A gorgeous island in the Bristol Channel is the ideal place to spot wildlife like dolphins and puffins. Lundy Island is an unspoilt beauty spot just off the Devon coast, with Caribbean-like beaches and coastal walks galore.
The lost-in-time island, which is just a couple of hours drive from Bristol, has unique cottages to stay in – with no TVs, radios or telephones, including one right next to a lighthouse.
Situated 11 miles off North Devon’s coast, Lundy can be easily accessed from nearby town Bideford. Both a Marine Conservation Zone and National Trust site, Lundy is a real haven for nature lovers, walkers, divers and anyone in need of some serious rest and relaxation.
Lundy translates to ‘puffin island’ in Old Norse, and is especially popular among bird watchers thanks to its large colony of seabirds. Most notably, around 400 puffins nest here yearly between March and August.
These colourful, pint-sized birds are characterised by their playful, charismatic nature and can often be found putting on a spectacle on the island’s West and North coasts amidst the dramatic scenery and high cliffs, reports MyLondon.
Jenny’s Cove and St. Phillip’s Stone are considered especially good locations to view these endearing seabirds. Dolphins are also a popular occurrence around the island of Lundy, while seals and the occasional porpoise have also been spotted.
You’ll have a decent chance of seeing these sea creatures on a scenic ferry ride aboard MS Oldenburg, chartered boat or a helicopter flight from Bideford to Lundy, and can also look out for them while strolling along the picturesque coasts.
Lundy is open to day visitors from April to October, however, if you’re keen to get in before then – or just have it more to yourself – you can also stay in one of the island’s 23 unique cottages.
Bookable via The Landmark Trust, these quirky properties are dotted across the island and all offer a truly peaceful stay away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland, whether for a short weekend break or weekly holiday let.
One of the most exciting is Old Light Upper, a charming flat which sleeps five that’s housed within the old lighthouse keeper’s quarters. It offers stunning views of Lundy’s northern side, which is rare for buildings here.
To stay at Old Light Upper costs from £540 for four nights, or around £110 per day. This works out to as little as £27 per person.
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Other options you can spend the night in include Old Light Cottage, which was once the lighthouse keeper’s store, andThe Old School, a pretty blue building that was once Lundy’s Sunday school. Expect most mod cons including hot and cold running water, electricity, fully equipped kitchens plus open fires or stoves, at the majority – though not televisions, radios or telephones.
One thing Bristolians might not be used to is that the electric supply is usually turned off between midnight and 6am. All of these properties are self-catered, though if you’d prefer not to cook, it’s also possible to get a bite to eat on Lundy Island.
There’s only one place to eat and drink, but luckily it’s a good one. Sharing its space with the island’s general store, Marisco Tavernis a charming traditional pub housed in a pretty stone building and decked out with seafaring-themed decor.
How to get there
To get to Lundy Island, you need to head to Bideford, a port town on North Devon’s coast. This takes about two hours by car, via the M5.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to go by train you can head from Bristol Temple Meads to Barnstaple. It’s then 18 minutes by taxi from Barnstaple to Bideford.
Transport to Lundy Island itself from Bideford must be booked through The Landmark Trust, and depends on the time of year. During winter months, you hop on a helicopter at nearby Hartland Point, about 20 miles west of Bideford.
The journey takes only seven minutes. Flights run from Monday, January 24 to Friday, March 25, with several throughout the day.
Between March 29 and October 28, you can take the MS Oldenburg, the island’s own supply ship and ferry. This will get you to Lundy in under two hours, complete with scenic ocean views.
There are also several reputable charter companies who provide boat services.
This article was first published in January 2022 and was republished in February 2025.