Ilfracombe, Devon travel guide and Ilfracombe information

$Photo of Ilfracombe$

Visit Ilfracombe

Ilfracombe is one of the larger Devon towns, and the most popular resort town in the region. It is situated on the north-eastern coast of the county, within the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, to the west of Exmoor.

The town itself has preserved a great deal of its Victorian heritage and has much to enjoy, from grand villas overlooking the sea to small traditional whitewashed cottages. There are numerous shops, pubs and restaurants and a sprinkling of art galleries. There is also very wide choice of places to stay, from hotels to self-catering cottages.

Visit Ilfracombe

$Ilfracombe during a storm$ It is around the impressive Ilfracombe harbour that you will spend most time, a very pretty harbour surrounded by cliffs and hills. During the summer you will often find that there are also events and displays around the harbour to keep you entertained.

Several beaches are to hand, all of a high standard, and you will find just what you are looking for - be it a small quiet cove or a large sandy beach sloping gently to the sea.

There are also numerous opportunities for surfers (Woolacombe a little way south-west is perhaps the best known) - or surf schools if you fancy learning something new on holiday!

Head up to Hillsborough Hill, poised above the town, for lovely views across Ilfracombe harbour and the beach and coast.

Walking the coast is also popular, as are cycling, horse-riding etc

To visit near Ilfracombe, Devon

- Boat trips from Ilfracombe to nearby Lundy Island are popular, offering a chance to see exceptional scenery and some of the wide range of wildlife to be found on and around the island. Another ferry will show you the wildlife to be discovered on the coast.

- Ilfracombe Golf Club claims to be one of the best courses in Devon and welcomes guests (I'm not a golfer so can't comment on the course...)

You can find more local travel ideas in the North Devon guide and the Devon guide.