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Ilfracombe Accommodation
The Ilfracombe Coast, North Devon
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Ilfracombe's Tunnel Beaches, North DevonIlfracombe Aquarium North Devon Marine Life Lundy Island UK
Just off the coast from Ilfracombe is the magical island called Lundy, aptly named from the Norse word Lund-ey meaning Puffin (and you'll see a few puffins if you visit the island).
Catch the boat from Ilfracombe Pier to Lundy Island where there's so much to do it's well worth considering staying over in one of the self-catering accommodations there. Take your pick from diving, scuba diving, scenic walking, climbing, bird watching, or simply taking in the considerable wildlife including an array of plants. Check out the medieval castle and Lundy Island's three lighthouses. There's a friendly inn in the heart of the island. To learn all about the marine life around Lundy Island check out first Ilfracombe Aquarium. No trip to Ilfracombe is complete without a day trip at least to Lundy Island!!
Ilfracombe Aquarium
Ilfracombe Aquarium is tastefully done, and incredibly educational and interactive for kids, with a strong focus as you'd expect on local marine life around the Exmoor Stream source, the Exmoor River and the Taw Estuary. Also on the journey at this aquarium is a look at the marine life found in local rockpools, of which there are many created along the North Devon Coast.
To learn more about the remote island off the coast from Ilfracombe, and called Lundy Island, visit Ilfracombe Aquarium for all you'll need to know about this magical island, a haven for seals, puffins and there's been dramatic shipwrecks on this island.
Admission to Ilfracombe Aquarium is very good value, under £4 for adults. From March to June the Aquarium is open from 10am to 4.30pm, and from July to August 10am to 6pm, Sept-Oct 10am-4.30pm, and from Nov to Jan from 10am.
Ilfracombe Aquarium, The Old Lifeboat House, The Pier, Ilfracombe, Devon. Tel: 01271 864533.
Lundy Island Boat Trips from Ilfracombe
No trip to Ilfracombe is complete without a family fun day on the magical off shore island - Lundy Island. Boat trips are available to Lundy Island from either Ilfracombe or Bideford, and most departures times on the MS Oldenburg (which will carry 267 passengers and is well equipped with a bar, buffet, shop and information centre on board) from Ilfracombe are 10am. You'll need to check the weblink to the right though for a list of dates for departure. They are usually Tuesdays, Saturdays and Thursdays, with some Wednesdays!
The island of Lundy is beautifully unspoilt. It's not that big at only three miles long, half a mile wide and it sits just 10 miles off the North Devon Coast just where the vast Atlantic Ocean meets the Bristol Channel. Lundy Island is a beautiful granite outcrop island just waiting to be discovered, and offering a host of activities to suit many tastes. Like fishing, love Lundy Island, want to spot some seals off shore? Head to Lundy. Lund-ey is the Norse word for Puffin, and not surprisingly this island is rather popular as a base with puffins, as well as numerous wild birds. There are many buildings to see, some of them ancient, on Lundy including a striking medieval castle. There's self-catering accommodation adjacent to the castle if you fancy staying over to really take time to explore!
There are three lighthouses on Lundy, no less. Essential features, as the visitor will discover there are 137 shipwreck sites off Lundy Island. The island was a popular pirate base, although during the last century it calmed down and a church was errected. The Old Lighthouse is a must see, south of the island near Beacon Hill. It's easily accessible near the Linhay, main island shop and popular Marisco Tavern via a footpath. Many come to Lundy to enjoy the spectacular views, for birdwatching, and walking the many footpaths around the island. The Lundy Marine Reserve to the west of the south west of the island is particularly popular with divers (check their weblink to the right).
All the Lundy Island coast is spectacular, and staying on the island for a few days is highly recommended. There are varous remote self-catering buildings dotted about, perfect for groups. The east side of the island is particularly popular for spoting interesting plants, whilst the west perhaps has the most spectacular landscape. The boat trip itself to Lundy via the MS Oldenburg, the island's own ship, is an adventure in itself on a day trip. The boat trip starting at Bideford and stopping off at Ilfracombe before heading to the Lundy landing jetty takes just under two hours and offers excellent opportunity to view the dramatic North Devon coastline. There's a popular farm on the island, loved by the tots, as well, with free range domestic animas. Watch out for the famous Lundy stamp as well, with a puffin on it of course.
Getting to Lundy Island, North Devon
Getting to Lundy Island is via the MS Oldenburg which departs from either Bideford at the Quay which is situated in the centre of Bideford, of from Ilfracombe Pier. There are ample car parking facilities at both points. Some of the sailings do occasionally drop you off at a different port from which you departed, but no worries a complimentary coach service is offered to get you back to your point of departure. Check this when booking. Visitors should note that no pets are permitted on Lundy island. Also, sailings may be hampered by bad weater, so if the weather looks bad check in advance that your boat trip is taking place. For 24 hour information phone 01271 863636.
The boat trip to Lundy Island takes just under two hours, and you'll need to be ready for boarding at least 45 minutes before MS Oldenburg sets off. The ship is very well equipped with toilets, a bar, a shop, a buffet, an information centre and comfortable heated saloons. For day return prices, including concessions check the Lundy Island website. They're not cheap, but well worth it!
Outdoor activities on Lundy Island are superb, and include diving off the west side with the Lundy Marine Nature reserve, snorkling, walking around the island, some climbing, various buildings including lighthouses and a castle to visit, seal watching, fishing, and it's a prime North Devon island for both photography and painting.
Lundy Shore Office, The Quay, Bideford, Devon, EX39 2LY. Tel: 01271 863636
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