MS Oldenburg - The Ferry to Lundy Island

MS Oldenburg is a British passenger ferry serving the island of Lundy  in the Bristol Channel. The ship was named after the former grand duchy of Oldenburg, Germany, and launched on the 29th March 1958 in Bremen. On the 6th August she was delivered to Deutsche Bundesbahn Schiffsdienst Wangerooge, used as a ferry service between the mainland and the Frisian island of Wangerooge.

She was first chartered by and then sold to Reederei Warrings in 1975 for duty-free shopping cruises around East Frisia. In 1982 she was sold to Harle-Reederei Warrings in Carolinensiel, Lower Saxony, Germany. In November 1985 she was sold to the Lundy Co. Ltd. to replace Lundy's transport boat, the Polar Bear. After a refurbishment at Appledore Shipyard and receiving new engines in 1986, she began her journeys for passengers and supplies to the island of Lundy.

The Oldenburg is a graceful motor vessel, fast, comfortable and built on traditional lines. Below decks she retains her original panelling and brass fittings, but has been skilfully modernised to provide heated saloons, bar, buffet, shop and information centre. On board we have a bar, buffet, shop and information centre. The bar offers a wide range of drinks and a relaxing atmosphere, whilst hot and cold food is provided at the buffet. You can while away the time in our well stocked shop or find out more about the island at the information centre. The Oldenburg can carry 267 passengers and is available for private charter. Whether for a cruise to Lundy, an evening river cruise from Bideford, a coastal cruise from Ilfracombe or can be chartered as a venue to hold private functions or conferences.

Getting to Lundy

Between 27 March and 26 October 2010 the island ship, MS Oldenburg, sails from Bideford and Ilfracombe, weather permitting. From 18 January 2010 – 22 March 2010 and 29 October 2010 – 3 January 2011 a helicopter service is operated between Hartland Point and Lundy. Visitors staying on Lundy will require return transport tickets, which should be purchased no later than 14 days prior to travel. The timetable is available here.

Landmark Trust Travel Details

Payment for accommodation on the island does not entitle you to transport to the island.
Passages can be secured only by buying a ticket, which should be done when your final payment is due (usually three months before your departure). If you do not wish to travel on a day when transport is provided, it may be possible for you (usually at greater cost) to charter suitable boats in Bideford or Ilfracombe, or a helicopter. We can provide further details. The start and end dates of your booking must correspond with the sailing or the helicopter timetable. If you do not arrive on MS Oldenburg, we will charge you for carrying your luggage to and from the top of the island. Our Lundy Shore Office is always delighted to answer queries, or help with any particular requirements you may have. The telephone number is 01271 863636. They can be contacted between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

Travelling by MS Oldenburg 27 March 2010 – 26 October 2010
Return tickets cost £56 for adults, £28 for children under 16 and £9 for babies and children under four. The journey to or from Lundy usually takes less than two hours. The ship's departure time from Lundy will be posted on the Tavern notice-board at least 24 hours before the sailing. Some sailings return you to a different port from that which you departed. Please refer to the sailing timetable. When the coach/transport link is required between the ports of Ilfracombe and Bideford, we are happy to co-ordinate this service if you let us know on your return journey aboard MS Oldenburg.

Cancelled sailings
Like any other sea journey, the crossing to Lundy is subject to sea and weather conditions and sometimes we are unable to sail to or from the island on the planned day. If this happens we will arrange for a local helicopter operator to take you to or from the island at a subsidised price of £25 for adults and children under 16, provided that flying conditions and helicopter availability allow it and that you have paid for a passage on MS Oldenburg. Babies under two go free.

Facts and Figures

General Characteristics

Further Information

For more information about the island - including accommodation, activities, wildlife and to order a brochure visit their website here...