The bold outcrop of granite that is Lundy Island juts over 120 metres into the air out of the Bristol Channel. It's just 11 miles from the North Devon coast, but feels more remote; the landscape is barren and desolate, with wild, towering cliffs, wind-battered fields, and little in the way of shelter. And like all the best natural campsites, Lundy's is essentially a field with nothing in it. Its peaceful, remote location feels a million miles from modern life, and relies solely on the simple pleasures - clear surrounding waters and dazzling night skies that remain unspoilt by the usual unforgiving streetlights. That said, in case you do start missing certain creature comforts here, such as shelter and the warming fuzz from a gulp of beer, there's a pub on the island that never shuts, so at any time of day or night there's always somewhere to cosy up and swap stories of tents blowing away in Atlantic winds.

Let's be honest, this isn't camping for beginners, but despite its bleak, isolated location, a few nights in a tent here can be invigorating. And when the wind drops and the sun appears, this may well be England's most magical camping experience.




COOL FACTOR Extreme, isolated, miles-away camping. WHO'S IN? Tents, groups - yes. Campervans, caravans, motorhomes, dogs - no. Maximum of 40 people on site.

ON SITE About 40 pitches; no hook-ups. One shower block with 3 hot showers and 4 toilets. Service washes available and you're only a short walk from the pub and shop. Bring a torch as lights go out after midnight. No campfires or BBQs.

OFF SITE Co on a snorkelling safari with the island warden in the summer months. Or just enjoy the Lundy landscape.

FOOD AND DRINK Lundy lamb is famous and delicious. The Marisco Tavern (01271 431831) is the only pub on the island and serves tasty food including Lundy lamb and locally caught fish; it also has a notice board showing what's on.

GETTING THERE The island ship, MS Oldenburg, departs from Bideford and llfracombe March-October. A helicopter shuttle service runs during the winter.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT Closest train stations to Bideford are Barnstaple (7 ½ miles away) and Chapelton (8 miles). From there you can get many frequent local buses to Bideford town centre, then boat straight to Lundy Island.

OPEN Easter-October.

THE DAMAGE Ј9-Ј13 (depending on season) per person, per night. Advanced booking essential.