Ilfracombe

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

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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.

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from 259 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…
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from 97 review(s)
Barnstaple Hotel Brasserie

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With its contemporary styling and light, airy feel, their Brasserie has an atmosphere that is all its own. This is the perfect setting in which to sit back and enjoy the fine…
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The Barnstaple Hotel

Barnstaple

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Ruda Holiday Park - Parkdean Resorts

Croyde, Braunton

New for 2020: Ruda Holiday Park is now pet friendly! Booking is now available for 2020 on select caravan holidays.
Wake up to one of the most spectacular views in Devon…
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Watermouth Family Theme Park And Castle

Ilfracombe

A visit to the wonderful world of Watermouth Family Theme Park & Castle is a unique and magical experience the whole family can enjoy. Step back in time to enjoy some of the…
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from 2355 review(s)
Clovelly

Bideford

Clovelly, North Devon. Welcome to a different world

The picturesque, ancient, fishing village of Clovelly is uniquely special and was once owned by the Queen of…
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The Imperial Hotel

Barnstaple

The Imperial Hotel in Barnstaple is a flagship of Brend Hotels, the leader in West Country luxury hotels. It is perfectly placed to enable you to visit the beautiful…
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from 54 review(s)
The Arlington Restaurant - Imperial Hotel

Barnstaple

The Arlington Restaurant in Barnstaple has a reputation as one of the best restaurants in North Devon. You can choose from the table d'hote menu, which is changed daily or…
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from 1548 review(s)
Exmoor Zoo

Bratton Fleming, Barnstaple

Enjoy a day out in the North-west of Exmoor at Exmoor zoo, one of the “West-country’s hidden gems” on the edge of the National Park. Here you can experience a truly unique…
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,…
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Beachside Grill at Saunton Sands Hotel

Saunton, Braunton

The Beachside Grill is the sister café to the Saunton Sands Hotel, find it overlooking North Devon’s famous Saunton beach next to the beautiful Saunton Sands hotel. The grill…
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from 752 review(s)
The Red Lion

Clovelly, Bideford

A lovely AA 4 star inn, built in the 18th century. It lies astride the 14th century quay with commanding views in every direction. It was originally a beer house for…
Royal & Fortescue Coffee House

Barnstaple

Set right by the lounges of the Royal & Fortescue Hotel, their Coffee House is a delightful place to take some precious time out to relax. Be tempted by the array of cup…
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from 63 review(s)
Golden Bay Holiday Village

Bideford

Golden Bay Holiday Village, in the heart of Westward Ho! on the breath-taking North Devon coastline, has been run by the Hall family since 2015 it was built on the grounds of…
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from 296 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…
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from 1301 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,…
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from 1619 review(s)
Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park

Ilfracombe

Devon's lost world!
A visit to Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park is a must! Nestling in the depths of a Valley is Devon's very own prehistoric park, home to an…
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from 2566 review(s)
Dining at Saunton Sands Hotel

Saunton, Braunton

The Dining Room
The Dining Room at Saunton with its AA-rosette status and enviable views of miles of world biosphere dunes and beach, is oozing art deco glamour. Open…
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from 84 review(s)
Lord Fortescues Restaurant

Barnstaple

Their mouth watering menus are complemented by personal attentive service and the impressive surroundings. The Lord Fortescue, and every lunch time, as well as Saturday and…
Classic Glamping

Escape to the wild in comfort and luxury on your glamping adventure. Choose the perfect retreat for exploring North Devon’s coastline and countryside. Watch the twinkle of…

Itinerary Planner

Popular with holiday makers

Visit Verity

Haven for foodies

Number of results:

Braddicks Holiday Centre

Barnstaple Hotel Brasserie

The Barnstaple Hotel

Ruda Holiday Park - Parkdean Resorts

Watermouth Family Theme Park And Castle

Clovelly

The Imperial Hotel

The Arlington Restaurant - Imperial Hotel

Exmoor Zoo

Marsdens Devon Cottages

Beachside Grill at Saunton Sands Hotel

The Red Lion

Royal & Fortescue Coffee House

Golden Bay Holiday Village

Sandaway Beach Holiday Park

RHS Garden Rosemoor

Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park

Dining at Saunton Sands Hotel

Lord Fortescues Restaurant

Classic Glamping

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Itinerary Planner

Ilfracombe

Popular with holiday makers

Visit Verity

Haven for foodies

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Search Accommodation

Search Things to Do

Search What's On

Search Food & Drink

Search Shopping

Search Accommodation

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