Sully Island

Visit Sully Island

Sully Island is a small tidal island located off the coast of the Vale of Glamorgan in South Wales, midway between the towns of Penarth and Barry. It is a site of significant historical and ecological interest, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s past and natural beauty.

The island can be reached on foot from the seafront at Swanbridge Beach at low tide via a rocky causeway. The causeway is only exposed for about three hours on either side of low tide, and visitors must be cautious of the rapidly rising tides to avoid being stranded.

With archaeological evidence of Roman and Viking visits, Saxon and even Bronze Age settlement, Sully island has a smuggling history as well.

During the 13th century, Sully Island was the base for Alfredo De Marisco, a Norman pirate known as “The Night Hawk.” In the Middle Ages, the island was involved in the local smuggling trade, taking advantage of its secluded location.

The Island is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, home to various plant species and the surrounding waters are fished for species such as cod, whiting, pouting, dogfish, conger eel, and bass.