Lundy Island; a stay on Britain’s Wild Isle
How does island isolation really feel? Staying on Lundy Island might be the closest you come to it… but with a few home comforts and a great pub thrown in.
Visit Lundy Island
Located far out in the Bristol channel, immersed in sea and sky, Lundy is an adventure as well as a holiday. Access is possible only by ferry and visitor numbers are severely restricted, allowing you to embrace a solitude that is rare in the UK. The family can spend time without distraction, leaving the ordinary world far behind.
How do you get to Lundy Island?
You can reach Lundy on the MS Oldenburg ferry (or helicopter in winter). It’s a 2 hour crossing from either Ilfracombe or Bideford. Binoculars at the ready; spot puffins, razorbills, gannets, dolphins, seals and huge jelly fish on the way over. When the craggy outline of Lundy finally emerges from a vast horizon of sea, you get a true sense of how isolated this island really is.
What is there to do on Lundy Island?
Day-trippers have 3 hours to enjoy on Lundy before the boat heads back.
It’s not enough. Staying on the Island is a luxury that gives you time to explore properly.
Lundy has the atmosphere of a small, friendly island…. which is beautifully rustic and unpretentious. There’s no news. No phone signal. Very limited internet (you’re fined if you’re caught on your phone in the pub). All electricity is switched off at 11pm. All water is filtered rain water. It’s a liberating feeling of simplicity, much like when visiting Bryher Island.
Things to do on Lundy;
- Puffin/Bird-watching
- Watch the sunset
- Eat at the Marisco Tavern
- Complete the Lundy Letterboxes
- Spot seals and dolphins
- Scramble on the Rocks
- Explore Lundy’s history
- Snorkelling
- Guided walks
- GWGW Outdoor Adventure Guides
Can you stay on the Island of Lundy?
There’s a real mix of accommodation on the island owned by the Landmark Trust, including a Lighthouse!
Accommodation ranges in size from 1-12 people. They’re well-equipped, cosy, and good value for money (don’t expect 5* luxury though). Do expect pygmy shrews living in the walls and starlings roosting in the chimney…
Eating on Lundy Island
There’s a small, but well stocked shop which is open all day on day-tripper days, and shorter hours on other days. Pre-order food to arrive at your accommodation. The pub serves 3 meals a day and a great pint.
Lundy Island with kids
For children, Lundy is a wild playground. With so much to explore, play, learn and enjoy this really is the best family holiday in the UK.
Along with Snowdonia and North Devon, Lundy is now a firm favourite with our family.
