Inlet of the Atlantic Ocean, southwestern England.
It extends about 85 mi (135 km) between southern Wales and southwestern England, ranging from 5 to 43 mi (8–69 km) wide. Lundy Island, once a pirate stronghold, lies in the centre of the channel; it is maintained as a trust preserve. Ships using the English port of Bristol and the Welsh ports of Swansea and Cardiff pass through the channel.