MS Oldenburg trip

There is a transport boat, the MS Oldenburg, that goes either from Bideford, or Ilfracombe to Lundy Island (schedule depends on tide times). Occasionally, they move the boat from Bideford (15 mins from the cottage) to Ilfracombe as a one way trip. We did this trip recently, and it is a nice two-hour cruise that goes down the estuary from Bideford, past Appledore and then down the coast. It can be breezy so best to have an extra layer even on a nice day.

It is one way only so you have to park up in Bideford, do the boat trip, then catch buses back to Bideford – about 1h 45, two buses (total £6 per adult), and fairly straight forward.

It is an alternative to going to Lundy, which is a longer and more expensive trip (although good if you want to do it). The Lundy website is https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/lundyisland/day-trips/bookings/ but to book the Bideford – Ilfracombe cruise you need to call 01271 863636 as it does not show as a bookable option on their website. Tickets £18 for adults, £9.50 for children, and family tickets are £42.

Sailing dates in 2025 from Bideford are Monday 28th July (9:30) , Friday 15th August, Friday 29th August and Friday 12th September (all at 10:00).

We can recommend The Lime Kiln in Ilfracombe https://thelimekilncafe.co.uk/ for lunch, although there are plenty of other options in Ilfracombe.