Lundy Island, North Devon
There’s a very strong chance that you’ll see seals and puffins if you go to Lundy Island. Sitting in the Bristol Channel 12 miles off the North Devon Coast, this granite outcrop is just three miles long and half a mile wide; no roads, no cars, but vast open skies and views that stretch forever across the sea. Of course, it’s peaceful and utterly unspoilt - crowded is a word that just doesn’t exist here; in fact, the busiest it gets is when the holiday makers and day trippers come to visit in the summer months.
Come here by boat and spend a few hours walking the soft grassy slopes and tall rugged cliffs, or looking out for the multitude of flora and fauna that the island is renowned for. Join a guided walk or a rockpool ramble, find the Lundy Bunny on the letterboxing trail, or while away the time birdwatching, fishing, or snorkelling.
There’s a shop on the island, a bit like a village shop, and there’s a pub, the Marisco Tavern, which doubles up as a restaurant and social club for the islanders and its visitors.
It takes a couple of hours to reach Lundy aboard MS Oldenburg, sailing from Ilfracombe or Bideford, and you’ll need to bear in mind that you must be ready to board 45 minutes before departure, so you definitely need a whole day for this – but it’s well worth it. The boat has a bar and buffet, and a shop, but surely the best thing is to go on the deck and watch out for dolphins?
Call Lundy Island on 01271 863636 Email: general@lundyisland.co.uk
NB: Dogs are not allowed on the island All information correct at the time of writing