Lundy Island Ferry, Ilfracombe, Devon

Details

Accessibility

Brief description

https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/lundyisland/? 2026

"Lundy lies off the coast of North Devon, where the Atlantic ocean meets the Bristol Channel with nothing between it and America, a granite outcrop, three miles long and half a mile wide. In the hubbub of the modern world, it is a place apart, peaceful and unspoiled.

Those who are staying in the 24 holiday properties, the campsite and the residents have the island to themselves and can enjoy the peace of this special place."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lundy 2026:

"Lundy is an English island in the Bristol Channel. It forms part of the district of Torridge in the county of Devon.

At about 5 km (3 mi) long and 1 km (0.625 mi) wide, Lundy has had a long and turbulent history, frequently changing hands between the British crown and various usurpers. In the 1920s, the island's owner, Martin Harman, tried to issue his own coinage and was fined. In 1941, two German Heinkel He 111 bombers crash-landed on the island, and their crews were captured.[citation needed]

In 1969, Lundy was purchased by British millionaire Jack Hayward, who donated it to the National Trust. It is now managed by the Landmark Trust, a conservation charity that derives its income from day trips and holiday lettings, most visitors arriving by boat from Bideford or Ilfracombe. A local tourist curiosity is the special "Puffin" postage stamp, a collector's item in a category known by philatelists as "local carriage labels".[citation needed]

The de Marisco family were the first known tyrannical owners of Lundy in the 12th century. They recognized the island as an impregnable stronghold and held it despite the crown granting it twice to the Knights Templar.[3]

As a steep, rocky island, often shrouded by fog, Lundy has been the scene of many shipwrecks, and the remains of its old lighthouse installations are of both historic and scientific interest. Its present-day lighthouses, both of which are solar-powered, are fully automated.[4][5] Lundy has a rich bird life, as it lies on major migration routes, and hosts many vagrant as well as indigenous species. It also contains a variety of marine habitats, with rare seaweeds, sponges and corals. In 2010, the island became Britain's first Marine Conservation Zone.

Lundy is the largest island in the Bristol Channel. It lies 19 km (12 mi) off the coast of Devon, about a third of the distance across the channel from Devon to Pembrokeshire.[6] Lundy gives its name to a British sea area.[7] Lundy is included in the district of Torridge in Devon. In 2007, it had a resident population of 28 people. These include a warden, a ranger, an island manager, a farmer, bar and housekeeping staff, and volunteers. Most live in and around the village at the south of the island. Visitors include day trippers and holiday makers staying overnight in rental properties or camping.[8]

In a 2005 opinion poll of Radio Times readers, Lundy was named as Britain's tenth greatest natural wonder.[9] The island has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest[10] and it was England's first statutory Marine Nature reserve, and the first Marine Conservation Zone,[11] because of its unique flora and fauna.[12] It is managed by the Landmark Trust on behalf of the National Trust.[13]"

Lundy's jetty and harbour

Four Celtic inscribed stones have been found in Beacon Hill Cemetery

Marisco Castle

Exterior of St. Helen's Church, taken prior to the 2018 renovations

Interior of St. Helen's Church, prior to the east window's restoration in 2018

Millcombe House

Government House, built in 1982

Address

Pier Car Park

11 The Quay

Ilfracombe

EX34 9EQ

+ Ilfracombe Harbour

Email

Phone

Website

https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/lundyisland/

https://larcolaw.com.cy/u0ssop/lundy-island-ferry-586d0b

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c6jdv4vp3rl3o

Directions

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

Transport

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lundy#Transport 2026:

"To the island

There are two ways to get to Lundy, depending on the time of year. In the summer months (April to October) visitors are carried on the Landmark Trust's own vessel, MS Oldenburg, which sails from both Bideford and Ilfracombe. Sailings are usually three days a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with additional sailings on Wednesdays during July and August. The voyage takes on average two hours, depending on ports, tides and weather. The Oldenburg was first registered in Bremen, Germany, in 1958 and has been sailing to Lundy since being bought by the Lundy Company Ltd in 1985.[113] In the winter months (November to March) the island is served by a scheduled helicopter service from Hartland Point. The helicopter operates on Mondays and Fridays.[114] A grass runway of 435 by 30 yd (398 by 27 m) is available, allowing access to small STOL aircraft.[115]"

Amenities

Lundy General Stores

Lundy Island, Bideford EX39 2LY