Piel Island Cumbria
Ever fancied visiting an island with a ruined medieval castle, its own king, a traditional pub and no mains electricity—all just a few minutes by ferry from the Cumbrian coast?
Hidden just off the Furness coast, Piel Island is one of Cumbria‘s most unusual destinations.
With a fascinating medieval history, a ruined castle, an island pub steeped in tradition and an abundance of wildlife, it offers a memorable day out that’s unlike anywhere else in the Lake District.
At a Glance
📍 Located off the coast of Barrow-in-Furness
🏰 Home to the ruins of 14th-century Piel Castle
👑 Famous for its unique King of Piel tradition
🍺 Visit the historic Ship Inn
⛺ Seasonal campsite on the island
🚤 Passenger ferry from Roa Island (March to September)
🦭 Chance to spot grey seals and seabirds
🚗 Around 45 minutes from Kents Bank Holiday Cottage
A Small Island with a Big History
The seascape around Barrow-in-Furness has a remarkable maritime heritage.
The town has been building warships and submarines since 1896, while just offshore lies the peaceful and historic Piel Island.
Originally known as Fouldrey Island, Piel sits about a mile off the southern tip of Walney Island, guarding the entrance to what was once an important harbour.
Today it feels wonderfully remote, but for centuries it played an important role in protecting the Furness coastline.
Piel Castle and Furness Abbey
In 1327, Piel Castle was built by the monks of nearby Furness Abbey to defend the harbour from Scottish raiders and to watch over ships entering the channel.
There are also long-standing stories that the nearby monks may have been involved in smuggling, leading some to wonder whether the castle’s watchful position served more than one purpose.
Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century, the castle gradually fell into ruin.
Although much of the island’s history is unclear, it appears to have continued as a customs and lookout post before becoming a popular destination during the Victorian era, when seaside excursions flourished.
Even William Wordsworth was inspired by the island, writing about Piel Castle in both his guide to the Lakes and his poem Piel Castle.
Today, the castle is cared for by English Heritage and is free to explore.
The King of Piel
One of the island’s best-known traditions centres on the Ship Inn, the only pub on Piel Island.
Whenever a new landlord takes over, they are traditionally crowned the King of Piel during a light-hearted ceremony that dates back at least to the nineteenth century.
The new king sits in an ancient chair, wears a helmet, holds a sword and has beer poured over their head before officially taking the title.
Visitors can also become a Knight of Piel by taking part in another long-standing tradition.
After buying a round of drinks, they receive a ceremonial knighthood and, according to local custom, are entitled to food, drink and a night’s lodging should they ever be shipwrecked on the island.
Visiting Piel Island
Piel Ferry Seal Trips – Exclusive 15% Discount
If you’re visiting between spring and autumn, consider joining one of the popular Piel Ferry Seal Trips.
These relaxing boat trips take you out into the waters around Walney Island, where you’ll have the chance to see one of Cumbria‘s largest colonies of grey seals resting on the sandbanks.
Along the way, the skipper shares fascinating facts about the local wildlife, maritime history and the ever-changing tides of Morecambe Bay.
Many seal trips also include time to explore Piel Island, giving you the best of both experiences in a single outing.
It’s a wonderful way to appreciate the island from the water before stepping ashore to discover the castle ruins, the famous Ship Inn and the island’s peaceful scenery.
Exclusive offer for our guests and website visitors:
We’ve teamed up with the friendly team at the Piel Ferry to offer 15% off the Piel Ferry Seal Trip. Simply use the discount code KENTSBANKHOLIDAY15 when booking.
Piel Ferry Seal Trip Book here.
The offer is available on a limited number of places and is offered on a first come, first served basis.
As the trips are seasonal and weather dependent, we recommend booking in advance, especially during school holidays and the summer months.
Conclusion
A visit to Piel Island makes an excellent day out from Grange-over-Sands.
The scenic drive along the Furness Peninsula passes through attractive coastal countryside before reaching Roa Island, where the ferry departs.
From Kents Bank Holiday Cottage, the journey takes around 45 minutes by car, making it easy to combine with other attractions on the Furness coast.
If you’re looking to discover one of Cumbria‘s most distinctive islands, with medieval history, beautiful coastal scenery and traditions found nowhere else in England, Piel Island is well worth adding to your itinerary.
To enquire about staying at Kents Bank Holiday Cottage in Grange-over-Sands, ring 07785944194 or get in touch here.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1) Where is Piel Island?
Piel Island lies just off the coast of Barrow-in-Furness on the Furness Peninsula in Cumbria. It sits at the entrance to Morecambe Bay and is reached by a short seasonal ferry crossing from Roa Island.
2) How do you get to Piel Island?
The easiest way to visit Piel Island is by the seasonal passenger ferry from Roa Island, which usually operates between March and September, weather permitting. The crossing takes just a few minutes.
3) Can you walk to Piel Island?
Although the island appears close to the mainland, walking across is not recommended. The surrounding sands contain fast-moving tides and deep channels, making the route potentially dangerous. Most visitors use the ferry.
4) Is Piel Castle free to visit?
Yes. Piel Castle is managed by English Heritage and is free to explore. Visitors can wander around the impressive ruins and enjoy panoramic views across Morecambe Bay.
5) Why is there a King of Piel?
The King of Piel is a long-standing local tradition. When a new landlord takes over the Ship Inn, they are ceremonially crowned “King of Piel” in a fun ceremony involving an ancient chair, a helmet, a sword and beer being poured over their head.
6) Can you stay overnight on Piel Island?
Yes. Piel Island has a seasonal campsite, and the Ship Inn offers food and drinks during the visitor season. Camping is a popular way to experience the island’s peaceful atmosphere after the day visitors have left.
7) Are there toilets and facilities on Piel Island?
Yes. Basic visitor facilities are available during the season, including toilets and the Ship Inn. However, the island has very few permanent residents and remains largely unspoilt.
8) What wildlife can you see on Piel Island?
Piel Island is an excellent place to spot seabirds and coastal wildlife. Nearby South Walney Nature Reserve is home to Cumbria‘s only breeding colony of grey seals, and seals are often seen around the island’s shores.
9) How long should you spend on Piel Island?
Most visitors spend between two and four hours exploring the castle, visiting the Ship Inn, enjoying the beaches and taking in the coastal scenery. If you’re camping, it’s a wonderful place to spend a peaceful overnight stay.
10) How far is Piel Island from Grange-over-Sands?
Piel Island is around a 45-minute drive from Grange-over-Sands to Roa Island, where the ferry departs. This makes it an excellent day trip for guests staying in the South Lakes or on the Cartmel Peninsula.
How to Book Kents Bank Holiday Cottage
Booking Kents Bank Holiday Cottage is quick and simple. Just visit our website at kentsbankholiday.co.uk or give us a call on 07785944194. We’re always happy to answer your questions and help you find the perfect dates for your stay. Our friendly team makes the whole process easy, so you can focus on looking forward to your relaxing holiday in the Lake District.