Tiny island with lowest population in UK where ‘Merlin is buried’ – and Brits can get there in just 20 minutes
A TINY island off the coast of Wales offers visitors a respite from the modern world.
With no electricity or even hot water, this remote location is home to just a handful of residents.
Bardsey Island, known as Ynnis Enli or the “Island of the Bards” in Wales, is home to a small community who work the land and fish for a living.
With just four people inhabiting the island during the winter, the population spikes to 11 in the summer months.
Said to be the final resting place of the magician Merlin, it proves popular with tourists and is easily accessible from the mainland.
Visitors can park at a remote farm in Port Meudwy near Aberdaron and take a small open boat for 20 minutes to reach the island.
It is advised you wear waterproof clothing for this journey.
Tide conditions can make timetables unpredictable, with rough weather occasionally leaving tourists stranded on the island until it clears.
Crossings take place on Saturdays for weekly visits with rescheduled trips taking place on the next calm day.
Return trip tickets cost £55 per adult and £25 for children.
The island has ten cottages for visitors who want to escape modern life during the holiday season.
Rented out by The Bardsey Trust, these houses cost £270 per week.
They don’t have electricity or bathrooms but are still equipped with lighting, fridge freezers, and outside toilets.
Wells and mountain springs provide cold running water while the island inhabitants can sell you home-grown vegetables, fresh lobster, or free-range eggs.
And if you’re not a fan of these options, the Trust recommends bringing your own food as there are no other options available.
Despite Bardsey’s modest population, the island is said to have ties to the renowned sorcerer Merlin.
He was said to be imprisoned on this island in his tower of glass, along with the 13 treasures of Britain.
Five islands off the coast of the UK where you don't need a passport to visit
Sark, Channel Islands
A 50-minute ferry from Guernsey, Sark is often known as the “jewel of the Channel Islands”.
The Isle of Erraid, Scotland
The Isle of Erraid is a tidal island, just off the tip of the Ross of Mull.
Brownsea island, Dorset
The largest island off the coast of Dorset, Brownsea Island was thought to have inspired author Enid Blyton.
Anglesey, Wales
All of Anglesey has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Unst, Scotland
Unst is thought to be the UK’s most northerly inhabited place with 600 locals.
Some people even believe that a cave was the final resting place for the warlock.
As well as searching for Merlin’s grave, visitors can explore the mile-wide traffic-free island, including its one steep hill, unusual square lighthouse, and ruined monastery.
The area is internationally renowned wildlife so you’re likely to spot a fair share of seals, dolphins and porpoises, and thousands of rare birds.
Mynydd Enlli, the steep hill on the isle, also helps to elevate Bardsey’s star-gazing position.
The small mountain helps shield the island from light pollution from the Gwynedd on the mainland, allowing for clear skies.
However, there is an open view across the sea to Ireland, so the glimmer from Dublin can be seen on clear nights.
Bardsey is the first place in Europe to be made an International Dark Skies Sanctuary (IDSS) following a 13-year campaign to be named an official mecca for stargazers.