Some 19 km out in the Bristol Channel, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Severn River, lies the island of Lundy. Protect by its high granite cliffs and remote location, the island has a colourful past. Today it belongs to the National Trust, is leased to the Landmark Trust and its solitary and beautiful nature brings visitors back here over and over again. Lundy has been inhabited since pre-historic times and has suffered endless disputes over its ownership. In 1242, Henry III built a castle there to consolidate his control – instead Lundy became anarchic and chaos reigned until William Hudson Heaven bought the island in 1834.

The island consists of open moorland in the north, some farmland and a village to the south. Some 20′000 visitors come there each year, for the day or to stay in one of the 23 beautifully restores buildings that include a lighthouse and a castle. Visitors can walk 11 km coastline admiring the surrounding waters from Britain’s first Marine Nature Reserve. The life there is very rich – in particular there are rare species of seaweed, corals and fans. Grey seals are much in evidence and basking sharks can also be spotted.

Much of Lundy is an area of Special Scientific Interest and the flora and fauna are rich and varied. It has its own endemic species of cabbage, and its own, distinct breed of Lundy pony. It is also, naturally, bliss for birders. Although puffins are now few, the cliffs are home to thousands of seabirds and in spring and autumn rare visitors occasionally appear having been blown off course during migration.

When to go: Any time, but April to November is probably best. Population: 18 (2007 estimate). How to get there: By ferry from Bideford or Ilfracombe or helicopter from Hartland Point.