About Ilfracombe
The harbour town of Ilfracombe, gateway to the heritage coast, is surrounded by rugged cliffs and beautiful scenery. The area has been popular since the 1930’s when Victorians started to visit and much of the architecture still remains today. The old harbour still bustles with fishing boats and there are regular ferries to the peaceful Lundy Island , a sanctuary for local wildlife. Ilfracombe today has an almost continental atmosphere and is home to many local festivals and events. There are many award winning blue flag beaches nearby including the unique tunnels beaches, Hele Bay, Woolacombe and Croyde, for the keen surfer. The town has many awards from the “Britain in Bloom” competition and has many excellent restaurants including No 11 The Quay owned by internationally renowned artist Damien Hirst . Along the Promenade is the Famous Landmark Theatre know locally as “Madonnas Bra” due to its conical bra-like shape. There are many shops and cinemas in town as well as a local leisure centre and the new Ilfracombe Aquarium.

Walkers will enjoy the wonderful National Trust cliff top Torrs walk, which runs from Ilfracombe to Lee Bay with wonderful coastal scenery or visit the beautiful Watersmeet at nearby Lynmouth a remarkable 1,000 acre estate known as the English Switzerland with woodland paths and riverside walks where you may catch a glimps of wild Red Deer. Take the Cliff Railway from Lynmouth back up to Lynton for the Valley of the Rocks walk, just one of the many walks which form part of the 630 mile South West Coast Path

For those who enjoy shopping there is nearby Barnstable with its historic Pannier Market and a wide variety of traditional and modern shops.The Market town and port of Bideford is also nearby and the Atlantic Village shopping outlet can be found just outside the town where you can pick up many designer bargains as well as entertain the kids!