English (UK)
English (US)
Français
Deutsch
Español
Italiano
Nederlands
简体中文
Lundy
An island in the Bristol Channel, reached by ferry from north Devon
Lundy is an island about 5 km long in the Bristol Channel, off the north coast of Devon. The National Trust owns it and the Landmark Trust manages it. It has a castle, a church, three lighthouses, one pub and a large seabird population; its name comes from the Old Norse for 'puffin island'. In 2010 it became Britain's first Marine Conservation Zone.
From April to October the Landmark Trust's ship MS Oldenburg sails to Lundy from Bideford and Ilfracombe, taking about two hours; in winter a helicopter flies from Hartland Point. This guide covers the island itself and the Torridge estuary towns of Bideford, Appledore and Westward Ho!, where most visitors eat and sleep before or after the crossing.
- CrossingAbout 2 hoursMS Oldenburg from Bideford or Ilfracombe, April to October (Wikipedia)
- SizeAbout 5 km by 1 kmLundy is part of Torridge district, Devon
- Residents282007 figure; most live in the village at the south end
- Protected seaSince 2010Britain's first Marine Conservation Zone
Areas
2 places to begin
Each area has its own mini guide with 25 sights, places to eat and drink, and where to stay across the city.
Sights
Highlights across Lundy
A sight from each area. Every area guide lists the rest, with directions and official links.
Old Light
Lighthouse of 1819-20 designed by Daniel Alexander; so high that cloud often hid it, it was replaced by two new lights in 1897.
Bideford Long Bridge
Grade I listed bridge across the Torridge, 677 feet long with 24 arches; in 1790 it was the longest bridge in Devon.
Marisco Castle
Castle above the Landing Bay, named after the island's 13th-century lords; Henry III ordered a stone tower here.
Burton at Bideford
Art gallery and museum in Victoria Park, with collections on Bideford's history and changing exhibitions.
St Helen's Church
Church completed in 1897 for the island's owner, the Rev. Hudson Grossett Heaven; open to visitors.
Pannier Market
Victorian covered market with small artisan stalls along Butchers Row; there has been a market on the site since 1675.
North Light
Lighthouse at the northern tip, completed in 1897; the last keepers left in 1976 and it now runs on solar power.
Victoria Park
Town park opened in 1912, with a bandstand surrounded by nine cannons and listed entrance gates.
Photos
1 / 12With kids in Lundy
Animal attractions, railways, science centres, beaches and caves from our Lundy guide, grouped by type. We hold no age ratings or child prices: check each place’s own site for age limits, height rules and family tickets.
Beaches and swimming
Jenny's CoveCliffs and cove, Lundy island- Pannier MarketCovered market, Bideford, Appledore & Westward Ho!
Caves and underground
VC QuarryQuarry and memorial, Lundy island
Practical help: travelling with children and where to stay in Lundy.
Getting there
Arriving in Lundy
Lundy has no car ferry and visitors do not take cars. All crossings are run by the Landmark Trust. Its website refused our automated check, so the details below come from Wikipedia and the Lundy Field Society; confirm dates, times and fares with the Landmark Trust before you travel.
MS Oldenburg ferry
In summer (April to October) the Landmark Trust's ship sails from Bideford and Ilfracombe. Wikipedia says sailings are usually on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with extra Wednesday sailings in July and August, and take about two hours depending on port, tide and weather.
Winter helicopter
From November to March a scheduled helicopter flies from Hartland Point; Wikipedia lists Mondays and Fridays.
Reaching Bideford
Bideford has no railway station. Use Traveline to plan buses to Bideford and Appledore.
We do not publish fares or timetables. Facts checked 3 November 2026.
On foot
The island is explored on foot along tracks and paths; there are no roads for visitors' vehicles.
Around the estuary
Bideford, Appledore and Westward Ho! are a few miles apart; use Traveline for local buses.
Best time to go
Lundy through the year
The sailing season decides most visits: the MS Oldenburg runs from April to October, and a helicopter serves the island in winter.
Day trips by ship from Bideford and Ilfracombe; seabirds nest on the cliffs in spring and early summer.
Helicopter only, for staying visitors; expect strong winds and a very quiet island.
FAQ
Good to know before you go
How do I get to Lundy?
By the MS Oldenburg from Bideford or Ilfracombe between April and October (about two hours), or by helicopter from Hartland Point in winter. Both are run by the Landmark Trust.
Can I visit Lundy for the day?
Yes, on sailing days. Your time ashore depends on the return sailing, so check it when you land.
Where can I stay on Lundy?
All accommodation on the island is let by the Landmark Trust; book on its website. On the mainland, see our places to stay in Bideford, Appledore, Instow and Westward Ho!.
Is Lundy part of England?
Yes. Lundy is part of Torridge district in Devon. It is not a Crown Dependency like Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man.
Nearby places
Guides near Lundy
Our closest other guides, by straight-line distance between centres. Road and rail distances are longer: check a journey planner.
Photo credits
- Lundy (header): Lewis Clarke, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Lundy island: Lewis Clarke, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Bideford, Appledore & Westward Ho!: Sannse at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Old Light: MichaelMaggs, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Bideford Long Bridge: Sannse at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Marisco Castle: Simon Willison, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Burton at Bideford: User:Jack1956, CC0, source
- St Helen's Church: Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Pannier Market: Jack1956, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- North Light: Steve Hodgson from Edinburgh, Scotland, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Victoria Park: Lewis Clarke, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- South Light: Dickelbers, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- St Mary's Church, Bideford: Roger A Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Landing Bay: Gareth James, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Chudleigh Fort: User:Jack1956, CC0, source
- The Earthquake: Martin Richard Phelan, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- North Devon Maritime Museum: Rob Noble, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- The Battery: James Ayres, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Appledore Quay: Sannse at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Halfway Wall: Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- St Mary's Church, Appledore: Rodw, Public domain, source
- Pondsbury: Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Appledore Lifeboat Station: User:Jack1956, CC0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Plan it properly
More guides for Lundy
- Where to stay in LundyWhich area suits which traveller, with every stay we have checked.
- Getting around LundyWith and without a car, from official transport pages.
- When to go to LundyMonth-by-month weather, daylight and what to pack.
- Rainy-day ideas in LundyIndoor things to do, by area.
- Events in LundyFestivals, markets and seasonal events from the organisers.
- Attractions in LundySights and museums with entry and access flags where verified.
Keep exploring