Lundy
Lundy is an island 3 miles (4.8 km) long and ½ mile (0.8 km) wide off the north coast of 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.
Get in
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 Ilfracombe or Bideford. 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. 2017 period return tickets (for staying over) cost £65 for adults, £33 for children under 16 and £13 for infants under four. Day return tickets cost £37 for adults, £19 for children under 16 and infants under four travel free of charge. A family ticket for two adults and two children is £84, other family combinations are available. Senior citizens, National Trust members and students pay £34.
It is also possible to charter a vessel or make your own way there, although you will be charged a small landing fee.
During the winter months a Helicopter service runs from Hartland Point. The chopper takes about 6 minutes and will fly in all but the worst weather conditions for £99 for a return ticket.
Get around
This is small island and the only way of exploring it is on foot. No vehicles are allowed from a few 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 Landmark where the only tourist touch are the puffin toys sold in the village shop.
- 🌍 Old Light (in the middle of the island). Old Light is reputed to be the highest lighthouse in England and was decommissioned as it spends much of its time in bad weather with its head in the clouds. The lighthouse is still open to visit and you can climb the very steep and precarious spiral staircase to the very top where the light platform now accommodates two deck chairs, from which the whole island can be observed.
- 🌍 South Lighthouse.
- 🌍 Marisco Castle.
- 🌍
St Helena's Church.
Do
Go for a walk and look for puffins and see the seal colony.
Buy
- 🌍 Lundy General Stores, ☎ +44 1237 431831, e-mail: shop@lundyisland.co.uk.
Eat
Full cooking facilities and utensils are available if you want to cook in the accommodation.
- 🌍 Marisco Tavern, ☎ +44 1237 431831. The food at the Marisco Tavern is good quality and plentiful. The main meals are kept on a warm burner, so you will not have to wait for your meal unless you order something different - the cooks are very flexible. A main meal costs about the same as a normal UK pub meal, but the quantities are far larger and the quality of cooking exceeds that of many very expensive restaurants. Breakfast, lunch and Tea are available, and the desserts are amazing.
Drink
Local beers are available on tap and a full bar with reasonable prices is open through normal drinking hours.
Sleep
- Landmark Trust. There is a wide variety of accommodation, using many of the renovated original buildings. There are self-catering properties for up to 12 people. Smaller properties house 4 people, 2 people and there are even two units which will accommodate 1 lonely hermit :each looking to escape it all. There is also a campsite near the village, pub and shop.
- The Landmark Trust also occasionally runs working holidays, where in return for a few days' work building walls, roads and helping out with the upkeep of the island, volunteers get free accommodation and food.
Stay safe
Like Foulness Island, 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) winds. During the summer months, Lundy can often be much warmer than the mainland. Be sure to bring taking 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.