Lundy Travel Guide

Plan your next vacation to Lundy with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, and more.


Introduction to Lundy

Nestled in the Bristol Channel lies the remote and tranquil island of Lundy. With its rugged landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unique character, Lundy offers a truly unforgettable experience for visitors. The island is a designated Marine Conservation Zone, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

This comprehensive tour guide serves to provide detailed information on everything you need to know to make the most of your time on Lundy. From the must-see attractions and activities to the best places to eat and stay, our guide has got you covered.

List of Places to Visit in Lundy

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Lundy Island Castle: A towering, Gothic-style castle built by the Heaven family in the late 19th century, it’s a popular attraction on the island and a perfect lookout point.
  • St. Helen’s Church: Built in the 12th century, St. Helen’s Church is a must-visit place for history buffs and architecture aficionados for its rich historical background and stunning architecture.
  • Old Light: A historic lighthouse built in 1819 that was converted into a visitor center. It offers a fascinating insight into the life of a lighthouse keeper.

Natural Attractions of Lundy: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Wildlife Watching: Lundy is home to a range of spectacular wildlife, including bird species, seals, and dolphins. The island is also home to the rare Lundy cabbage plant, which only grows here in the world.
  • Lundy Cliff Walk: This challenging but rewarding hike is an excellent way to experience the dramatic coastline of Lundy. With panoramic views of the Bristol Channel and the island’s wildlife, the Lundy Cliff Walk is an experience of a lifetime.
  • Millcombe House and Gardens: Surrounded by lush greenery and adorned with colorful exotic flowers, Millcombe House and Gardens is a beautiful place to visit for a pastoral experience.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lundy

With its varied terrain and breathtaking vistas, Lundy is a mecca for hikers and bikers. There are numerous well-marked trails leading to the mountain top, the shore, and other major attractions. Some popular trails worth exploring include:

  • Coastal Path Walk ($2.50 per person): This stunning hike takes visitors to the edges of the island. You’ll pass by towering sandstone cliffs, natural rock formations, secluded bays, and beautiful beaches.
  • Lighthouse Walk ($2.50 per person): Experience the beautiful panoramic views of the Bristol Channel on this guided 2-hour hike to the Old Light Lighthouse.

Best Things to Do in Lundy: Activities and Tours

  • Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Lundy’s clear blue waters are perfect for snorkeling and diving, with a range of underwater life to explore, including shipwrecks and colorful fish species.
  • Boat Tours: There are several boat tours available on Lundy, offering stunning views of the coastline and opportunities to see seals, dolphins, and other wildlife.
  • Fishing: Lundy’s waters are abundant with fish species, making it a popular destination for anglers.

Week-Long Itinerary for Lundy

Day Activity
1 Arrival and orientation of Lundy Island, Lundy shops to buy supplies, and picnic at Jennie’s Cove
2 Visit to Lundy Island Castle and St. Helen’s Church
3 Coastal Path Walk to the east side of the island
4 Snorkeling or Scuba Diving expedition
5 Old Light Lighthouse hike and picnic
6 Wildlife Watching Boat Tour
7 Departure from Lundy Island

Food and Drink Scene of Lundy

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lundy Lamb: The local lamb meat is said to be succulent and tender due to the rich coastal vegetation enjoyed by the lamb grazing on the island.
  • Lundy Crab: The Lundy Crab is renowned for its delicate sweet flavor and tender texture, and it’s harvested fresh from the island’s waters.

Local Beverages

  • Lundy Gin: A locally produced craft distilled gin that is infused with botanicals sourced from the island and has a unique taste with a hint of herbal flavor.
  • Lundy Ale: A beer brewed with locally malted barley and hops, providing a rich, hoppy aroma and full-bodied flavor.

Where to Stay in Lundy: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Visitors have several accommodation options on Lundy, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury guest houses.

  • The Marisco Tavern Pub: Lundy’s only pub offers comfortable rooms and welcoming staff. It serves traditional pub food and has live music regularly.
  • Lundy Island Camping: Lundy has several designated campsites with basic facilities for tents, caravans, and motorhomes.
  • Millcombe House: A stunning guest house with beautifully manicured gardens and stunning views of the Bristol Channel. There are eight self-catering apartments available.

What to Buy in Lundy: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Lundy Island Stamps: The island has its own postage stamps, featuring local wildlife or showcasing historical landmarks.
  • Lundy Wildlife Pin Badges: Lundy’s Wildlife Trust sells enamel pin badges featuring different wildlife species found on the island.
  • Lundy Island Gin: Lundy Gin is a perfect souvenir for gin lovers.

Local Culture and Customs of Lundy

Lundy may be a small island, but it’s rich in history and culture. The island has a strong sense of community, and visitors are encouraged to respect to the local traditions and customs.

Best Time to Visit Lundy

The best time to visit Lundy Island is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is mild and the wildlife is most active. That said, the island’s charm is evergreen, and every season offers something unique to visitors.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lundy

Do:

  • Respect the local wildlife. Lundy is a designated Marine Conservation Zone and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
  • Take care when hiking or biking on the challenging trails as the rocky terrain can be steep and unforgiving if you’re not careful.
  • Try the local beers, gin, and cuisine.

Don’t:

  • Litter - There are no public bins on the island, and it’s important you dispose of rubbish properly.
  • Disturb the wildlife - Animals on the island are protected, and visitors should not try to come close or interfere with their habitats.
  • Visit without travel insurance - You may experience any unforeseen health problems during your stay on the island, so it’s advisable to have travel insurance.

Safety and Health

Safety in Lundy

Despite being a remote island with rugged terrain, Lundy is a relatively safe and secure destination for travelers. However, visitors should still take usual precautions they would when traveling.

Health in Lundy

As an isolated island, Lundy has limited medical facilities. It’s important to have adequate travel insurance to cover your medical expenses in case of any illness or accident.

Getting to Lundy: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Lundy

The closest airports to Lundy are:

  • Bristol Airport
  • Cardiff Airport

Bus Stations Near Lundy

  • Barnstaple, North Devon

Other Options

The easiest way to reach Lundy is via the MS Oldenburg ferry, which departs from Ilfracombe, Bideford, and sometimes Appledore.

How to Get Around in Lundy

With no cars on the island, visitors can use other modes of transportation to explore the island, such as:

  • Walking on foot
  • Bicycling
  • Chartering a boat

Where to Go Next from Lundy: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Exmoor National Park: Offering spectacular views over the Devon coastline, the park is just a short distance from Lundy.
  • Clovelly: A picturesque fishing village with narrow streets and quaint restaurants and shops.

Conclusion

Lundy Island is a truly fantastic destination that offers a unique blend of natural and cultural wonders. Whether you’re a history buff, wildlife enthusiast, or seeking adventure, Lundy has something for everyone. Plan your next vacation and explore the best this remote island has to offer.

Lundy's location off the coast of Devon Lundy's location off the coast of Devon The Jetty in the Landing Bay on Lundy The Jetty in the Landing Bay on Lundy The General Stores, located next to the island's fire station The General Stores, located next to the island's fire station The Marisco Tavern has outdoor seating, which during the summer can get busy The Marisco Tavern has outdoor seating, which during the summer can get busy A view of the Tavern at night A view of the Tavern at night