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Daily Mirror
21-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
'Mysterious' UK island with 'tiny' population, no cars and a dark past
This island has a population of around 28 people, making it one of the UK's least densely populated islands. Tucked away off the UK coast lies a little-known island that feels like a step back in time. With no cars, a handful of residents, and an atmosphere of untouched charm, this hidden gem has earned a spot on Wanderlust Magazine's must-visit list for summer. Ranking amongst the top 30 of Britain's secret places to visit, Laundy Island in Devon stands out for its captivating appeal. The travel experts wrote: "This island feels like a lump of the Hebrides mysteriously dumped in the south-west. "It is a wild, beautiful and almost treeless place, with a tiny resident population, no cars, 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 chance to get away from it all ensures that few visitors only come here once." Why visit? If you're looking for peace and serenity, this is the place to visit. Lundy is the largest island in the Bristol Channel, located 12 miles off the coast of Devon, England. The secluded island boasts an average residential population of 28 people, including a warden, an island manager, a farmer, a shopkeeper, maintenance and housekeeping staff, and a kitchen team in the Marisco Tavern, reported Bideford Council. The Landmark Trust said: "Just off the coast of Devon, surrounded by the clear waters of the Atlantic, Lundy Island is a world apart. "A haven for divers, climbers and birdwatchers, Lundy is an island of contrasts with spectacular coastal scenery and sheltered valleys, rich in wildflowers and wildlife. And at the end of the day, swap tales of your adventures in the friendly Marisco Tavern." Lundy Island's dark history This seemingly quiet island is rich in history and has a turbulent past, once serving as a haven for rebels and pirates. In 1235, nobleman William de Marisco was linked to the murder of a royal messenger, and three years later, a failed assassination attempt on King Henry III was traced to his family. William sought refuge on Lundy Island, where he constructed a stronghold at the site now known as Bulls' Paradise. In 1242, he was seized along with 16 of his followers, transported to London, and executed for treason. By 1250, King Henry III reinforced the island's importance by building a castle there. Fast forward a few centuries to 1627, and Barbary pirates, also known as the Salé Rovers, took control of Lundy, utilising it as a base to plunder ships and coastal towns, kidnapping locals for ransom or enslavement. Five years later, under the reign of King Charles I, the Royal Navy regained control of the island. During the English Civil War, Lundy was the last Royalist stronghold, surrendering in 1647. How to visit There are only two modes of transport that can get you to Lundy Island. From April to October, visitors can reach the island via the Landmark Trust's own ship, the MS Oldenburg. The ship departs from both Bideford and Ilfracombe around three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with an extra day added on Wednesday during July and August, reported Bideford council. According to Lundy Trust, return tickets for the 2025 period cost: £97 for adults £51 for children under 16 £23 for infants under four Day return tickets are cheaper: £54 for adults £28 for children under 16 Infants under four travel free of charge. A family ticket for two adults and two children is £125. However, the MS Oldenburg is out of service during the winter months. Between October and March, a scheduled helicopter service from Hartland Point provides access to the island. Tickets cost £174 for adults, £96 for children under 16, and £26 for infants under two. Flights operate on Mondays and Fridays between 12 noon and 2pm, departing from a field near the Beacon at the top of Hartland Point. Visitors have the option to stay overnight in one of the 23 different accommodations available. Prices start at £168 for a four-night stay in a small cottage or you can opt to stay in the Lundy Vestry, which was constructed by Reverend Hudson Heaven in 1896. A four-night stay in the St Helens church will set you back just over £300.
Otago Daily Times
11-07-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Dunedin makes global list of LGBTQ+-friendly destinations
An international travel site has proclaimed Dunedin to be a friendly place for the LGBTQ+ community, but advocates say much work is yet to be done. Wanderlust Magazine recently published a list of nine up-and-coming LGBTQ+ destinations across the globe, in which it described Dunedin as a "safe haven" for members of the community, as well as acknowledging the city as "the wildlife capital of the country". "Throughout the year, the city hosts LGBTQ+-friendly events, including the Dunedin Fringe, as well as having numerous local queer-friendly and queer-owned eateries and businesses in Dunedin." It comes off the back of the latest census, which reveals Dunedin has a high LGBTQ+ adult proportion of individuals at 7.5%, second only to Wellington at 12%. The national median is about 5%. Dunedin Pride secretary Eliot Weir said while it was always encouraging to get such publicity, constant work and development were always needed. "I think it's definitely a culmination of countless people in the community creating some really cool community spaces. "You've got bars like Woof and other queer-friendly businesses, cafes, board game shops, all that, that are just welcoming spaces, but have also been hosts to Pride Month events or whatever else. "I think, in particular, institutions like Toitū [Otago] Settlers Museum and the Hocken Collection have also definitely taken a lead in that as well." Dunedin was a place where people could be "unapologetically themselves", they said. "It's definitely a close-knit community, both the queer community but also the Dunedin community itself." Dunedin Fringe Arts Trust operations manager Katrina Thomson said she was pleased to hear about the publicity. "It's wonderful that Ōtepoti is building the reputation of being a diverse and inclusive community. "We are lucky to have amazing groups in Ōtepoti that celebrate LGBTQ+-identifying people such as Dunedin Pride, UniQ, our drag community and queer-owned businesses like our friends at Woof!, to name a few." Ms Thomson said there were plenty of opportunities. "Keep supporting queer communities and platforms that champion diversity, and challenge discrimination when you see it." The other destinations listed were Nepal, Chiang Mai, Thailand, Mauritius, Sardinia, Italy, Slovenia, Montevideo, Uruguay, Puerto Rico and Salt Lake City, Utah.
NZ Herald
31-05-2025
- NZ Herald
Travel Alerts: Otago's eco win, NYC's budget-friendly summer, winter reds and bold burgers await
Each week in Travel, we check out some of the latest happenings from Aotearoa and beyond to inspire your next adventure. Dunedin's Otago Peninsula Dunedin's Otago Peninsula has earned a spot on Wanderlust Magazine's 2024 Green List, the only New Zealand entry to make it this year. This internationally recognised
