About
If you’re looking for something a little different during your visit to Tenby, St Catherine’s Island is well worth considering. Rising dramatically from the sea just off Castle Beach, this small tidal island is home to a Victorian fort, fascinating history and some incredible views across the Pembrokeshire coastline.
Unlike many attractions, reaching the island is an element of the adventure. But it’s important to know that a visit isn’t suitable for every dog, and timing is everything.
St Catherine’s Island is only accessible when the tide is out.
To reach it, you’ll need to walk on lead across Castle Beach before climbing the steps that lead up to the fort. Once the tide begins to return, the route is cut off by the sea, so always check the tide times before setting out and allow plenty of time to explore before heading back.
St Catherine’s Island offers one of Tenby’s most unique experiences. The combination of history, dramatic scenery and tidal access makes it feel like a real adventure.
That said, it’s not a walk for every dog. The uneven steps, open metal bridge and dark, damp interiors mean you’ll need to think carefully about whether it suits your companion’s confidence and mobility.
If your dog enjoys exploring new places and is happy on varied terrain, you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable visit and some of the finest views in Pembrokeshire. Simply remember to keep one eye on the tide, because on St Catherine’s Island, nature decides when it’s time to head home.
Dog Access and Rules
Dogs are welcome on St Catherine’s Island, but whether it’s enjoyable depends very much on your dog.
Confident, agile dogs that are used to walking on different surfaces will probably enjoy exploring alongside you.
However, it may not be the best choice for:
- Older dogs with limited mobility.
- Very small dogs that struggle with steep steps.
- Nervous dogs that dislike open metal walkways.
- Dogs that are uncomfortable in dark or enclosed spaces.
Some areas inside the fort are dark, cool and damp, creating a very different environment from the bright beach outside. While many dogs take it in their stride, others may find it unsettling.
What's On Offer
The walk across Castle Beach is easy, but once you reach the island, things become much more challenging.
The route up to the fort involves a long flight of uneven stone steps that can be slippery in wet weather. Inside the fort, you’ll find more steps, uneven floors and narrow passageways as you explore the historic buildings.
One feature that catches many visitors by surprise is the metal bridge leading to the fort. The bridge has gaps beneath your feet that some dogs may be reluctant to cross.
If your dog is nervous around unusual surfaces or struggles with steep steps, this part of the visit could be difficult.
The History Behind the Island
Although the island itself has been part of Tenby’s landscape for centuries, the imposing fort was built during the 1860s as part of Britain’s coastal defence system.
Its purpose was to help protect the nearby harbour from potential naval attack. In reality, the fort never saw military action. The island was later owned as a private summer holiday home and was also a zoo for a time. Today it offers visitors the chance to wander through gun emplacements, tunnels and lookout points while enjoying spectacular sea views.
Exploring the historic rooms gives you a real sense of what life may have been like for the soldiers, holiday makers and zoo animals here.
The Views Are Worth the Climb
Once you’ve made it to the top, you’re rewarded with some of the best panoramic views in Tenby.
From the fort, you can look out across:
- Castle Beach below, joining to South Beach.
- Tenby’s Castle Hill and lifeboat station.
- North Beach and Carmarthen Bay.
- The rugged Pembrokeshire coastline.
- Boats anchored offshore on calm days.
It’s a fantastic spot for photography, especially on a clear day when the sea sparkles beneath the cliffs.
Access and Facilities
A little preparation goes a long way.
Before you visit:
- Check the tide times and plan your visit around low tide. The St Catherine’s Facebook page (link in more info section) has visit times published.
- Castle Beach has seasonal dog restrictions and only allows access to the island on a lead and not other areas of the beach.
- Allow plenty of time to return before the sea cuts off access; our visit took about an hour.
- Keep your dog on a lead around the steps and exposed edges.
- Take care on uneven stone surfaces, particularly after rain.
- Bring fresh water, especially during warmer weather.
- Be prepared to turn back if your dog is uncomfortable with the steps and the metal bridge.
