An island nestled on Britain’s shoreline was once a base for pirates, and immediately has a tiny population with a strict rule for anyone visiting its pub.
The distant island of Lundy in the Bristol Channel measures just three miles long and around half a mile extensive. It’s comprised of rugged cliffs, dramatic surroundings, and ample wildlife, including puffins, dolphins and seals, along with historic websites such as its Thirteenth-century citadel and Old Lighthouse.
While it’s small, the charming island with its unspoilt character, also options a pub called the Marisco Tavern, located in its village, where guests can discover a store and lodging. The village situated in the southern half of the island is home to around 28 residents, forming a tight-knit group.
The island is home to around 28 residents (Image: Getty Images)
Notably, its residents oversee the island’s operation, including positions such as warden, island supervisor, farmer, shopkeeper, upkeep personnel, housekeeping workers, and a restaurant workforce, according to Bideford Council. The island, which is 12 miles from Devon’s shoreline, only secured high-speed web in 2023, and its pub has a strict no-phones coverage – those caught are subject to a £1 advantageous.
Visitors can catch the ferry to Lundy to get pleasure from a day out, whether that’s strolling along its coastal paths, recognizing seals among the lapping shores, exploring the Bronze Age ruins or cosying up in the quaint pub. For those searching for a longer, idyllic escape, travellers can e-book into one of the many vacation properties on Lundy or the campsites during the hotter months.
There are no vehicles on the island, and it’s only accessible via the ferry MS Oldenburg between April and October. But there’s a lot more to the peaceable island than first meets the eye, as it has a fascinating yet violent previous, having once served as a haven for pirates and outlaws.
In 1235, aristocrat William de Marisco grew to become embroiled in the killing of a royal courier, and three years later, an unsuccessful plot to assassinate King Henry III was linked to his kin. William fled to Lundy Island, establishing a fortress at what is now recognized as Bulls’ Paradise.
The island has the Old Lighthouse and a charming pub (Image: Getty Images)
In 1242, he was captured alongside 16 accomplices, taken to London, and put to death for treason. By 1250, King Henry III underscored the island’s strategic worth by erecting a citadel there.
Fast ahead several hundred years to 1627, and pirates, recognized as the Salé Rovers, seized Lundy, utilizing it as a launching level to raid vessels and seaside communities, abducting residents for ransom or slavery. Five years on, during King Charles I’s rule, the Royal Navy reclaimed the island.
Throughout the English Civil War, Lundy remained the closing royalist bastion, capitulating in 1647. By 1833, the population of Lundy consisted of roughly 10 people, comprising a single household residing in a cottage and 4 lighthouse keepers.
At the time, the island was reportedly owned by two people, Messrs. Matravers and Striffe, who had allegedly won it in a card recreation. The possession of Lundy modified arms several occasions, but in 1969 it was taken over by Landmark Trust, following a 60-year lease with the National Trust.
Lundy presents breathtaking views across the coast and rural landscapes (Image: Getty Images)
Last yr, Lundy Island was recognised as one of the high 30 secret British spots price exploring by Wanderlust Magazine. The publication famous: “This island feels like a lump of the Hebrides mysteriously dumped in the south-west.
“It is a wild, stunning and nearly treeless place, with a tiny resident population, no vehicles, a lot of sheep, cattle and ponies, and kilometres of footpaths. The chief attraction is the cliffside breeding puffins (best seen from April to July), but the likelihood to get away from it all ensures that few guests only come here once.”
Those who have visited the hidden island have labelled it as “wild, fantastic and completely unforgettable”. One traveller shared on TripAdvisor: “Lundy is pure magic. We spent an unbelievable week on the island and skilled every variety of climate – blazing sunshine, wild winds, misty mornings – all including to the journey.”
A second shared: “Amazing island with many pleasant and playful seals, spectacular landscapes and great marine life. Whether you’re staying on land or going swimming or diving with the seals, it’s effectively price a go to.” A third commented: “I was dreading the boat trip, but it was actually fairly good. The island is wonderful, with views and a few good walks around the island. Well really helpful for others.”
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