Allowing for the vagaries of sea and weather, we endeavour to run scheduled day trips to Steep Holm between May and October. The sailing times are listed here. Please see Booking a trip for booking details.
Individuals, families and groups are all welcome. The boats each hold 12 passengers which will include officials of the Trust. Depending upon demand we may run up to 4 boats to the island. People with back problems, pregnant women, or those with other medical issues are advised not to travel.
Please assemble at the end of Knightstone Causeway in Weston-super-Mare at least 20 minutes before sailing time (see Map). A representative of the Trust will be waiting to check you in and issue you with an individually numbered Boarding Pass, a safety sheet, and life jacket prior to the journey.
Council parking is usually available at the Madeira Road Car Park, about 300m. north-west of Knightstone (see Map).
Free street parking can often be found in the roads on the hillside above the Marine Lake.
What you’ll find when you get there
This web-site will give you a good idea of what to expect: Along with the wonderful vistas of the Somerset and Welsh coastlines, you may find: rare plants and unusual vegetation: Muntjac deer, gulls, cormorants and other wildlife: You will see Victorian guns in their original emplacements: Second World War fortifications: a medieval priory and other ruins. A separate exhibition room tells you the story of the island. The Victorian Barracks Visitor Centre provides hot and cold drinks, wine, beer, irresistible homemade cakes, soup, crisps, chocolates etc. Island books and souvenirs are available, and Steep Holm has its own stamps and postal service - unique philatelic items! There are toilet facilities at the Barracks.
Things to bring
Essentials are: non-slip footwear, warm and full waterproof clothing for the boat trip, a hat, packed lunch, camera, binoculars, torch (to explore underground ammunition stores), cash for snacks and souvenirs - credit and debit cards cannot be accepted.
Books and guides about Steep Holm
As well as the island’s own stamps, there is a fine selection of books, guides, maps and cards about Steep Holm. They are all on sale at the island's Visitor Centre - some are available from bookshops and tourist outlets in the Weston-super-Mare district, and also through: The Garret Press: www.garretpress.co.uk
Dr Fox’s Tearoom (www.drfoxstearoom.co.uk)
Pre-order a packed lunch for your day out by calling Tania on 01934 707411 or email at drfoxs@hotmail.co.uk for full details. All food is prepared on the premises and your order will be waiting for you when you arrive for your trip to Steep Holm.
Restrictions and Limitations
- Only one medium sized bag is allowed per passenger as stowage space on the boat is limited.
- People with back problems, pregnant women, or those with severe medical conditions are advised not to travel.
- At least one adult must accompany children (5-16).
- No animals are admitted because the island is a nature reserve.
- The terrain is rough, with a pebble beach and moderately steep paths to the plateau. There is no landing jetty and visitors need to be sufficiently agile to negotiate a gangplank from boat to beach and vice-versa - although Trust workers are at hand to help. The gradients make Steep Holm unsuitable for those with walking difficulties, or who are otherwise unfit. With that proviso, many visitors are in the category of the "active elderly"! If in doubt, please ask!
- Metal detectors and barbecues are strictly prohibited.
- Unauthorised caving and climbing is prohibited.
Costs for the trip to Steep Holm
£25 each for adults
£15 each for children (5 to 16 years of age)
- The boats are chartered, a small proportion of the fare goes towards maintaining the island.
- Due to life jacket regulations we are unable to take under-fives.
- It is necessary to book in advance to ensure a place.
We make every effort to run the ferry service as scheduled. If sea conditions cause cancellation, visitors will have the option of re-booking for another date, or being refunded. We also reserve the right to cancel if there are insufficient bookings to make the trip viable, although it is usual for the boat to be fully booked.
Visiting paid-up members of the Trust travel at reduced rates.
Click here to find out more about membership of the Trust.
- We are unable to accommodate overnight visitors.
Booking a trip
Please telephone 01934 522125 or e-mail: steepholmbookings@fsmail.net to check availability of your preferred date and make a provisional booking.
The completed booking form and full payment must be sent to:
The Bookings Secretary,
2 Blake End,
Kewstoke,
Weston-super-Mare,
Somerset. BS22 9LS.
- Provisional bookings will be held for 7 days.
- We are unable to accept debit or credit card payments
Upon receipt a confirmation of booking will be issued.
- Refunds will not be given unless we are able to fill your place.
- No refunds can be given if you cancel within 14 days of your trip.
Important note
A recorded message will be available on 01934 522125 and on the web site message board, from 7 p.m. on the evening before each trip announcing whether it will go ahead or not.
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It is the responsibility of the person making the booking to check this message and ensure all members of their party are notified.