Lundy Island

Lundy Island

Lundy Island, a remote and beautiful island located off the coast of Devon, England. This unique destination offers a unique blend of rugged landscapes, stunning views, and rich history, making it the perfect getaway for nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers alike.

To reach Lundy Island, you’ll take a ferry from either Bideford or Ilfracombe, which will transport you on a scenic journey across the Bristol Channel. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a world of natural beauty, with pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, and rolling hills waiting to be explored.

For history enthusiasts, Lundy Island offers a rich and fascinating past, with evidence of human habitation dating back to prehistoric times. Visit the 13th-century Marisco Castle, the remains of a medieval castle and trading center, or take a stroll through the island’s charming village, where you’ll find a selection of historic buildings and landmarks.

Nature lovers will be in their element on Lundy Island, with a variety of wildlife and plant life to discover. Spot seals, dolphins, and puffins along the coast, or take a walk through the island’s lush forests and discover a wealth of flora and fauna.

In addition to exploring the island’s natural beauty, there are also plenty of activities to keep you entertained, including rock climbing, fishing, and diving. And for those who just want to relax and take in the views, there are plenty of secluded spots to sit back, relax, and soak up the peace and tranquility of this remote island.

So, pack your bags and head to Lundy Island for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Bristol Channel. With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and wide range of activities, Lundy Island is the perfect destination for a unique and memorable getaway.

Lundy Island Video Overview

  • Lundy Island is a wild coastal island located 20 km off the UK mainland in the Bristol Channel.
  • Lundy is a steep rocky island with high cliffs and its own weather systems characterized by thick fog, high winds, and rainstorms.
  • Lundy is semi-wild and home to a working sheep farm and about 20 permanent residents.
  • To get to Lundy, people can either fly by helicopter or take a ride on the MS Oldenburg, a converted freighter that does 4 daily round-trip runs to the island.
  • The weather on Lundy can be miserable and foggy, so the trip requires a sense of adventure.
  • Lundy is privately owned by the National Trust and The Landmark Trust and gets its income from tourism and sheep farming.
  • Lundy is also known for its seabird population and attracts many birdwatchers.
  • The MS Oldenburg has two main indoor cabin areas with a bar, toilets, and a small galley. Outdoor seating is also available but the ship pitches and rolls in the sea and the sea crossing can be rough.
  • The island of Lundy is not easy to navigate but has a paper map and can be accessed by a landing jetty.
  • The island has a small village with a dozen granite-built dwellings for residents and holiday lets, a tavern, a shop, a museum, and a church that acts as the exhibition center.
  • The island cemetery is located near the old lighthouse and is separate from the church.
  • The speaker recommends visiting the island of Lundy and watching more travel content on their YouTube channel.

Images

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overview of Lundy Island

Video

Below is a video of Lundy Island.

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Contact Information

Lundy Reviews

Nature reserve on a remote island, with trails, a quaint lighthouse & wildlife like seals & puffins.

Below are the latest reviews of Lundy.

4.7
Based on 127 reviews
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Address: Lundy, United Kingdom

Michael Jones avatarMichael Jones
3 weeks ago
Well, we saw the Puffins, Seals, Deer, Horses, Highland Cattle, Shearwater, Kittiwakes……I could go on. The best part was having our picnic in the Battery area on the Cliff edge watching the Puffins bring food for their young. So close and just so beautiful. So was the mesmerising scenery, the view after climbing the 147 steps to the lighthouse and then seeing two empty deck chairs waiting for the evening guests to sit with their Cocktails and take in the sunset….wow that’s an incredible bar view. Or perhaps watching the Seals poke their heads through the water to sunbathe…it was for certain a beautiful day. The weather, peace, tranquility and wildlife. An absolute credit to the Landtrust and Volunteers for maintaining this so well, and not cluttering the place with signs. Loved it!
Amazing and beautiful. Tranquil. Great walking, climbing and swimming. Unspoilt. Staff very friendly. Well stocked shop. Great pub.
MrOli1973 avatarMrOli1973
a year ago
Lundy is a beautiful, unspoilt island. We were lucky and were able to see seals and puffins up close. It was early July and the breeding season was almost over. The young puffins were making their first attempts to fly.Important for visitors to Lundy: the trip must be well organised beforehand. There are 1-day excursions or possibilities to stay overnight in a small hotel or at the campsite. Those who love nature and seabirds will get their money's worth. There is no entertainment and only a shop and a pub with a small menu (also vegan food).The crossing with the only ship (M S Oldenburg) does not take place daily. In rough seas, many passengers get seasick! Weather-wise, anything can happen, even in July, so good shoes and rain gear are a must. Those who are not good on foot can use a shuttle service, because the climb from the landing site to the hamlet is steep, uneven and slippery when wet
Bob Stephens avatarBob Stephens
a month ago
What a fabulous place to visit. We travelled by ferry from Bideford, we were lucky having a calm and sunny crossing. The boat had good facilities on board but for a 2 hour crossing there was not enough seating and some had to stand for the whole trip, not a good start for some as there is difficult walking to come. It is not mentioned on the website, but once disembarked there is a steep, very steep in places, walk to get to the village. The surface is loose in places and at the end steep steps. Being pensioners it took us nearly an hour, we were not the slowest. Once in the village the pub provided us with a lovely lunch before we set out to Jenny's Cove to see the puffin. The top of the Island is quite flat and the walking good for the majority of the way, but there are some small streams to cross on just rocks and boggy steepish ground, good footwear required. Once we reached the cove we were rewarded with good views of puffin. We went on the Saturday sailing and had just enough time to do what we wanted to do, it would not have been the case if we had gone mid week as time on the Island is considerably shorter. Did we have a good day? It was a hard day but amazing. Recommended.
Andrea Smeaton avatarAndrea Smeaton
a year ago
Early start to get to Ilfracombe harbour to pick up the boat tickets. Smooth and seamless process. The boat left at just after 10 and we had a two hour sail to Lundy. The MS Oldenburg was fab! Really great views from the top deck. Buffet bar downstairs serving hot and cold drinks and breakfast sandwiches, also hot parties. Staff were brilliant! Lundy! Stunningly beautiful. Quite a steep walk to the village along a zig zapping path, took a hot 30 mins. Once up there though the views are breathtaking. Lots of accommodation dotted about which are run by the national Trust. A pub and stores to pick up any forgotten essentials, the pub does amazing pasties and beer!. We walked to the half way wall up the East side and across to the West idea, then down to the light house. You can easily do this in the 4 hours you have there. Views from the old light house are amazing, definitely a good stop off point and the left to the pub!
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Location

The address for Lundy Island we have is: The Lundy Booking Office, The Pier, Ilfracombe, Devon EX34 9EQ. Use the map below for a closer view. Do check with your host for a definite location.

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Author Matt Ogborne
Matt Ogborne
About the Author

Welcome to Bideford.com! I’m Matt, a seasoned explorer and avid fan of Bideford and the broader North Devon area. With over a decade of consistent family visits, virtually every weekend, I’ve immersed myself in the rich history and vibrant culture Bideford & North Devon.

On this site, you’ll find a wealth of knowledge amassed from my adventures here. From in-depth local guides to engaging blog posts about Bideford. Whether you’re looking for recommendations on things to do or guidance on where to stay we have you covered. Join me as we delve into the heart of Bideford, North Devon – a town that’s more than just a destination, but an experience waiting to be discovered.

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