Lundy Island

Lundy Island is located about 18 kilometers off the coast of North Devon, England, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Bristol Channel. Lundy consists of a huge granite outcrop that is just under 5 kilometers long and a little over a kilometer wide. The contrasting landscape of high cliffs to the west and sheltered, grassy coastline to the east provides a rich diversity of flora and fauna, making Lundy a unique place to visit.

As early as the Middle Ages, pirates recognized the strategic value of the island and thus moved into the Bristol Channel. One of the most notorious crooks who took advantage of Lundy was Thomas Benson. His trick was to hide convicts, whom he should have deported to the United States, on the island after being paid for it.

Then, in the 19th century, a project to mine granite on the island began. However, this project lasted only five years, because it was expensive and impractical to bring the rock to the mainland.

In 1969, businessman Jack Hayward finally bought the island and donated it to the National Trust. Lundy was even the first marine protected area in the UK.

Tourists are welcome on the small island. You have the possibility to come to Lundy from the end of March to the end of October with the island's own ship, the MS Oldenburg. The ferry leaves from Bideford and Ilfracombe, from where it takes about 2 hours to get there. If for various reasons it is not possible to get to the island by ferry, you can also fly by helicopter.

Lundy, the car free island, is suitable for both day trips and longer stays. There are a total of 23 very individually designed self-catering cottages that are rented out for short vacations or week-long stays. There is also a campsite on the island.

Now you're probably wondering what there is to see on such a small island. Lundy's location, with the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Bristol Channel to the east, creates a unique combination of environmental conditions that have produced a considerable range of habitats. These are now home, both on land and underwater to rare and spectacular species of wildlife, such as the puffins, respectively, and other interesting seabirds. But not only above, but also under water, many species of animals are at home, such as the gray sea seal or some whales and dolphins.

All this can be explored, for example, during guided hikes over Lundy, snorkeling safaris, diving or other events. The cliffs of Lundy are also very famous for climbing. Another activity you can do on Lundy is the Lundy Letterboxes. They were started many years ago and are essentially a treasure hunt of sorts that takes place all over the island. Each letterbox contains a stamp that can only be found in that box. The goal is to find all the boxes and collect the stamps. On this treasure hunt, you'll quickly find yourself on paths you wouldn't normally take.

In addition, there are 41 listed buildings throughout Lundy that are of national significance. The buildings are incredibly diverse, ranging from the remains of Bronze Age settlements and early Christian tombs to medieval castles and a Georgian lighthouse.

Lundy is definitely worth a visit! Here you can certainly escape from your everyday stress and find peace.