Ilfracombe

Nestling snugly amongst the rugged cliffs of the majestic Atlantic coast sits Ilfracombe - Gateway to the Heritage Coast - an historic and charming natural harbour surrounded by beautiful and breathtaking scenery.

The resort has been popular since the 1830"s when the Victorians started to visit the area and much of the architecture today is a reminder of the Victorian era. Many of the large, elegant buildings, have since been converted into quality hotels.

The town has grown up around an ancient harbour where today fishing vessels share anchorage with pleasure craft, and from where the M.S. Oldenburg regularly sails to Lundy Island, twelve miles off the coastline.

With its array of shops, cafes and bars, Ilfracombe has an almost continental atmosphere. Ilfracombe is the base for many varied festivals. The town has a growing reputation for its floral displays and has been the proud winner of many coveted awards in the "Britain in Bloom" Competition. Each year the streets are awash with colour from June to October with baskets, tubs and planters everywhere. Alternatively, visit the Landmark Theatre in the striking new building on the harbour front for some theatrical entertainment.

Ilfracombe is also the start of the Coast to Coast cycle route 31 which runs all the way to Plymouth on the south coast and connects to the Sustrans National Cycle Network at Barnstaple.