Lundy Facts for Kids

Lundy is a small island located off the coast of Devon, England, in the UK. It has a very tiny population, making it a peaceful place. In the 1930s, the island's owner even created his own stamps and coins, pretending Lundy was its own independent country! Today, you can rent cottages on Lundy for a unique holiday. You can reach the island by helicopter or by ferry during the summer months.

Exploring Lundy Island
Images for kids
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Exploring Lundy Island

Lundy is a special place, known for its amazing nature and interesting history. It's a great spot for adventurers and nature lovers.

Getting to Lundy

The main way to get to Lundy is by boat. The island's own ferry, the MS Oldenburg, sails from Ilfracombe or Bideford in North Devon. The journey takes about two hours. During the winter, a helicopter service also flies to the island. This makes Lundy feel very remote and exciting to visit.

Staying on the Island

Lundy offers a variety of places to stay. You can rent one of the island's many cottages. These range from old lighthouses to historic farm buildings. Staying overnight lets you experience the island's quiet beauty after the day visitors leave.

Wildlife and Nature

Lundy is a haven for wildlife. It's a National nature reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. This means its plants and animals are protected.

Birds of Lundy

The island is famous for its seabirds. You might spot puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. These birds nest on the cliffs during spring and summer. Birdwatching is a very popular activity here.

Marine Life

The waters around Lundy are also protected. They are part of the UK's first Marine Conservation Zone. This area is home to many sea creatures. You can see seals, dolphins, and even rare corals. Snorkeling and diving are popular ways to explore the underwater world.

Unique Plants and Animals

Lundy has its own special plant, the Lundy cabbage. This plant grows only on the island. You might also see Sika deer, goats, and ponies roaming freely. These animals add to the island's wild charm.

Lundy's History

Lundy has a long and fascinating history. People have lived on the island for thousands of years.

Ancient Times

Evidence shows people lived on Lundy in the Stone Age. There are also ancient burial mounds. These tell us about the island's early inhabitants.

Pirates and Shipwrecks

Because of its location, Lundy was sometimes used by pirates. In the 17th century, Barbary pirates even used it as a base. The island's rocky coast has also caused many shipwrecks over the centuries. One famous wreck was the HMS Montagu in 1906.

The Harman Family Era

In 1925, Martin Coles Harman bought Lundy. He declared himself "King" of Lundy. He issued his own coins and stamps, which are now collector's items. This is why Lundy is sometimes called a "micronation". His family owned the island until 1969.

National Trust Ownership

Today, Lundy is owned by the National Trust. It is managed by the Landmark Trust. They work to protect the island's natural beauty and historic buildings. This ensures Lundy remains special for future generations.

Images for kids

Lundy's jetty and harbour
Map by Henry Mangles Denham (1832)
Inscribed stones
Marisco Castle
Millcombe House
Interior of St. Helen's Church, prior to the east window's restoration in 2018
Exterior of St. Helen's Church, taken prior to the 2018 renovations
Government House, built in 1982
One Puffin coin of 1929, bearing the portrait of Martin Coles Harman
Battleship HMS Montagu aground on Lundy in 1906
Remains of one of the Heinkels just south of Halfway Wall
Lundy granite with joints
Lundy cabbage (growing at Bristol Zoo)
A group of six puffins on Lundy, June 2008
Sika deer
The Lundy ferry Oldenburg sails into Ilfracombe Harbour, North Devon, past inflatable ThunderCat powerboats waiting to begin an offshore race.