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With breath-taking coastline views, delicious fresh seafood and a historical past perfectly illustrated through its scenic harbourside, museums and natural wonders, Ilfracombe is a destination that offers everything you need for a seascape trip.
Bask in the unique Tunnels Beaches
Kick start your trip to Ilfracombe by visiting the Tunnels Beaches, which are four tunnels hand-carved in the 1820s. You can experience what life was like back in the Victorian era by reading more about the funny etiquette for boys, girls and when you have to boat with ladies! You can discover how the tunnels and pools were created and helped rejuvenate Ilfracombe from a small fishing village into the well-known seaside resort we love today.
Swing to win with our 60 minute Golf Lesson with a PGA Professional
Step up to the tee and hit a hole-in-one with our 60 minute Golf Lesson with a PGA Professional offer. If you’d love to improve your game, why not put away the instructional books and videos, and instead get tips from a PGA professional. Available at your choice of location in Ilfracombe, after getting plenty of tips and advice, you’ll soon be driving and putting like a pro - and who knows the Ryder Cup team might beckon for you! Your lesson is tailored to your ability, so no matter whether you love golf as a hobby or take it more seriously, this is ideal for you.
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Deep dive underwater at Ilfracombe Aquarium
See the wonders of water as you immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring world of aquatics at the Ilfracombe Aquarium. Home to over 75 species of fish - some of which you’d never seen before - visiting is essential if you enjoy rockpooling, fishing, scuba diving or are fascinated by fishy friends. The award-winning Aquarium is perfect to visit for an educational and enlightening day trip and is located in the historic Old Lifeboat House.
Ride with the tide on an Ilfracombe Sea Safari
You’ve heard of a safari around Africa, but have you ever done a sea safari? The Ilfracombe Sea Safari takes you on an exhilarating ride through the North Devon coast where you can see all the beautiful views from the Smugglers Caves in the east to the Bull Point Lighthouse in the west. Joined by a knowledgeable and fun team, keep your eye out for seals, dolphins, porpoise and plenty of birdlife on your journey.
Discover hidden treasures at Ilfracombe Art & Craft Society
Uncover North Devon and Exmoor with a stroke of a brush and canvas when you enter the Ilfracombe Art & Craft Society. Whether you love local seascapes, harbour scenes or picturesque natural settings, the gallery offers a wide selection and variety of paintings created by local artists. It’s not just art, there are plenty of creative crafts too - from stained glass works, jewellery items and pottery to woodwork, handmade cards and knitted creations, you're in for an arty treat.
Feel alive when you drive at Keypitts
Go full throttle with Keypitts, which is an activity centre offering quad biking and 4x4 Land Rover experiences. An amazing activity to enjoy with family or friends, quad biking caters for all ages and abilities as you drive through 200 acres of challenging pathways. If you’ve dreamt of driving a Land Rover, then enjoy a 30-45 minute drive through 200 acres of off-road course. Keypitts doesn’t just offer activities for petrolheads, but you can also try your hand at axe throwing - something you’d probably never imagined doing!
A fun-filled day at Watermouth Castle and Theme Park
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,No trip to Ilfracombe is complete without visiting one of the West Country’s biggest attractions - Watermouth Castle and Theme Park. Set in a Victorian Castle you can enjoy everything from rides, play areas and lovely landscaped gardens. Including a water show, dungeon, gnome land, merry-go land and adventure land, Watermouth Castle and Theme Park overlooks the scenic Watermouth Cove, so you’re in-store for a magical experience filled with imagination and entertainment.
Step back in time at Mortehoe Museum
Opened in 1996, Mortehoe Museum is housed in a former cart linhay barn with its gallery providing visitors with an insightful trip through the village’s rich heritage. Covering coastal settings, the age of steam railways, farming and the local tourism boom, you’ll get to discover more about picturesque Mortehoe & Woolacombe. After all that learning, pop into the shop to buy maps, postcards or locally produced arts and crafts.
Visit the historic St Nicholas Chapel
Want to see one of the oldest working lighthouses? You’re in luck if you visit Ilfracombe. Perched on Lantern Hill, St Nicholas Chapel overlooks the scenic harbour and dates back to the 14th century. Named after St Nicholas - the patron saint of sailors - the Chapel was built as a place of worship for the seafarers of Ilfracombe. During the 15th century it’s beacon guided ships into the harbour and it’s still in use today.
Learn about the Domesday Book at Chambercombe Manor
Set in a secluded area, Chambercombe Manor featured in the Domesday Book in 1162 and the property has been preserved in all its glory ever since. Previously owned by the Champernon family, in the early 16th century it became the property of Henry Duke of Suffolk, father of the ill-fated Lady Jane Grey. Containing eight rooms with period furniture from the Elizabethan to the Victorian era’s - you can also roam the grounds of its lovely gardens, ponds and wooded walkways, before heading for a cuppa and cake in the tearoom afterwards.
Souvenir spotting at Ilfracombe Artisan Shop
If you’re looking for a souvenir then a visit to FortyThree is definitely needed. This co-operative place is the hub for local artisan makers to showcase their handmade creations. Opened in July 2017, you can choose from a range of items from art, jewellery and clothing to ceramics, sewn goods and felt. With each piece being unique, you won’t find it anywhere else!
Scenic wonders on the Ilfracombe Princess Wildlife Cruises
One of the best ways to see the North Devon coastline is to hop on the Ilfracombe Princess Wildlife Cruise and experience the wonders of the water up close. The fully licensed 100-seater passenger boat offers panoramic views from the top deck with ample seating, so you can enjoy the bays, coves and wildlife.
Visit Ilfracombe’s Oldest Street
Fore Street leads into and out of the harbour settlement and is known as the resort’s oldest street. The street includes cottages, inns and workshops, many of which date back to the middle ages - and why not stop off at the George and Dragon tavern, which has been open since 1360. So, if you want to take a stunning snap of Ilfracombe for your social media, this is the best place to do it.
Be enlightened at Ilfracombe Museum
Opened in 1932, Ilfracombe Museum is home to collections of art and photography to costumes and archaeology. Including eight rooms, there are almost 28,000 items in the Museum's collection, which cover local history, taxidermy, natural history and so much more. While you’re there you can gain an insight into the rich history of Ilfracombe, so you’re clued up on the seaside resort you’re about to discover.
More things to do in Ilfracombe
Dog-friendly things to do in Ilfracombe
Going to Ilfracombe with your pooch? No worries there are plenty of pawsome dog-friendly activities to keep your furry friends occupied.
- Bask in the beautiful Bicclescombe Park: The paw-fect public park for your dog to stretch their paws if they’re itching for walkies.
- Wonderful Wildersmouth Beach: A beautiful beach for pooches that love exploring with everything from sand surfaces, rocks and seawater - your dog will have hours of fun.
- The Buzzing Quince Honey Farm: If your doggo wants a more leisurely day out, then check out this hive of activity.
- Saunton Sands splendour: To give your pooch a bit of sandy variety, this beach provides a different perspective of the North Devon coast, but is ideal for doggy-paddling.
- Explore Cairn Woodland Local Nature Reserve: With 15 acres of woodland and grassland, it is great for your pooch to run around.
- Awe-inspiring Exmoor National Park: Offering stunning landscapes, your dogs will have plenty of opportunities to explore.
FAQs
What is Ilfracombe known for?
The town of North Devon is a popular seaside resort for tourists with sandy beaches, sublime seafood, stunning coastal views and a fascinating history.
Is Ilfracombe beach dog friendly?
A trip to Ilfracombe is perfect for dog owners with its large sandy beaches and crisp seawater, it’ll provide plenty of opportunities for your pooch to enjoy your trip.
