There are many great reasons to book a holiday in Ilfracombe, from adventure activities, coastal walks and dog-friendly beaches, to beautiful gardens, arty activities and secret picnic spots. But a day trip to Lundy Island from Ilfracombe has to be one of the highlights of a stay in North Devon. Lundy is owned by the National Trust and managed by the Landmark Trust, two charities that have worked together since 1969 to protect and restore the island for the enjoyment of the 18,000 visitors that come each year on holiday or on a day trip to experience all that the island has to offer. For anyone looking for memorable things to do near Ilfracombe, Lundy offers the perfect mix of sea air, wildlife, walking and adventure.
Where is Lundy Island
Lundy is a granite outcrop situated 12 miles off the coast of North Devon, making it one of the most memorable island day trips for visitors staying in Ilfracombe. Due to its location, it has a milder climate than the mainland, with more sunshine and less rain. The island is three and a half miles long and half a mile wide and can be found where the Atlantic ocean meets the Bristol Channel.
Why Visit Lundy Island?
People visit Lundy Island for many reasons, especially those planning a North Devon holiday and looking for something a little more unusual than a standard day at the beach. Some come for the big skies and the sea views, others come to experience the rugged cliffs and open landscapes. Lots of visitors come to Lundy to step away from their normal life and enjoy a sense of discovery and adventure. The island is remote and completely car free so it really does take you right out of your everyday life. Others are seeking a slow, screen-free escape full of wildlife encounters with seals, puffins, sea birds, sika deer, Lundy ponies and the abundance of wild flowers and plants that call Lundy home. Photographers in particular enjoy a trip to Lundy to capture the landscape, flora and fauna in all its glory. If you are looking for a trip that feels alive, wild and memorable, a Lundy Island day trip is one of the best experiences to add to your Ilfracombe holiday.
A Little Island With a Lot of History
Some people come to Lundy to discover the island’s history, heritage and culture. There are three lighthouses on the island and Marisco Castle which was built by Henry III on the south-east side of Lundy between 1243 and 1244 in order to control the island of Lundy in the Bristol Channel. Today, the castle is protected under UK law as a Scheduled Monument and a Grade II* Listed Building, and is rented out as a set of holiday lets by the Landmark Trust. So if you have always dreamed of staying in castle, perhaps Marisco Castle on Lundy Island is what you have been looking for.
Stories of shipwrecks off Lundy will also keep you intrigued as you wander around the island learning about how HMS Montague smashed onto the rocks off Shutter Point in 1906 or how The Iona II paddle steamer tragically met her end off Lundy’s shores during the early days of World War I and now rests on the seabed.
Other famous features of historical interest on the Island are the cannons and sea caves. The fog battery cannons were installed in 1862 and fired blank shots every 10 minutes to help solve the problem of shipwrecks until the site was abandoned in 1897. Lundy is also famous for its dramatic sea caves found along its wild western coastline. The caves serve as the primary breeding grounds for Lundy’s resident Atlantic grey seal population. If that’s not enough there are 42 scheduled monuments to visit.
How to Get to Lundy Island from Ilfracombe
If you are staying in Ilfracombe and want to visit Lundy Island either for a short stay or a day trip, there are a number of ways to reach the island. During the summer season, (end of March until the end of October), most day visitors travel on Lundy’s own ferry and supply ship, the MS Oldenburg, which sails at least three times a week from either Bideford or Ilfracombe. The crossing takes about 2 hours each way, which gives you between 4 and 6 hours to explore the island depending on the day you choose to travel.
During the Winter season, (beginning of November until the end of March), visitors to Lundy Island can take an exhilarating Helicopter trip from Hartland Point on Mondays and Fridays. The flight takes approximately seven minutes and provides spectacular aerial views of the Island and North Devon.
Why Stay in Ilfracombe for a Lundy Island Trip
Whilst it is possible to stay on the Island and there are 23 very individual self-catering properties available for short lets, the Island has very limited facilities with just a campsite, a pub, a general store, a church, a working farm, and the three lighthouses.
If you’re looking to make a break of it, consider splitting your time between Ilfracombe and Lundy with either a day trip to the island or a short break there to really make the most of the unique experience.
Many visitors prefer to stay on the mainland where access to amenities is a little less restricted. Ilfracombe is a great base for anyone planning to visit Lundy Island, as there is so much more to do and see before and after your island adventure. With a plethora of restaurants and cafés to enjoy, coastal walks and beaches to explore, Ilfracombe has plenty to offer before or after a trip to Lundy and allows you to swap the wilderness for some mainland comfort. Choosing an Ilfracombe hotel also means you can enjoy the adventure of Lundy by day, then return to comfort, good food and a proper bed by evening.
Practical Tips for a Lundy Island Day Trip from Ilfracombe
There are a number of practical considerations if a visit to Lundy Island is on your agenda. For a start, sailing to the island is weather dependent, so it is necessary to check the times and travel information before booking. And don’t forget to allow plenty of time for boarding.
MS Oldenburg sails from either Bideford or Ilfracombe, depending on tides. It is worth noting that some sailings depart from one port and return to the other. In this case, a coach transfer to the original port is available for an additional fee.
It is advisable to pack layers so you can be prepared for changeable weather conditions, and definitely wear comfortable walking shoes.
If wildlife watching is something you enjoy, a pair of binoculars and a good camera won’t go amiss. Finally, there is a lot to do and see on a day trip to Lundy Island, but you won’t have time to do it all. Make sure you plan accordingly for the time you have available.
If you’re planning a North Devon break and want to add a real sense of adventure to your stay, Lundy Island is well worth making time for.
Book your stay in Ilfracombe, explore the coast, enjoy the comfort of The Carlton, and set sail on a Lundy Island day trip from one of North Devon’s most characterful seaside towns.
Please call 01271 862446 to book your stay at The Carlton or email eliot@ilfracombecarlton.co.uk for further information.