Flat Holm Project

Slap bang in the middle of the Bristol Channel you’ll find the island Flat Holm, a windswept outcrop of land that couldn’t seem further away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of Cardiff but due to a quirk of boundaries finds itself part of our city rather than the Vale Of Glamorgan. If you’re wondering Steep Holm comes under England’s watch and is therefore not as good.
Flat Holm, for such a humble bit of rock has quite some history, from the days of smuggling to Marconi and his wireless radio technology, to the cholera hospital and the strategic gun ramparts built during the Second World War.
Marconi’s association with the island was the main draw for me as this was where he made the first ever radio transmission across open water to Lavernock Point. While there was a small exhibition in the visitor centre, I felt a tad underwhelmed that more was not made of this important footnote in history.
That slight disappointment was alleviated by the number of dead seagulls around the island. Flat Holm is an important base for the flying rats and when I visited most of them had departed somewhere (anywhere!) so only the stragglers and the dead where left behind. It was a cathartic experience.
Elsewhere on the island are the remains of the cholera hospital, with a slightly creepy graveyard and the glorious lighthouse, which is sadly out of bounds to visitors. The three hour day trip is more than enough to cover the island, but if you feel like staying longer there is a cottage available to rent and they often hold events there such as Halloween parties and even a Christmas and New Year holiday.
Flat Holm is a very calming place to visit and worthy the £16 or so it costs, as along with the island visit, the boat ride and the sailing through the impressive barrage lock (you board in Penarth Marina) add up to a great day out, though I think small children might find it a bit dull, unless the slow worms are out and about.

Just 5 miles from Cardiff, this teeny little island feels more remote than it really is, and is packed with both history and wildlife. You can easily get there by boat from the Barrage South Water Bus Stop in Penarth Marina (previously, before July 2010, passengers departed from Channel View Leisure Centre — but this is no longer the case). A short day trip to the island (available from March to October) gives you three hours there, which is just about enough — you can fit in a self guided tour (using a pack provided) to discover the island’s historic buildings and wildlife, then enjoy a snack at the café before returning to Penarth Marina.
Although the island is very small, it has had many uses over the centuries. It was once a retreat for monks in the Dark Ages, and has become a sanctuary for Vikings, Anglo Saxons, silver miners and smugglers over the years. In the late 19^th century it was even used as an isolation hospital for cholera sufferers to protect the mainland against the epidemic. It’s most famous, however, because the world’s first radio transmission across water was made from Flat Holm to Lavernock Point on 13 May 1897.
Nowadays, the island is a peaceful place inhabited by all sorts of wildlife, including seabird colonies such as Shelduck, Oystercatchers, Rock Pipits, Finches, Turnstone and Dunlin, plus other wildlife such as slow worms, common lizards, butterflies and all sorts of plants. It makes for an enjoyable day trip, and the boat ride itself is fun.

Visiting Flat Holm Island is a must for anyone who loves wildlife, or anyway who fancies getting out on the water and spending a day in the elements.
A day visit consists of a two hour return boat trip and 3 hours to spend o the Island. Its a bit of a bird watching haven and what you see would depend on the time of year you go. They do all sorts of educational events and tours.
I’m not much of a wildlife expert and didn’t really see anything excited so just had a walk around, some tea in the café and came back. But I do know its an area of ecological importance so don’t let me put you off.
Costs £16.50 per adult and £8 per child.