Ilfracombe

Ilfracombe is a beautiful coastal town with grand villas and quaint terraces, retaining much of its Victorian charm and character. Set between the National Park of Exmoor to the East and the golden coast, with surfing beaches, to the West, it makes the ideal holiday location.

Ilfracombe has a history dating back to the iron age but became a very popular holiday town during the Victorian era, and was visited from far beyond our British shores; a favourite with the well-healed and royalty to boot! Today it still welcomes visitors from far and wide, and is home to the Landmark Theatre, St Nicholas’ Chapel (Lantern Hill), Ilfracombe Aquarium, Ilfracombe Museum, Chambercombe Manor and many other places of interest. Visit the Tourist Information Centre, in The Landmark Theatre, for hundreds of other ways to occupy you and your family, in and around Ilfracombe.

Activities

There are many beaches to explore and even more walks; including the coastal path, in both directions and the Tarka Trail. Regular boat trips and pleasure cruises from the harbour, include day trips to the breath-taking Lundy Island. You will find fishing tackle available for hire near the Harbour, plus directions. On the Sea Front, you will find an attractive crazy golf course, whereas Larkstone Pleasure Gardens offers: lawn bowls, croquet, tennis or putting and table tennis, with a nine hole adjacent Pitch and Putt Golf course, along-side the Swimming Pool, with its spectacular views of the Harbour. One mile East of the town, toward Combe Martin, is Ilfracombe’s (18 hole) Golf Club, which welcomes visiting players, as does Ilfracombe’s Tennis Club, located at Bicclescome Park. The award-winning, unique Tunnels Beaches has great all-weather activities for children, including a stunning wooden ship and soft play centre, plus kayaks and snorkles for their sea-water bathing pool. The more hardy of you may like to kayak in the harbour, or even scuba dive! There are horse riding establishments near Ilfracombe, and Ilfracombe Yacht Club offers a full programme of sailing and social events for visitors.

Food & Drink

Ilfracombe boasts a good selection of cafes and tea rooms, plus many of North Devon's finest restaurants, so you can afford to be fussy.

Accommodation

Although there are not the number of hotels on offer, as there used to be, there is still a good selection of guest houses and B&Bs. There is also the choice of various campsites and caravan parks, plus John Fowler Holidays’ vast range of holiday park accommodation. Contact the Tourist Information Centre for information and booking.

Travel

Ilfracombe is well served with buses; including a daily National Express from London, Victoria. The nearest train service is Barnstaple, which is approx 40 mins by bus. Taxis are always available in the town. The TIC may have a bus timetable for you to take away.

Holiday anytime of year!

Spring

Ilfracombe is a self-sufficient town, and although in the Summer months welcomes the bustle of jolly holidaymakers, the Spring reveals the real Ilfracombe. You can take advantage of warm, sunny days exploring the walks and beaches without having to share them with crowds. You’ll also benefit from lower accommodation rates and quiet roads. There are some glorious sunsets to be seen from most parts of Ilfracombe.

Autumn and Winter
See the town revert to normality after the hectic summer months. The autumn will still offer some mild weather for great outdoor activities, and the winter, virtually frost free, is rarely inhibiting. You could join us for Christmas, and share in some of the community festive celebrations.

Click here for more information about Ilfracombe and a map of North Devon.