Port information & tips for Lundy
Lundy is an untouched natural paradise in the Bristol Channel and is considered one of the most fascinating insider tips on the British coast. The car-free island impresses with its dramatic cliffs, diverse wildlife, and soothing tranquility, while offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic. Special highlights include the historic Marisco Castle, the striking Old Light lighthouse, and the protected colony of cute puffins. As cruise ships anchor off the coast, guests can conveniently reach the Lundy Island Jetty in Landing Bay by tender boat. From there, a short, picturesque walk of about 15 minutes leads directly up to the charming village center, where visitors can immediately enjoy the authentic island atmosphere.
Lundy Island, a unique nature reserve in the Bristol Channel, serves as an extraordinary anchorage for smaller expedition ships and is primarily accessible via ferry connections from the North Devon coastal towns of Bideford and Ilfracombe. Arrival at these charming ports is easy to plan thanks to various means of transport from the DACH region.
Car
For travelers from the DACH region, the journey to the ferry ports of Bideford or Ilfracombe leads conveniently via the British motorway network. Coming from the M5, take the A361 towards Barnstaple and then follow the signs. For Bideford, long-stay parking such as the Riverbank Long Stay Car Park (EX39 2QS) with weekly options is available at the Lundy Shore Office at Bideford Quay (EX39 2EY). For Ilfracombe, continue on the A361 or A399 and find parking directly at the Pier (EX34 9EQ) or the Ropery Road Car Park (EX34 9EF), which is about a 10-minute walk away.
Train
The nearest relevant train station for your onward journey to Lundy is Barnstaple. This is reachable from London Paddington with direct train connections in about 4.5 to 5 hours. From Barnstaple, local bus lines, such as line 21 or 21A, take you to the ferry terminal in Bideford in around 25 minutes, while taxis or buses to Ilfracombe take about 20 to 30 minutes.
Airplane & Pre-Cruise Hotel
For guests from the DACH region, traveling by plane is a comfortable option. Exeter International Airport (EXT) is located around 129 kilometers from Bideford and about 73 kilometers from Ilfracombe, offering connections from European cities such as Amsterdam. Alternatively, Cardiff Airport (CWL) and Bristol Airport (BRS) are further options with good connections. From the airports, a rental car or onward travel by train to Barnstaple followed by a bus or taxi transfer to the ferry ports is recommended. Since the MS Oldenburg departs from Bideford or Ilfracombe depending on the tides and the crossing takes about two hours, an overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel in these locations on the day before the ferry trip is highly recommended to enable a relaxed embarkation.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the shipping company and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Lundy Island, a unique nature reserve in the Bristol Channel, serves as an extraordinary anchorage for smaller expedition ships and is primarily accessible via ferry connections from the North Devon coastal towns of Bideford and Ilfracombe. Arrival at these charming ports is easy to plan thanks to various means of transport from the DACH region.
Car
For travelers from the DACH region, the journey to the ferry ports of Bideford or Ilfracombe leads conveniently via the British motorway network. Coming from the M5, take the A361 towards Barnstaple and then follow the signs. For Bideford, long-stay parking such as the Riverbank Long Stay Car Park (EX39 2QS) with weekly options is available at the Lundy Shore Office at Bideford Quay (EX39 2EY). For Ilfracombe, continue on the A361 or A399 and find parking directly at the Pier (EX34 9EQ) or the Ropery Road Car Park (EX34 9EF), which is about a 10-minute walk away.
Train
The nearest relevant train station for your onward journey to Lundy is Barnstaple. This is reachable from London Paddington with direct train connections in about 4.5 to 5 hours. From Barnstaple, local bus lines, such as line 21 or 21A, take you to the ferry terminal in Bideford in around 25 minutes, while taxis or buses to Ilfracombe take about 20 to 30 minutes.
Airplane & Pre-Cruise Hotel
For guests from the DACH region, traveling by plane is a comfortable option. Exeter International Airport (EXT) is located around 129 kilometers from Bideford and about 73 kilometers from Ilfracombe, offering connections from European cities such as Amsterdam. Alternatively, Cardiff Airport (CWL) and Bristol Airport (BRS) are further options with good connections. From the airports, a rental car or onward travel by train to Barnstaple followed by a bus or taxi transfer to the ferry ports is recommended. Since the MS Oldenburg departs from Bideford or Ilfracombe depending on the tides and the crossing takes about two hours, an overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel in these locations on the day before the ferry trip is highly recommended to enable a relaxed embarkation.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the shipping company and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Arriving by tender boat in the picturesque Landing Bay allows for direct and natural access to this unique, car-free island.
On Foot
You can reach the charming village center with the Marisco Tavern via Beach Road in about 15 to 20 minutes. The paved path leads uphill in a serpentine fashion and, thanks to its exposed location, offers fantastic views of the Bristol Channel and the rugged coastline.
Island Shuttle
The Lundy Company provides a special Land Rover service for the transport of luggage as well as for guests with limited mobility. This off-road vehicle shuttles between the landing stage and the high plateau upon the arrival of ships, ensuring easy accessibility to the village.
Hiking Trails
Since no public car traffic is allowed on the island, the extensive network of hiking trails serves as the main means of transport. The paths are well-maintained and lead to the historical lighthouses as well as to the best spots for observing puffins and seals.
To make the most of your stay on the idyllic island of Lundy, we recommend focusing on the historic buildings around the island center and the spectacular nature observation points along the easily accessible cliff paths.
Marisco Village and the Tavern
The island's convivial center welcomes guests with the legendary Marisco Tavern and charming historic stone houses; additionally, thanks to its location on the central plateau, this area is ideal for a relaxed break in the midst of the peaceful island community.
Old Light
The striking former lighthouse offers impressive views over the entire island and the vast Irish Sea, while the architecturally attractive complex invites you to dive deep into the maritime history of Lundy.
Jenny’s Cove
This fascinating stretch of coastline is considered one of the best places for puffin watching and, thanks to its exposed location on the spectacular west cliffs, offers a unique nature experience in an untouched environment.
The Old Light and Marisco Tavern
The historic Old Light can be reached from the harbor jetty via a picturesque climb in about twenty minutes, where you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view over the entire island and the Atlantic from the lighthouse's observation deck. This site, steeped in history, conveys the unique atmosphere of Lundy and can be perfectly combined with a visit to the nearby Marisco Tavern, which serves as the social heart of the island, offering delicious local food and refreshments in a rustic ambiance. Ideally, start your excursion with the first tender boat in the morning to experience the idyllic tranquility of nature to the fullest and return relaxed to the pier in the early afternoon.
Returning to the landing stage on Lundy is straightforward and close to nature, as the paths on the island are manageable and lead directly to the pier.
Off-Road Vehicle Transfer
Special off-road vehicles are available for the return journey on the car-free island, providing guests with walking difficulties a comfortable transfer from the Marisco Tavern to the pier. This service is coordinated directly on-site and brings you safely back to the harbor area across the uneven paths.
On Foot via Beach Road
The way back to the pier is easy to find thanks to clear signage and the island's simple layout, leading you through impressive nature. Start your walk in the village center and follow the paved path downhill, which takes you directly to the Landing Bay in about 20 minutes.
Tender Return Transport
The return journey to the cruise ship is made by tender boats, which depart regularly from the stone quay at Landing Bay. Thanks to the good visibility of the pier, you will find the meeting point without any problems and can use the short waiting time for final photos of the coastline.
