Visit Lundy Island from Smythen From North Devon Holiday Cottages
In a place of wide spaces and big skies, without roads, cars or pollution, simply walking is a profound pleasure. Lundy has a milder climate than the mainland, with more sunshine and less rain.
The particular character of Lundy derives from its varied terrain; on the west side, exposed to the Atlantic, there are high and rugged cliffs, on the east, sheltered from the prevailing wind, the coastline is gentler with grassy slopes, trees and many types of wild flowers. This contrast explains the rich diversity of the island's animal and plant life and its attraction to walkers, climbers and divers.
People return time and again to the simple pleasures that Lundy affords; the sea is clear, the landscape spectacular, and at night, without competition from street lights, it is truly dark and the stars shine with unfamiliar brilliance.
Fares:
Period Returns:
- Adults £65
- Children £33 (4-15)
- Infants £13 under 4's
Day Returns:
- Adults £37.00
- Child (under 16 yrs) £19.00
- Infant (under 4 yrs) Free of charge
- Family Ticket – 2 adults and 2 children £84.00
Discounts are available for Senior Citizens, Students, National Trust members, Groups, Schools and Coaches, on day return tickets only.
Day trips to Lundy Island from North Devon
Whether you live in, or are just visiting North Devon, a day trip to Lundy makes for an unforgettable experience.
Although only three miles in length, and half-a-mile wide, the Island offers an amazingly diverse range of things to do for day-trippers. Its 4,000 years of human history comes to life through the 42 scheduled monuments and its clutch of listed buildings. Because of its isolation the habitat for wildlife is often compared to that of Galapagos. This is all set against a backdrop of stunning natural rugged beauty, making it a walker’s paradise.
Most day visitors travel on Lundy’s own ferry and supply ship, the graceful German-built MS Oldenburg, which is an experience in its own right. Built in 1958 the vessel retains many of her original brass and wooden fittings providing comfortable heated saloons, a bar, buffet, a gift shop and an information desk. In fine weather there is plenty of space on deck, and if you are lucky you may be treated to the company of a playful pod of dolphins who often delight in following the ship.
The ships sails at least three times a week from either Bideford or Ilfracombe and the crossing takes about 2 hours each way, allowing between 4 and 6 hours to explore the island depending on the day you choose to travel.
It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to do justice to everything in a single visit and often it’s the weather that’ll make your decision for you. If the wind’s Easterly, go West and vice-versa. And if it’s pouring with rain, well there’s plenty to see and do in and around the Tavern.
