Travelling to Lundy Island

Is part of the adventure, with several options depending on the time of year and your preferred mode of transport. From March to October, most visitors arrive via the MS Oldenburg, a traditional motor vessel that sails from Ilfracombe and Bideford in North Devon. The journey takes around two hours and offers a scenic approach to the island, often accompanied by sightings of dolphins, gannets, and seals. Tickets must be booked in advance through the Landmark Trust’s Lundy Island website, which also manages all accommodation and visitor services. Outside of the sailing season, from November to March, Lundy is accessible by helicopter from Hartland Point airstrip, a swift seven-minute flight that provides spectacular aerial views. While private boats and charters occasionally land at the island’s jetty, these are dependent on weather and tides, and require prior permission.

Once on Lundy, the island is yours to explore entirely on foot. Just three miles long and half a mile wide, Lundy has a network of well-marked paths. The East Side Path offers a gentler walk with views across the Bristol Channel and opportunities to spot wild Soay sheep and Lundy ponies grazing in open pastures. In contrast, the West Side Path runs along dramatic granite cliffs, past sea caves and nesting seabird colonies, including puffins during the spring and summer. Key walking destinations include Beacon Hill, the island’s highest point; Jenny’s Cove, renowned for puffin watching; the Battery, a historic gun emplacement with sweeping views; and the iconic Devil’s Slide, a sheer rock face popular with climbers.

The island’s rich history is visible everywhere. Marisco Castle, dating from the 13th century, once guarded against pirates and invaders. The Old Lighthouse, built in 1819, can be climbed for panoramic views across the island and sea. Scattered across the island are remnants of its varied past—Victorian-era quarries, the remains of a 19th-century tramway, and several ancient field systems and walls. The tiny St. Helen’s Church, restored by the Landmark Trust, is still in use today.

At the centre of island life is the Marisco Tavern, Lundy’s only pub and gathering place. Open daily, it serves hot food, drinks, and offers a cosy spot to relax by the fire. There are no mobile signals or Wi-Fi, making it a true digital detox. Next door is the island’s general store, selling groceries, souvenirs, Lundy stamps, postcards and of course our map. There's also a small visitor centre with information on the island’s wildlife and history. Accommodation ranges from historic cottages and converted barns to simple camping and bunkhouse options. Whether you come for birdwatching, history, peace, or dramatic walking, Lundy offers a one-of-a-kind, off-grid experience with timeless charm.