Ilfracombe

Ilfracombe has long been the leading holiday resort in North Devon. It has a natural harbour set among spectacular cliffs and coves, used by local fishing boats and by pleasure craft. The town itself contains many elegant Victorian buildings, occupied by a wide range of local shops and galleries. There are plenty of places to stay if you want to use Ilfracombe as a base for a holiday to remember, and plenty to do if you want to come here on a day trip or weekend break.

A new ferry service is due to start in early 2011 linking Ilfracombe and Swansea.

At the Seaside

For those who want a family seaside holiday, Tunnels Beaches provide safe bathing areas with secluded beaches and a boating pool. Access to the beach is through tunnels carved through the cliffs in the 1820s. To the east of Ilfracombe is Hele Bay, with its rock pools and sandy inlets.

If you want to see more of the sea, there are boat trips from the harbour, including a ferry to Lundy Island and an Exmoor coast excursion. You can also book sea fishing trips with a number of skippers that operate from Ilfracombe.

For more information on Lundy and for sailing times visit www.lundyisland.co.uk.

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Out and About

Ilfracombe also offers plenty of opportunities for walkers and nature lovers. Even a short walk along the seafront can literally be taken on several levels. The hilly terrain provides good exercise and some spectacular views, while the less adventurous can stick to the promenade. Nearby Hillsborough provides good views both of the town and of the surrounding countryside.

If you want to go further afield, the Torrs Walk, a cliff walk through National Trust property, has been described as one of the finest walks in England. Ilfracombe is also conveniently situated on the South West Coast Path and on the Tarka Trail, a network of footpaths and cycle paths across North Devon.

North Devon also boasts some of the best surfing beaches in Europe in Woolacombe, Saunton and Croyde.

Indoor Attractions

The Landmark Theatre is a modern entertainment complex overlooking the seafront. It offers a varied programme of events all year round. Other all-weather attractions include a museum of local history, and an aquarium covering both river and sea life.

Shopping

Ilfracombe has a busy High Street, which can supply most of the needs of local people and visitors alike. There are branches of the major banks, a range of food shops selling local produce, and plenty of places to look for gifts and souvenirs.

Accommodation

There are many accommodation options in and around Ilfracombe from campsites, cosy B&B's and cottages through to a large range of hotels to suit all budgets.

More Information

The first place that any visitor should head for is the Ilfracombe Tourist Information Office near the Landmark Theatre. The helpful staff will be able to tell you all you need to know about the area and provide an extensive range of leaflets, maps and information.

For details of local shops and services as well as events in and around the town visit the Town Crier site.

You can find a wealth of information about North Devon by visiting the North Devon and Exmoor website.

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All pictures © Paul Warren 2005-2011