Located due west of Lower Campscott in the Bristol Channel, the island of Lundy is a rocky outcrop with a unique ecological footprint and a vibrant history full of shipwrecks, smuggling, piracy, and more. It has been implicated in the attempted assassination of Henry III, has links to the Knights Templar, and has, on multiple occasions, been the site of insurrection.
Nowadays, life is a little slower on the island—focused less on plunder and intrigue, and more on ecology. This began in earnest in 1986, when it was designated a statutory Marine Nature Reserve. Its waters later became home to the UK’s first statutory No Take Zone, giving the local spiny lobster population a chance to recover. On top of that, it was also made Britain’s first Marine Conservation Zone (now called a Marine Protected Area, as defined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature). The island is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its biology—so it’s safe to say there’s a lot going on.
This rich pedigree is supported by the Landmark Trust, which manages the island’s day-to-day operations on behalf of the National Trust. Much of the income relied upon for this comes from tourism, and in the summer months, the MS Oldenburg ferries visitors to the island from Ilfracombe and Bideford three days a week. The Landmark Trust’s website is a treasure trove of information for potential visitors, so be sure to give it a look if you’re interested.
Of course, the island of Lundy offers visitors far more than just marine conservation. It is itself rich with historic buildings from various eras—Bronze Age settlements, a medieval castle, and the Victorian Church of St Helen, to name but a few. There are also two operational lighthouses on the island, still working to ensure fate doesn’t add another name to the long list of shipwrecks that form part of Lundy’s history.
Animal lovers will enjoy the birdwatching (rich enough to justify a dedicated website), as well as spotting the local Sika deer, Soay sheep, goats, ponies, and more. The area is carefully maintained by the Landmark Trust’s conservation team to ensure a healthy and balanced environment, so guests visiting for the wildlife are asked to follow the island’s code of conduct to minimise their impact on conservation efforts.
The island also has a shop and a pub, so you’ll be able to pick up some souvenirs, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy a relaxing drink. The realities of island life do mean that some things are limited, of course, but supplies are restocked frequently, and the facilities cater for everyone—including vegetarians, vegans, and those who are gluten- or dairy-free.
From Lower Campscott, the easiest way to visit is by ferry from Ilfracombe during the summer months—see here for more information and ferry timetables. Day returns are £54 per adult, £28 for under-16s, and children under 4 travel free.
Making your visit a day trip means you can avoid having to transport luggage, and our proximity to Ilfracombe makes Campscott the ideal base. So if we’ve sparked your interest, why not have a look at our booking page for full availability and start planning your holiday today?