sunscreen and/or sunhat and water bottle

Camping Equipment:

• Small tent – (e.g. one or two person lightweight backpacking tent)
• Sleeping bag/sleeping mat/camping pillow

Specialist equipment:

If your event requires any particular specialist items, you will be informed of this separately with the event information.