Ilfracombe

To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site. Find out more here.

“Our holiday turned to a unique adventure for each and every generation as we found so much on offer” Richards family - York 2019

Itinerary Planner

Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.

To build your own Itinerary, click Add to Excursion to add an item to your Itinerary basket.

Ilfracombe’s reputation as the culinary and cultural hub of North Devon has been steadily growing for the past few years, with many visitors referring to it as the new St. Ives.

As well as being a haven for foodies, the town is home to a host of world famous attractions including the world famous aquarium and the unique Tunnel Beaches, as well as Damien Hirst’s sculpture, Verity.

Popular with holiday makers

Ilfracombe has been popular with holiday makers since the 1800s thanks to its stunning coastline, where you’ll find a host of award-winning sandy beaches and unique attractions. The town is surrounded by beaches, making it the ideal location for anyone looking for a beach holiday. On one side there is Wildersmouth Beach which you can access via the South West Coast Path, as well as Rapparee Cove and Hele Cove, which are smaller, secluded areas ideal for rock pooling.

The Tunnels Beaches is one of the most famous beaches in the area and also double as a wedding venue and a heritage attraction. Hand carved in the 1820s, these tunnels are a unique look at the town’s Victorian history.

The installation of the four tunnels are what transformed this fishing town into a popular seaside resort without sacrificing Victorian etiquette. The tunnels were how men, women, girls and boys were segregated on their way to the beach. Once you’ve made your way through the historic tunnels, you will find yourself on a unique and stunning, secluded beach. It’s no wonder that this area has become a premium wedding location in Ilfracombe, the rugged coastline makes for an incredible backdrop to wedding photos! Even if you aren’t getting married, it is a wonderful place to spend a few hours learning about the town’s heritage and taking in the sights.

Aside from the beach, Ilfracombe is full of family friendly attractions and activities from the Aquarium in the harbour to Watermouth Castle and theme park, which combines the remains of a Victorian era castle with a theme park and gorgeous landscaped gardens. Arts and crafts are also popular in Ilfracombe with regular events and galleries dotted around the town, perfect for those that love the arts. The annual Arts Trail is hugely popular and draws in huge crowds every year, so make sure to add the dates to your diary! For other creative entertainment, check out the programme at Ilfracombe’s Landmark Theatre, ranging from vintage festivals to internationally acclaimed music, drama and comedies.

Visit Verity

Another reason why Ilfracombe is known all over the world is because it is home to renowned artist Damien Hirst’s famous 20m high sculpture

Whether you love her or hate her, Verity is hard to miss. You’ll find her at the pier overlooking the Bristol Channel towards Wales. The statue is of a pregnant woman holding a sword and a set of scales while standing on a pile of books. Half the statue shows the woman’s insides with the foetus on full show, Damien Hirst described the statue as being a modern allegory of truth and justice and whether you like it or not, no trip to Ilfracombe would be complete without paying her a visit.

Haven for foodies

If you’re someone looking for a foodie break, head for Fore Street where you’ll find Ilfracombe’s gastronomic hub. Many of the town’s restaurants and other eateries can be found here and there are a whole load of other high quality menus featuring seasonal, local produce around the harbour. The town has some incredible views which makes it the perfect place for fine dining, particularly if you time it right so you catch a sunset right as your dinner is being served.

Being one of the most historic harbours and a popular fishing points in the north of the county, Ilfracombe has an abundance of wonderful seafood menus, if you’re not a fan of seafood, don’t worry, there are a whole range of culinary delights to choose from in this charming seaside town.

Number of results:

Number of results: 268

, currently showing 1 to 20.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 449 review(s)
Croyde Bay Holiday Resort

Croyde, Braunton

Fabulous Hotel and Self Catering located next to the beach in Croyde, North Devon. Perfect for families in the school holidays or for couples and groups looking for short…
Marsdens Devon Cottages

Braunton

Marsdens Devon Cottages is one of the 29 truly-local brands bought together within the Original Cottages family.
Original Cottages is the UK’s leading, independent,…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 340 review(s)
Putsborough Sands Caravan Park

Braunton

Our unique and coveted Beach Site enjoys unrivalled panoramic views over the Atlantic. There are very few sites anywhere in the South-West that occupy such a favoured…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 1869 review(s)
Dining at The Barnstaple Hotel

Barnstaple

Don’t miss out on mouth-watering cuisine and a choice of luxurious places to eat while in Barnstaple.
At the Barnstaple Hotel, we know we’re one of the best places to…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 2551 review(s)
Leisure & Spa at Saunton Sands Hotel

Saunton, Braunton

While you’ll never be short of things to do at Saunton Sands Hotel, on the off chance that you would rather spend a few days chilling out, they’d like to welcome you to their…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 62 review(s)
Skern Lodge

Appledore, Bideford

Skern Lodge has been using the outdoors for adventure activities since 1976. We are committed to the highest standards in all aspects of the business.
Situated on the…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 257 review(s)
Braddicks Holiday Centre

Bideford

Braddicks Holiday Centre is an award-winning, self-catering Holiday Park in Westward Ho!, North Devon, set beside an award-winning beach. From this base you can explore a…
Clovelly Court Gardens

Bideford

Clovelly Court Gardens are a classic example of a Victorian walled kitchen garden to visit in North Devon. They are another 'must' whilst visiting the famous village. Its…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 2159 review(s)
The Milky Way Adventure Park

Clovelly, Bideford

This fantastic all-weather day out for the whole family has been named North Devon’s Best Attraction and Devon’s Best Large Attraction in recent years - and when you visit…
Bideford Bay - Parkdean Resorts

Bideford

When it comes to Devon caravan holidays, you’ll find everything you could ask for and more at Bideford Bay. With its gorgeous hilltop setting, amazing woodland location and…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 1297 review(s)
RHS Garden Rosemoor

Great Torrington, Torrington

RHS Rosemoor is an enchanting 65-acre garden offering year-round interest. Visit us for inspiration, tranquillity or simply a marvellous day out while in the Devon region,…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 21 review(s)
Seasons Brasserie, Park Hotel

Barnstaple

Choose between fine dining in their Seasons Brasserie restaurant, more relaxed dining in their stunning Seasons Bar or go al fresco with views overlooking Rock Park. Seasons…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 2551 review(s)
Saunton Sands Hotel

Saunton, Braunton

Saunton Sands is a flagship of Brend Hotels. It is a fabulous four star art deco hotel in a world class location overlooking three miles of one of the UK’s best beaches.
…
Squires Fish Restaurant

Braunton

Famous throughout the West Country for our Award-Winning ' Fish and Chips'. Rick Stein Recommended. Varied Menu including Home-made Burgers Poached Fish and Vegetarian meals.…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 406 review(s)
Newberry Valley Park

Ilfracombe

Newberry Valley Park is a family-run, dog-friendly caravan park and campsite, nestled in a picturesque and peaceful valley on the edge of Combe Martin village in North Devon.…
North Morte Farm Caravan & Camping Park

Woolacombe

Our family run caravan and camping park, adjoining National Trust land, is only 500 yards from Rockham Beach and set in some of the most spectacular countryside in the…
Heddons Gate Hotel

Martinhoe, Barnstaple

Welcome to the Heddon Valley where the South West Coast Path dips down to the sea close to Heddon's Mouth.
Heddon's Gate is tucked away high up on the eastern side of…
Classic Cottages (Agency)

Helston

Classic Cottages provide a wide range of holiday cottages in Devon and across the UK. Starting in 1977, Classic Cottages have become a brand based on their dedication to…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 295 review(s)
Sandaway Beach Holiday Park

Ilfracombe

Set on the edge of a cliff, this family fun holiday park has incredible sea views and a private beach, Mermaid’s Cove which is perfect for rock pooling. Return from the beach…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 1172 review(s)
Dining at The Park

Barnstaple

Enjoy mouth-watering fine dining in Barnstaple, awarded four stars, the team are very proud to offer our guests great dining in amazing surroundings. You have the choice…

Itinerary Planner

Popular with holiday makers

Visit Verity

Haven for foodies

Number of results:

Croyde Bay Holiday Resort

Marsdens Devon Cottages

Putsborough Sands Caravan Park

Dining at The Barnstaple Hotel

Leisure & Spa at Saunton Sands Hotel

Skern Lodge

Braddicks Holiday Centre

Clovelly Court Gardens

The Milky Way Adventure Park

Bideford Bay - Parkdean Resorts

RHS Garden Rosemoor

Seasons Brasserie, Park Hotel

Saunton Sands Hotel

Squires Fish Restaurant

Newberry Valley Park

North Morte Farm Caravan & Camping Park

Heddons Gate Hotel

Classic Cottages (Agency)

Sandaway Beach Holiday Park

Dining at The Park

Search Accommodation

Search Things to Do

Search What's On

Search Food & Drink

Search Shopping

Search Accommodation

Search Things to Do

Search What's On

Search Food & Drink

Search Shopping

Further pages in this section

Contact Us

Request a Guide

Travel Info

Itinerary Planner

Ilfracombe

Popular with holiday makers

Visit Verity

Haven for foodies

Number of results:

Search Accommodation

Search Things to Do

Search What's On

Search Food & Drink

Search Shopping

Search Accommodation

Search Things to Do

Search What's On

Search Food & Drink

Search Shopping

Further pages in this section

Contact Us

Request a Guide

E-newsletter

Travel Info