Ynys Enlli was full of excitement at the beginning of the summer holidays as we held our first Family Week. Families with young children came to spend time in a remote place, close to nature, to relax and escape the distractions of the mainland.

We were delighted to welcome comedian Kiri Pritchard-Mclean, who opened the week with a comedy workshop for the children and young people. It was a great opportunity for everyone to get to know each other, make new friends and establish the friendly, community atmosphere that continued throughout the week.

We were also fortunate to have the company of actor, musician and storyteller Mair Tomos Ifans, who led activities including dancing, storytelling and singing. The week ended with a Noson Lawen, where some of the children had the opportunity to perform their jokes, sing and play the harp. Speaking about the storytelling workshop, one parent said: “My children absolutely loved it.”

There were also plenty of opportunities to get creative. Families took part in workshops led by our artists in residence, Sam and Apphia Ferguson-Ross, weaving Enlli crowns using natural materials gathered on the island. They also made rugs from wool with artist Carole Shearman, who has been part of the Enlli community for over 20 years. Sue, our chaplain for the week, offered other craft activities, including making beeswax candles and dolls from Welsh blanket materials.

For the children, one of the highlights of the week was the treasure hunt, organised by our staff and volunteers. Following clues along the island’s paths, they worked together to solve the puzzles before reaching the abbey ruins, where the treasure was waiting. It was wonderful to see all the children together as one large group.

There was an opportunity to learn more about Enlli’s wildlife with Steve Stanfield from the Bird Observatory, and the week ended with a football match between the families as the sun set.

Our aim was to offer enough activities for the children to get to know each other, while giving families the freedom to choose which activities they wanted to attend. Families said that this worked well, creating a foundation for friendships that allowed them to socialise beyond the organised activities.

Ultimately, Family Week was an opportunity for the next generation to experience Enlli and develop a connection with the island.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the week a success.

We are holding Family Week again in 2027, during the week of 14–21 August.

As we expect a lot of interest in this opportunity again, bookings will open via a form launching on Saturday, 12 September at 9am. This will invite interested families to submit their booking application, including details of the number of adults/children in their group and their preferred accommodation. Bookings will be accepted on a “first come, first served” basis and will close for priority family bookings on 1 January 2027. Places will also be prioritised for those who haven’t stayed on Enlli before in the first instance.

To join the mailing list for next year, please complete the form below. People on this list will receive the link to the booking form for Family Week 2027 at 9am on 12 September.