Find the perfect stay near Skomer

Skomer is a small island off the Pembrokeshire coast where thousands of puffins make their homes in burrows across the grassy cliffs. It is a National Nature Reserve that covers roughly 730 acres of wild landscape and coastal beauty. You can spend your day wandering the paths to spot seals lounging on the rocks or watching the birds landing with beaks full of fish. This patch of land feels like a different world where nature is firmly in charge and visitors are just quiet guests.

You will find yourself on a small, rugged island off the coast of Pembrokeshire that feels worlds away from the mainland. It is a place where wildlife rules the land and sea, making it a dream for anyone who loves fresh air and coastal paths. Since there are no shops or cafes on the island, you should bring everything you need for the day with you.

Planning your island visit

To reach this nature reserve, you must take a boat from Martin's Haven, which is a 15-minute drive from the nearest small villages. You need to book your boat tickets in advance, and an entry fee applies to land on the island. The boat journey takes about 15 minutes and can be choppy, so dress for the weather. Most people spend around 5 hours exploring before the return boat departs. Please check the official landmark site for up-to-date information on opening seasons and boat schedules.

What to do while exploring

Walking is the only way to get around, with a main circular path covering about 4 miles of terrain. You can spend your time birdwatching or photographing, as the animals here are often very close to the paths. There are basic composting toilets located near the farm in the centre of the island, roughly a 1-mile walk from the landing jetty. You should stick to the marked paths to protect the burrows that cover the 730-acre landscape.

Wildlife and coastal scenery

The island is famous for its massive colony of Atlantic puffins, with over 40,000 birds arriving during the breeding season between April and July. You might also spot grey seals lounging on the rocks or porpoises swimming in the surrounding waters. The ground is often carpeted in bluebells or sea campion, creating a colourful backdrop against the cliffs that rise 200 feet above the waves. Manx shearwaters also call this place home, with over 300,000 pairs nesting in the soil.

Finding your way around Skomer is easy, and there are plenty of options to stay nearby and reach the island. You will find a variety of places to rest your head in the surrounding Pembrokeshire countryside before you head out across the water.

Where to stay near the coast

If you want to be as close as possible to the boat departures, look for accommodation in the small villages of Marloes or Dale. These areas are perfect for a quiet, rural escape and offer a mix of cosy bed and breakfasts and self-catering cottages that are great for families. Marloes is just a 2-mile trip from Martin's Haven, where the ferries depart. For those on a budget, there are well-kept campsites and hostels in the area that put you right in the heart of the coastal landscape. Staying here allows you to enjoy the fresh sea air and local pubs without a long morning commute to the pier.

Getting to the island

To reach the departure point from Haverfordwest Railway Station, you can take a local bus or a taxi for the 12-mile journey to Martin's Haven. The drive usually takes about 30 minutes through winding country lanes, so it is best to leave plenty of time. If you are arriving by car, there is a Pembrokeshire Coast National Park car park located just a 500-foot walk from the embarkation point.

Wildlife enthusiasts visiting Skomer can find excellent hotels in the Haverfordwest area using Opodo. Secure your base near this famous National Nature Reserve by comparing the best available rates and locations.