Lundy Island

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About Lundy Island

Lundy is a granite island three miles long lying in the Bristol Channel about 12 miles off the North Devon coast. Owned by the National Trust and managed by the Landmark Trust, it is a quiet haven for wildlife, walkers and divers, with a single pub at its heart.

The story of Lundy Island

The name Lundy comes from the Old Norse for "puffin island", reflecting its Viking-era identity as a seabird haven. The island was held by the Knights Templar in the 13th century and later by the Marisco family, whose lawless rule led to a royal siege in 1242. The battleship HMS Montagu ran aground on Lundy's Shutter Rock in 1906, an event that prompted improvements to navigational charts of the Bristol Channel. In 1925 the island was bought by Martin Coles Harman, who issued his own coinage and stamps; the Harman family donated Lundy to the National Trust in 1969.

Visiting with care

Reach Lundy on the MS Oldenburg from Bideford or Ilfracombe between March and October, or by helicopter in winter. The island has no cars, so walk the moorland, visit the puffin colonies and stay overnight in one of the Landmark Trust's restored buildings.

Interesting facts

• Lundy's name derives from the Old Norse for "puffin island".
• HMS Montagu was wrecked on Shutter Rock in 1906, an event that improved charting of the Bristol Channel.
• The Marisco family ruled Lundy as a private fief until a royal siege was sent against them in 1242.
• Lundy was Britain's first designated Marine Conservation Zone, established in 2010.