Uk’s Only Marine Nature Reserve
Lundy is the largest island in the Bristol Channel, lying 12 miles (19 km) off the coast of Devon, England, approximately one third of the distance across the channel between England and Wales. Lundy gives its name to a British sea area and is one of the islands of England.
In 1971 a proposal was made by the Lundy Field Society to establish a marine reserve. Provision for the establishment of statutory Marine Nature Reserves was included in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and on 21 November 1986 the Secretary of State for the Environment announced the designation of a statutory reserve at Lundy….
About the Island
Lundy has an average residential population of 28 people which includes a Warden, Island Manager, Farmer, Shop keeper, Maintenance and Housekeeping staff as well as a Bar and Kitchen team in the Marisco Tavern. They live in and around the village at the south of the Island. Visitors include day-trippers during the sailing season, as well as staying visitors who can book into any of the 23 holiday properties and camp site on Lundy. Staying visitors can book throughout the year, thanks to a scheduled helicopter transfer service through the winter months.
Lundy has been considered the tenth wonder of the world.
Getting to the Island
There are two ways of getting to Lundy, depending upon the season of travel. During 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.
During the winter months, (November to March) the Oldenburg comes out of service, and the island is served by a scheduled helicopter service from Hartland Point. The helicopter operates on Mondays and Fridays, with flights between 12 noon and 2 pm. The heliport is a field at the top of Hartland Point, not far from the Beacon.
Visiting and Staying on the Island
Fares:
Period Returns 2020:
Sailing Tickets
Adults £74
Children £38 (4-15)
Infants £16 under 4’s
Helicopter Tickets
Adults £131
Children £70 (2-15)
Infants £17 Under 2’s
Day Returns 2020:
Sailing TicketsAdults £42
Concessions £39
Child (under 16 yrs) £22
Infant (under 4 yrs) Free of charge
Family Ticket – 2 adults and 2 children £95
Discounts are available for Senior Citizens, Students, National Trust members, Groups, Schools and Coaches, on day return tickets only.
Lundy has 23 holiday properties to choose from sleeping between 1 and 14 people. These include a lighthouse, a castle and a Victorian mansion. Many of the buildings are constructed from the island’s granite. All have heating and many also have wood burning stoves with a bath or shower depending on size. Kitchens are fully equipped for those wishing to self-cater.
The island also has a campsite, at the south of the island in the field next to the shop. It has hot and cold running water, with showers and toilets in an adjacent building.
