It is idyllic, often described as magical, even from a distance it draws you to it, out there all alone in the ocean, just waiting to lure you to its shores.

A beautiful, peaceful place where you can work hard at doing absolutely nothing, and not many people realise the island is so different to others, so restful and it is a part of the country that is often sought after for holidays away from the hustle and bustle of city life, yet very often it is sadly missed by tourists, too busy shopping to notice.

Where is it?

It's a little island, 11 miles off the coast of North Devon, close to Ifracombe and Bideford, where the Bristol Channel and the Atlantic ocean meet.

It is only about 3 miles long and half a mile wide, being 400 feet high, it really is quite small in terms of area. Its population is 19, yes only 19 people, and plenty of other life, in terms of sheep, ponies, deer, goats and sea birds, with marine life in abundance too.

It is also recognised as a Marine Nature reserve, the only one in England, and although the Puffins were dying out in numbers a few years ago, they are now starting to increase again. The island boasts probably the biggest colony of sea bird life, there are at least 317 different species here on the island, a birdwatchers haven for sure.

Its name is Lundy Island, or maybe it should be referred to as Lundy as so many people call it now, as its Island status is in question due to its very small population.(An island should have a population of 50 or more.)

Lundy means Puffin in Norse language.

You can get to it, on the Lundy's own ship, which is the M.S. Oldenburg, a 267 passenger, traditional motor vessel, which is very comfortable. It has a bar and buffet serving hot and cold food and a shop on board too, and if you feel the need or desire, it can be hired for private charter as well, perhaps for a trip along the north Devon coastline.

Once you have visited this little island you will want to return time and again to it's beauty, whether you want peace and tranqility, true relaxation or you want to go fishing, diving, do a little painting, birdwatching, or just walk from one end to the other, the island is sure to hold you under it's magic spell.

In the evenings you can sit and watch the stars, for there are no street lights to deter from the beauty of the sky at night, and being so dark, the stars seem to shine brighter here on Lundy.

If you can visit Lundy Island in the summer months there is an I sland Warden who will

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about Great ideas for weekend vacations?
We want to hear your view. Write now!