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You are here > Explore > Villages & Towns > Ilfracombe
Situated in the beautiful North Devon and minutes from the centre of the lovely harbour town of…
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.
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.
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.
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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Nr Woolacombe, Ilfracombe
Self Catering Cottages
Tucked away in rural North Devon are Trimstone Manor Cottages. The cottages are conveniently located 1/3 mile off the busy A361 however, once you…
Croyde
Whether you’re searching for a private hot tub or stunning coastal views we have a wide range of holiday cottages suitable for everyone.
At Croyde Holidays we have…
Ilfracombe
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Bideford
Hockings Dairy Cream Ices is a small, long established family business which manufacture and retail their own original vanilla dairy ice cream from an old recipe handed down…
Ilfracombe
Situated in the picturesque harbour town of Ilfracombe our award winning park, owned and managed by the Dovey family for over forty five years, offers the perfect destination…
Croyde, Braunton
Blue Groove is an atmospheric yet laid back cafe - restaurant. Situated in the heart of Croyde, a beautiful (and handy!) spot, in a wonderful part of the world.
The…
Umberliegh
Higher Hacknell Farm have been working since 1985 to produce the finest organic meat. When you buy direct from the family farm and butchery, you can guarantee the true…
Bideford
Peace and Quiet in Rural North Devon
Raleigh Barn is a peaceful 2 bedroom holiday cottage nestled in the beautiful rural countryside of North Devon.
Recently…
Devon is a beautiful county and so it isn’t surprising that so many people want to stay there, we’re committed to making sure that our guests have the best possible…
Bideford
Dan from Clovelly Fish is committed to sourcing and selling the freshest local fish of the finest quality, straight off local boats.
Where to buy?
Hatherleigh market…
Barnstaple
Each visitor to The Old Vicarage Bed and Breakfast is welcomed by Sandi or Bryan with homemade cake and fresh milk and can look forward to a quiet night’s sleep in a…
Taunton
Founded in historic Wiveliscombe in 1979, Exmoor Ales take pride in their heritage as an innovative brewer of traditional cask ales. Having won many awards over the years,…
Ilfracombe
Three Grade II listed luxury bank barn conversions situated in a truly magical setting on the edge of Exmoor National Park just two miles from the bay at Combe Martin.…
Combe Martin
OSKC Watersports is located on the edge of Exmoor in Combe Martin, North Devon and is the premier kayak and stand up paddle board hire, sales and watersports centre in North…
Hele
We are a small-batch artisan brewery working out of a former Edwardian gas works in the coastal village of Hele. We produce twelve (and counting) hand-crafted beers ranging…
Braunton
From April till the end of June, Broadlands farm produces fresh Braunton asparagus on the perfect sandy soil next to Braunton Burrows.
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In an around…
Barnstaple
Tennacott Dairy is based on a family farm on the outskirts of Bideford. They use milk from their dairy herd to produce a range of different flavours of ice cream. They aim to…
Braunton
Pickwell Manor is set in a beautiful countryside location within six acres of garden and grounds. The grounds offer glorious views over the surrounding Devon countryside to…
Woolacombe
For the past 21 years David Kennard and his family have hosted Sheepdog and Falconry Shows at Borough Farm. Starting as a farm diversification project, the Wednesday evening…
Lynton
Wicked Wolf Exmoor Gin™ is a premium craft gin made from botanicals distilled on Exmoor. 11 botanicals are individually distilled and then expertly blended on the banks of…
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