Lundy

Lundy is an island 3 miles (4.8 km) long and ½ mile (0.8 km) wide off the coast of North Devon in the south west of the United Kingdom, where the Bristol Channel meets the Atlantic Ocean.

Understand


The island is owned by the National Trust and run by the Landmark Trust, a UK charity organisation. All profit from visitors is reinvested into the upkeep of the island.

The island is a large granite formation with very high cliffs. There is an abundance of wildlife on the land and in the surrounding sea. Many rare birds visit or live on the island including Puffins, after which the island is named. There is lots to see even for non-bird watchers, including amazing scenery and many historic buildings. The island only has 20 residents, all employees of the Landmark trust, but has a castle, a church, three lighthouses (two operational, one decommissioned), a farm, a tavern, a small shop and many other buildings.

Visitor information

 * Lundy Island on the Landmark Trust site

Get in
The main way of getting to Lundy is by boat - from the end of March until the end of October, you can visit Lundy for the day (or longer) by travelling on the MS Oldenburg from or.

The journey takes just over 2 hours and allows you to take in the views of the Devon coast along the way. The ship's departure time from Lundy will be posted on the Marisco Tavern notice-board at least 24 hours before the sailing. Some sailings return you to a different port from that which you departed. Refer to the sailing timetable for specific dates. When the coach/transport link is required between the ports of Ilfracombe and Bideford, the Landmark Trust will co-ordinate this service if you let them know on your return journey aboard MS Oldenburg.

Tickets for a day return ferry crossing cost £40 for adults; £37 for concessions; and £21 for under 16s. Returns for those staying more than a day cost £70 for adults; and £36 for children.

It is also possible to charter a vessel or make your own way there with your own boat, although you will be charged a small landing fee.

If travelling to Lundy outside of the main tourist season (over the winter months) - the island is reachable by helicopter from. Tickets for the helicopter cost £125 for adults, and £67 for under 16s.

Get around
This is a small island and the only way of exploring it is on foot - if looking to hike around the island, Ordnance Survey sell a 1:25,000 map of the area (which includes some of nearby Devon), the OS Explorer Map 139. No vehicles are allowed on Lundy, except a few which are used by the farmer and the Landmark Trust.

See
The island is steeped in history and has some very interesting places to visit regardless of your archaeological interests. One of the best things about Lundy is that it is totally un-commercial and there are no signs and the only fences or barriers are there to keep the farm animals in. The only sign of a 'tourism market' is the village shop selling puffin toys.

Do
Being an island without roads or other 'modern' amenities - exploring the island on foot is one of the main attractions to Lundy. The island is host to many different species of animals and plants - including puffins, seals, and goats. Lundy also has its own breed of horse, the Lundy pony - bred from a mix of other UK breeds, and now known as a tough horse due to the island's terrain.

A walk around the whole island would likely take a few hours at least - especially if time is taken to properly explore all the sites on the island. On your walk, remember to take things such as water, sun cream (if sunny), and proper footwear.

It is also possible to kayak to (and around) Lundy. Experienced kayakers with their own kayak should find this an enjoyable challenge, starting from either the coast along Ilfracombe or Lee Bay; or from Hartland Point. For those who are less experienced, contact a kayaking company such as Sea Kayak Devon for advice and to see if they can offer any help.

Eat
Full cooking facilities and utensils are available if you want to cook in the accommodation, but the island also has a popular pub serving alcohol and food.

Drink
The Marisco Tavern, although operating as the island's only restaurant, is also a 'traditional' pub, where beers, liquors, and wines are served. The pub also encourages musicians to play if on the island, so occasionally live music can be heard there too.

Alternatively, alcohol could be brought to Lundy in your luggage, but be careful, as alcohol and cliffs, such as those found on the island, generally don't mix too well.

Stay safe
Lundy Island is an extremely safe place to live and visit, with basically no crime at all on the island. Being on the edge of the Atlantic ocean with little shelter, Lundy's weather can be extreme during the winter months. Storms can include Force 10-11 winds (up to 70 mph or 115 km/h) winds. During the summer months, Lundy can often be much warmer than the mainland. Bring good walking shoes, waterproof clothing, and most importantly, your sense of adventure!

Cope
Lundy generates its own electricity and collects its own water. There are no televisions, radios or telephones in the accommodation. It is the perfect antidote for a hectic work life. The island is a perfect place to wind down and relax and it is very easy to forget about life on the mainland. It doesn't matter whether you choose to explore every hidden corner of the island or stay in your warm cottage and enjoy the view and the serenity.

Go next
Go back to Bideford or Ilfracombe via the MS Oldenburg. If you got here with your own boat, you could sail north towards South Wales, for places such as Pembrokeshire Coast National Park or Swansea. If your boat is big enough, Ireland could be another destination, such as Waterford or Cork.