Lockley Lodge Gateway to Skomer and Skokholm Island

In the beginning…..

Lockley Lodge under constructionLockley Lodge under construction
The wooden building at Martin’s Haven, now known as Lockley Lodge, was originally built in 1928 by R M Lockley as his mainland base.  Lockley lived and farmed Skokholm Island between 1927 and 1939 and wrote numerous books about the wildlife and his life and times on Skokholm Island. His first book Dream Island provides brief details of the construction of the building, which was then called Lower Island Lodge.

Over the post war years Lockley Lodge has been used as the mainland base for both Skomer and Skokholm Islands and has been an important part of island life as a refuge from bad weather once on the mainland and unable to get home!  During most of the 60’s the islands were privately managed and the building was then known as Skokholm Lodge and largely used as a holiday home.

R M Lockley transferred the Lodge to the West Wales Naturalists Trust (now WTSWW) in 1968.  It was at this time that it was renamed Lockley Lodge.  In 1976 the Trust decided to use Lockley Lodge as an information centre for the islands and the Marloes Peninsula.  This proved a successful exercise and since 1977 a greater emphasis has been given to providing information and sales goods to the increasing number of visitors to the coast and islands.

And Now…..

Lockleys’ beloved wooden lodge lasted 79 years before it needed such major works that a rebuild was necessary.  The funds for this project came from the Heritage Lottery Fund as part of the ‘Skomer Island Heritage Experience’ project.  The new building was completed in September 2006.  Great care was taken to replicate the  appearance of the original Lockley design. 

Inside you will still find the warmest of welcomes from our helpful and knowledgeable staff and a gift shop that sells momentos of your visit to Skomer or Skokholm; anything from a picture postcard to a signed limited edition print of Puffins by Alastair Proud.

Lockley Ldge - An Artist ImpressionLockley lodge - An Artist Impression

There are now interactive screens to allow you to watch the activity of the wildlife on the island on days when you cannot land there - this shows puffins and also shearwaters in their burrows; to come a brand new inspirational wildlife display.

Opening times 2008

Easter to end September

9.30 – 4.30 (or until last boat back from Skomer)

Closed for lunch 12.15 – 12.45