Local area

Ilfracombe is the gateway to the heritage coast, nestling snugly amongst the rugged cliffs of the majestic Atlantic Coast

There really is plenty to do for all ages in the local area and for those that would like to explore further afield.

The town has grown up around an ancient harbour where the M.S Oldenburg regularly sails to Lundy Island. With its array of shops, cafes and bars, Ilfracombe has an almost continental atmosphere.

There is no end of things to do in and around Ilfracombe during your stay!

Ilfracombe is blessed with having a variety of events, attractions and places to eat – please take a minute to do a bit of research as to what you would like to do when you are staying with us.

A great place to start planning your visit is the Visit Ilfracombe website where you'll find lots of information about all of the amazing activities and places to visit while you're here. Alternatively why not pop in to the Tourist Information Centre next to the Landmark Theatre to browse the leaflets or book tickets for various excursions. Here are a few of our favourite ideas...

Staying local - take a walk to the harbour to see Damien Hirst's statue Verity and St Nicholas' chapel, which houses the oldest working lighthouse in the country. Wander around the shops and art galleries, grab something to eat or drink from the cafes, bars or ice cream shops. For the more energetic you could walk to one of the amazing viewpoints, or complete the Ilfracombe four peaks challenge. You can access the SW Coast path for some fantastic walks with gorgeous views and we have maps available to borrow. At the rear of the property are playing fields, great picnic spots and the local swimming pool.

On the beach - we have a small sandy beach and lots of rocky coves around Ilfracombe, where you can chill out, have a picnic or eat your fish and chips (watch out for the seagulls), make sandcastles and explore the rock pools. The Tunnels beach in Ilfracombe is quite unique and holds a blue flag. Nearby Woolacombe is famed for having one of the best beaches in the country, and Croyde and Saunton make a great trio of beaches for fantastic surfing, body boarding or family beach day. And when you get back we even have a warm outside tap for washing sandy feet or wetsuits!

Get afloat - a number of companies offer trips to Lundy island and around the local coastline. You can explore the small coves, look out for the varied wildlife or enjoy the wonderful sunsets from trip boats, RIBs and even a decommissioned lifeboat! You can charter boats for sea fishing or go diving or snorkelling with the seals around Lundy. The more energetic can get out under their own power on a kayak or paddleboard.

Shopaholics - there are some lovely shops selling souvenirs, curiosities, artworks and plenty of food in Ilfracombe. Further afield are the Pannier markets in Barnstaple and Bideford, and the other side of Bideford you'll find the Affinity outlet centre.

Days out - we're ideally placed for exploring all that North Devon has to offer, or even to pop over the border into Cornwall to see the unique village of Clovelly. Closer by is Exmoor with its zoo, Lynton with its famous funicular train powered by water, the Wildlife and Dinosaur park at Combe Martin and the Broomhill sculpture park at Muddiford.

Adrenaline junkies won't be disappointed whether they take part in a session of coasteering, surfing lessons, or try their skills at quad biking or on a segway. The Aqua Park at North Devon Wake Park provides a 'total wipe out' style experience alongside wakeboarding and ringo rides. If you still have any energy left, the fantastic skate park at Ilfracombe is a few minutes walk away from the property.

For the kids a day out at the Big Sheep or Milky Way Adventure Park will be a memorable part of their holiday but equally time on the beach, trying to catch crabs or exploring rock pools are ways to have a lot of unforgettable fun for free.

Sporty types will find plenty of attractions - the local swimming pool and gym is a short walk away and Ilfracombe tennis club has 7 outdoor courts available to be booked. There are golf courses at Ilfracombe, Woolacombe and Saunton, all with spectacular views.

Finally, there's plenty to do indoors if the weather takes a turn for the worse. There's Let's Go in Barnstaple with bowling, indoor play and other activities, and Air Extreme offers a whole load of trampoline based fun. Did you know that Ilfracombe has a museum and a Chocolate Emporium? Down at the Quay you'll find our aquarium and Dice and a Slice offer the chance to play all sorts of board and dice based games while enjoying a drink and cake. And of course at Marine Court we have board games, a pool table, darts and TVs with DVD players to entertain you.

For your own benefit, it is advisable to book restaurants in advance particularly during the summer months!