Visit Lundy Island | Top Places To Visit In Devon 2024
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Lundy Island
Lundy Island seals
M S Oldenburg- Lundy Island
Lundy Island Aerial shot
Lundy Island
Lundy Island seals
M S Oldenburg- Lundy Island
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Lundy Island
Lundy Island seals
M S Oldenburg- Lundy Island
Lundy Island Aerial shot
Lundy Island
Lundy Island seals
M S Oldenburg- Lundy Island

Lundy is a granite outcrop which lies 18km off the coast of North Devon. It’s location is where the Atlantic ocean meets the Bristol Channel with nothing between it and America and at three miles long and half a mile wide it is a place apart, peaceful and unspoiled.

In a place of wide spaces and big skies, without roads, cars or pollution, simply walking is a profound pleasure. Lundy has a milder climate than the mainland, with more sunshine and less rain.

Most day visitors travel on Lundy’s own ferry and supply ship, the graceful German-built MS Oldenburg, which is an experience in its own right.  Built in 1958 the vessel retains many of her original brass and wooden fittings providing comfortable heated saloons, a bar, buffet, a gift shop and an information desk.  In fine weather there is plenty of space on deck, and if you are lucky you may be treated to the company of a playful pod of dolphins who often delight in following the ship.

The ships sails at least three times a week from either Bideford or Ilfracombe and the crossing takes about 2 hours each way, allowing between 4 and 6 hours to explore the island depending on the day you choose to travel.

It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to do justice to everything in a single visit and often it’s the weather that’ll make your decision for you.  If the wind’s Easterly, go West and vice-versa.  And if it’s pouring with rain, well there’s plenty to see and do in and around the Tavern.

MS Oldenburg moored at the Jetty

Lundy declared plastic free!

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get to Lundy and how long is the ferry ride?

Summer visitors from end of March until end of October whether staying or day-trippers are carried to Lundy on MS Oldenburg, Lundy’s own ship. During the winter season a helicopter service operates between Lundy and Hartland Point on Mondays and Fridays. It takes approximately 2 hours on the ferry and you can enjoy refreshments on board. See the timetable on the website.

Can you stay on Lundy?

Yes there are 23 very individual self-catering properties available for short breaks or holiday lets. There’s also a campsite, pub, church, a working farm & 3 lighthouses.

Does anyone live on Lundy Island?

Lundy has an average residential population of 28 people. This includes a warden, island Manager, farmer, shop keeper, maintenance and house keeping staff. There is also the bar and kitchen staff at the Marisco Tavern.

What is the best time of year to visit Lundy?

Lundy is beautiful at any time of the year but day trips take place from end of March until the end of October.

What is special about Lundy Island?

Lundy is famous for its seabirds, including the Puffins, which gave the island its name (from the Norse for Puffin Island). There is also a wealth of other animals and plants on and around the island such as grey seals and sika deer.

Tripadvisor Logo

At Long Last I Stand On Lundy
Since my childhood I’ve wanted to visit this island (3 x 0.6 miles). It’s history and where it is (12 miles off the west coast of North Devon) felt special to me.
So for £40 day return from Ilfracombe, North Devon (S/W England), I decided to do it.
A 2 hr transit on a ship which holds approx. 270 passengers. We couldn’t have asked for better weather. Brilliant.
We docked on the southern aspect of the island. Roughly 28 people live on Lundy (Norse for “Puffin island”). We had 3.5 hrs on the island before having to return to the pier.
Straight to the shop for a fridge magnet, then a walk to the north of the island (visited the ruin known as John O’ Groats), had our lunch looking down on the lighthouse, then a reciprocal to the southern/populated area. In the pub for a cold drink, then back to the pier and off to Ilfracombe for a 6pm landing (Saturday, in September).
I’d like to return for several days stop over in a hostel, or lighthouse one day (in winter the only main transport, i.e. to do an excursion here, is by helicopter).
I thought Lundy (my perception beforehand) would not be as steep, with all those cliff areas surrounding most of the island. Hardly any trees too. A special place.

Sco wrote a review Sep 2019

Pure tranquility,wonderful wildlife. You can not absorb all the atmosphere in a day. Definitely going back for a short stay.

Gail wrote a review Sep 2019

How To Find Us

Sail from Ilfracombe or Bideford for the day or stay for holiday

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