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People come to Lundy to enjoy the island, a place apart from the modern world. There is a very large variety of marine habitats, wildlife and birds with a large number of rare species in surrounding waters. The island is the UK's Marine Conservation Zone and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Lundy is the tranquil place untouched by modern technology with stunning scenery with cliffs, wildlife, history (with royal intrigues, pirate stories and shipwrecks), walking, with absolutely no cars and traffic, with no light pollution. If you want to get away from everything and relax, then this is the place for you.

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From April to October visitors can reach Lundy Island by MS Oldenburg, Lundy's own ship, sailing from both Bideford and Ilfracombe. Sailing is three or four days a week. Round trip fare is £56.00. The journey takes about two hours. In winter (November to March), the island is served by a scheduled helicopter service from Hartland Point two times a week. One way helicopter ticket is £95.00. There is always a possibility to reach the island by private planes, boats and even kayaking. A small entrance fee is charged for entering the island by nonscheduled means of transportation.

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Unless you have specific reasons to come in winter, your best bet is summer, in particular, July and August.

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Lundy has a limited number of properties for accommodations. They are located in various buildings (for example, a lighthouse, a castle (built by Henry III in 1244), a Victorian mansion, fisherman's chalet, cottages, Government House, tiny school, former radio room, etc.) with varying capacity from one to 14. Lundy has a campsite located at the south of the island. No matter where you stay, be prepared for rather ascetic way of life on the island where resources and energy are limited. However, you will find hot and cold running water, heating and toilets. There is electricity and gas in almost all places; some use wood-burning stoves for heating. All guest properties are self-catering; the only public place to eat (and drink) is the island's only pub, Marisco Tavern. Research and book hotels in or near Bideford, United Kingdom

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If you are a bird-watcher, a diver or climber or have interests in plants, archaeology and geology, Lundy Island is the place for you to visit. Various guided tours (wildlife, seabirds, snorkelling) are available on the island. Bird watchers especially like Lundy, a landing place for many rare birds as the island lies on the bird migration routes. Lundy is a tiny island and can be literally walked through (or around) in several hours. Many people simply come to island to relax and enjoy the peace and tranquillity away from the bustle of cities and civilization.

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All the properties can be booked through the Landmark Trust website. It is strongly recommended to book early perhaps even a year in advance if you want a particular plate to stay. To visit the island, you do not need to stay there. Most visitors are day-trippers arriving from Bideford and Ilfracombe. While planing your trip to the island, keep in mind that weather can change very quickly; seas can be rough at times. Think twice before you decide to take kids (especially small ones) with you. Hygiene and facilities may not be suitable for extended family traveling.

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Tags: Bideford; bird-watching (4); Bristol Channel (2); Devon; England (4); Ilfracombe; Landmark Trust; Lundy Island; Marisco Tavern; National Trust (4); Oldenburg; seabirds; Site of Special Scientific Interest (3); snorkelling (2); SSSI (4); UK (2); wildlife (2)

Web Sites:   Lundy Field Society
  Lundy Island
  The Landmark Trust - Holidays in Historic Buildings

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