Settled 12-miles off the coast of North Devon, is the beautiful Lundy Island.
A stunning National Trust site with no cars, televisions, or streetlights. There is more wildlife on the island then residents and visitors combined!
Whilst Lundy Island is only 3-miles long and half a mile wide, there is so much to see and do!
Keep reading to discover all you need to know about Lundy Island…
The history of Lundy Island
Early historical records show Lundy Island as first being home to the Marisco family in approx. 1150. The family allied themselves against the monarchy and managed to hold the island until 1242.
Over the next several hundred years, Lundy was mostly inhabited by marauders, smugglers, and lighthouse keepers, until a wealthy businessman, William Hudson Heaven, bought it.
He owned the island until 1925 and built many of the buildings that still exist today.
Flash forward to 1969 when the National Trust purchased Lundy. There is a small, dedicated number of staff who manage the shop and pub, as well as offering guided walking tours and diving lessons.
How to get to Lundy Island
From the end of March until the end of October, visitors can catch the MS Oldenburg over to Lundy Island. The ferry to Lundy island runs up to four times a week from both Ilfracombe and Bideford.
The journey takes approx. 2 hours, during which time you can enjoy the heated saloons, shop, well stocked bar or grab a bite to eat.
For anyone planning to stay on the island, a period return ticket costs £89 for adults and £47 for children under 16, and £21 for infants under four.
In the Winter months, you can catch the helicopter service over to Lundy Island. The helicopter leaves from Hartland Point and takes approximately 7 minutes, you’ll be there in no time!
The helicopter service is available from beginning of November until the end of March.
Tickets are priced at £158 for adults, £87 for children under 16 and £22 for infants two years and below.
What to do on Lundy Island
There is plenty to see and do as soon as you step foot on the island. Look forward to open landscapes, clifftop walks, stunning views, and a variety of wildlife. It is the perfect place to re-connect with nature and not a surprise it made it onto our best National Trust sites in Devon to visit guide.
Whether you’re taking a day trip or staying over, check out our recommendations for what to do on Lundy Island.
Spotting the local wildlife
Lundy Island is renowned for being a wildlife watchers paradise. Hike along the clifftops, which are home to thousands of seabirds, including the famous puffins. Be sure to bring your binoculars for the best views!
Visitors to the island have been known to spot seals basking on the rocks at the Northern Lighthouse, and dolphins playing in the waters below.
During your tour of the island, you will also spot wild ponies, Sika deer, originally from Japan, Soay sheep, which originate in St. Kilda, and highland cattle.
Diving
The area around Lundy became the UK’s first Marine Nature Reserve and is one of the best diving sites in the British Isles.
Explore the clear waters, which are home a wealth of marine life, including seals, spider crabs and anemones, as well as many shipwreck sites and five British species of cup-coral.
If you don’t fancy diving, the warden runs snorkelling sessions throughout summer too!
Reach New Heights
Home to a 147-step spiral staircase is The Old Lighthouse, the highest point on Lundy Island. Whilst the climb is fairly steep, incomparable views across the whole island await you at the top.
Why not get comfortable in one of the deckchairs in the lantern room and watch the sunset?
Letterboxing
Letterboxing stems back to Dartmoor when hikers would collect postcards or letters that had been left to find.
Since then, it has evolved into a treasure trail involving hiking and orienteering. There are 27 wooden boxes scattered across Lundy Island, which can be found by following a set of clues.
This is a fun-filled activity for all the family to enjoy, whilst ensuring you get to see all the sights!
Climbing
The island is a hub for climbers, with hundreds of cliffs to tackle. The most famous being, The Devil’s Slide, offering 117m of multi-pitch rock climbing.
You can find the majority of cliffs on the western side of the island which is exposed to the Atlantic.
Don’t worry if the wind picks up, you can also find good climbing opportunities on the west on Halfway Buttress.
Walking
If you’re wondering what the best way is to explore Lundy Island, the answer is walking!
There are plenty of walking trails catering to all abilities. You can enjoy the delights of the Lundy Island Wildlife Walk or see the very best of the coast along the Lundy Island Coast Path.
Other popular walks include Heddon Valley to Woody Bay and Baggy Point Circular Walk. So, what are you waiting for? Lace up those walking boots!
Refuel
Make a pit stop at the islands only pub, the Marisco Tavern. Built in the 1860’s, the pub is the social centre of the island.
Open 24 hours a day, the pub serves delicious food and beverages. There is also a local store, where you can stock up on any essentials you may need during your stay on Lundy Island.
Interestingly, the Marisco Tavern is the only building with lighting on the island even after the generators have shut down.
If our guide has inspired you to visit Lundy Island, why not choose one of our cottages in North Devon as your base? You’ll be close to the ferry terminals of Ilfracombe and Bideford, a prime location!
You can take in the scenic views of Lundy Island from a walk along the South West Coast Path too, a fantastic way to explore the coastline.
Don’t delay, embark on your adventure to Lundy Island with Helpful Holidays today!
