curious coastal charm
North Devon coast’s largest harbour, famous tunnels beach, boat trips, undercover attractions and stunning coastal walks
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Main Attractions
Please check with Ilfracombe Tourist Information Centre for opening times of attractions. Undercover
Partially undercover
Watermouth Castle
Ilfracombe Princess Coastal Wildlife Cruises
Family theme park based around historic castle set above Watermouth Cove. Heritage displays, curios and dungeons within castle; external rides, slides and activities set in the sub tropical gardens. Water rides, fountains and water gardens. 3 miles from Ilfracombe harbour, on the No. 30 bus route along the A399.
Spectacular sea cruises along the Heritage Coastline with regular sightings of seals, porpoises and nesting birds. Large catamaran, commentary, toilet and comfortable seating for 100 passengers.
See www.watermouthcastle.com or call 01271 867474 for more information Hele Corn Mill 16C working water mill and museum, plus tea rooms. Working 18ft overshot waterwheel. Stone ground flour from the mill can be purchased in the shop.
Visit www.ilfracombeprincess.co.uk or call 01271 879727 Ilfracombe Aquarium This award-winning aquarium provides a fascinating insight into the watery world of North Devon. Follow a unique journey from the source of an Exmoor stream down to the Atlantic ocean. Gift shop, café and sun terrace.
Check www.helecornmill.com or call 01271 863185 for opening times
Visit www.ilfracombeaquarium.co.uk or call 01271 864533
Chambercombe Manor
Landmark Theatre, Pavilion and Café Bar
Historic house and gardens noted in the Domesday Book, with the intriguing story of the hidden room and its tragic occupant uncovered in 1738. Featured on Most Haunted. The Manor has period features including barrel ceiling and Tudor frieze, including those in the room Queen Jane is said to have slept in. Regular tours throughout the day.
Iconic cones mark this attraction. Music, comedy and theatre, plus regular events in the Pavilion. Bouncy castle and other children’s attractions on the Pavilion Lawns in the summer months, as well as bank holiday beer festivals. Dramatic ocean views from the café.
Visit www.chambercombemanor.org.uk or call 01271 862624 for opening times and information. Art & Craft Society’s Gallery Situated on the ground floor of the Emmanuel Church, opposite the Landmark Theatre. An outstanding collection of original paintings, woodturning, glass, ceramic and porcelain sculpture, fabric works produced by talented local artists. A percentage of sales are given to local charities. Call 01271 864864 or visit Ilfracombe Tourist Information Centre for details.
Visit www.northdevontheatres.org.uk or call 01271 865655 Ilfracombe Museum A treasure trove of weird and wonderful global and natural history curiosities including things children can handle. Pickled bats, a two headed kitten plus costumes and maritime exhibits set out in 8 themed areas. Make your own brass rubbings. Visit www.ilfracombemuseum.co.uk or call 01271 863541 Tunnels Beaches
For lovers of all things chocolatey! See chocolate being hand made in the chocolate theatre, visit the chocolate museum, and buy chocolate gifts.
Hand carved tunnels through the cliffs leading to unique sheltered beaches and tidal Victorian bathing pools inaccessible by other means. Well presented history of the tunnels throughout. Indoor and outdoor play areas, toilets, shop and café.
Visit www.chocolate-emporium.co.uk or call 01271 867193 for more information.
Visit www.tunnelsbeaches.co.uk or call 01271 879882
Walkers Chocolate Emporium
Tourist Information
curious coastal charm
Ilfracombe Tourist Information Centre Located at the Landmark Theatre in the middle of the cones. Extensive visitor information on Ilfracombe and wider North Devon. Coach, Lundy ferry, attraction and accommodation bookings. Popular shop. Open all year.
Barnstaple Bideford
Exeter
www.visitilfracombe.co.uk Call: 01271 863001
Plymouth
Getting about and public transport
The Tourist Information Centre can help with any information and bookings, or see:
South West Coast Path
www.southwestcoastpath.com for maps, route calculators and detailed information on the routes. Ilfracombe is a ‘Walkers are Welcome’ town.
Cycle Route NCN27
The Devon Coast to Coast cycle route, www.nationalcyclenetwork.org.uk
Buses
Regular buses to the whole of North Devon, www.traveline.org.uk or call 0871 200 22 33.
Coach Travel
Daily National Express service, www.nationalexpress.com
Trains
Hourly service between Barnstaple/Exeter and bus connections on to Ilfracombe, www.nationalrail.co.uk for information and ticket bookings.
Taxis
Information from the Tourist Information Centre 01271 863001
Lundy Ferry
Tourist Information and Accommodation
For all information on Ilfracombe visit www.visitilfracombe.co.uk call 01271 863001 or pop into the Tourist Information Centre located at the Landmark Theatre.
Ilfracombe has a wide range of accommodation in and around the town; camping, holiday parks, luxury B&Bs, boutique hotels, and self-catering accommodation. All can be booked via the Tourist Information Centre.
Weather
Ilfracombe is well known for its mild micro-climate. To find out the latest weather forecast visit www.metoffice.gov.uk and type in ‘Ilfracombe’ as the location.
WiFi
Available at many places around the town.
www.lundyisland.co.uk or call 01271 863001
Leaflet design by
Follow signs for short and long term car parks in the town. Call Tourist Information Centre on 01271 863001 for parking permits.
www.visitilfracombe.co.uk
Car Parking
fresh-bread.co.uk
Famous for Food! With an excellent reputation for its restaurants and cafés, Ilfracombe boasts a huge range of eating experiences including ice cream parlours, traditional fish & chips, tapas and formal dining. From traditional to international and from fine dining to ‘cheap and cheerful’, every menu style is represented and every palate is catered for. Many attractions have cafés and tea rooms attached, but other locations offering eateries, pubs and bars include:
Harbour Area
Fore Street
Seafront
Town Centre
On the southern side of the working harbour you can buy seafood and fish, fresh from the trawler. Whilst on the north side Damien Hirst’s popular restaurant is situated. Don’t miss Ilfracombe’s unique ‘spaghetti’ ice cream, and there is also a range of harbourside pubs, some with garden terraces.
Discover a range of cafés, bistros, restaurants and ice cream parlours along St James Place and Wilder Road.
A cluster of restaurants, bistros and bars can be found in the oldest part of Ilfracombe. Discover the oldest tavern in the town, dating from 1360, alongside bistros and restaurants, including fine dining and alfresco tapas. Fore Street is fast becoming Ilfracombe’s ‘Foodie Quarter’
Head up Fore Street into the High Street for excellent cafés and tea rooms plus a variety of bars, pubs and take-aways.
Ilfracombe hosts a range of exciting events throughout the year, many having a national profile. Many events, festivals, performance and music events are held at the Landmark Theatre & Pavilion and in other venues around the town. Ilfracombe’s famous Victorian Week is held mid-June, and late June sees the Gold Coast Oceanfest surf and music festival in nearby Croyde. The seafront and harbour areas hold a number of outdoors events including the May Day/Jack-in-the Green celebration and Ilfracombe’s annual motorbike show. Many water related events happen during the summer including the Gig Regatta, Lundy Yacht Race, RNLI and Rescue Day events. There is regular gig racing throughout the summer and Sea Ilfracombe; a celebration of Ilfracombe and its relationship with the sea in September. Fore Street is the venue for a number of events through the year. The road closes, there are entertainers, food and drink stalls, competitions and music into the evening.
Tourist Information
For detailed event & dining information visit The Tourist Information Centre www.visitilfracombe.co.uk
Beaches & Coves 1 White Pebble
A wonderful secluded pebbly beach approached by steep steps.
2 Tunnels Beaches
Victorian hand carved tunnels through the cliffs to unique tidal bathing pools. Toilets, play areas, shop and café. Entry fee to beaches.
3 Wildersmouth
Small beach with stream, rocks and the famous Preachers Rock.
4 Harbour, known as Strand Beach
Small but beautiful golden sandy beach at all but the highest state of tide, easy access and ideal for families.
5 Rapparee Cove
A hidden and secluded cove with shipwreck history, great for children. Discover the story of the bones from the 1795 shipwreck of the ‘London’.
6 Hele Beach
Pretty sand and pebble cove a 15 minute scenic walk over Hillsborough from the harbour.
Curiosities and Viewpoints 7 Hillsborough
Fabulous viewpoint and site of an iron age fort.
8 Capstone Place
Home of Tarka the Otter author Henry Williamson.
9 Capstone
Wide Victorian promenade around dramatic headland, viewpoint from the top.
10 Clapping Circle
Coast Path Walking & the NCN Cycling Route 15 South West Coast Path
Dramatic coastal views. Walk eastwards to Watermouth, Berrynarbour and Combe Martin, or westwards towards Lee Bay and the lighthouse at Bull Point. Look out for the interpretation boards along the route.
16 Cycling NCN Route 27
Ilfracombe to Plymouth Coast to Coast cycle route makes much use of old railway lines. Start at the harbour and get your ‘passport’ stamped at the Pier Hotel.
16 Route 27 Walking
A beautiful woodland path along Ilfracombe’s old railway line to the stunning and peaceful reservoir; the perfect picnic spot. The start of the famous Tarka Trail walking routes throughout North Devon.
Sports, Games & Activities 17 Swimming Pool
Swimming, sauna, and weekend fun sessions for children.
18 Larkstone Lawn Games
Tennis, pitch & putt, croquet, bowls, table tennis, 9 pin quoits. Mini sizes for children plus play area and café. Turn up and play.
19 Fishing
Fish from the pier and Capstone, deep sea fishing from the harbour, course fishing at Slade. Bait shops in the town.
20 Diving
Stand in the centre and clap to hear a ‘ping’ echo back!
Contact Ilfracombe Sub Aqua Club (07891 176609) for diving in the waters around Ilfracombe.
Test your triple jump skills to see if you can beat Britain’s best triple jumper, who lived in Ilfracombe.
All weather tennis courts are available in Bicclescombe Park.
11 Jonathon Edwards Jump 12 Pleasure Gardens
Delightful Runnymede Gardens with water feature and bandstand, backed by the exotic sub tropical Southern Slopes gardens.
13 The Roundhouse
Dramatic round house built following a challenge to a Victorian architect. Beautiful gardens and views. Can be hired as a holiday let. Occasionally open to the public.
14 The Cairn
Extensive views and pleasant bluebell woodlands at this tranquil nature reserve with extensive birdlife and other wildlife. Learn about the ghost of the pedler!
21 Tennis
22 Crazy Golf
On Ilfracombe’s sea front.
23 Skate Park
Skate boarding, scootering and BMX riding for all ages. Open all year.
24 Golf
Stunning 18 hole course. Visiting golfers welcome.
25 Sea Swimming
Safe bathing pools at Tunnels beaches.
26 Bicclescombe Park
Beautiful public park with mature gardens and lake plus old corn mill, tea room and play area.
To Plymouth NCN 27
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Tourist Information Sea Front
Capstone Hill
16 43
Lantern Hill
19 32 33 41 44 45
Damien Hirst’s Verity At over 20m tall Verity is a bronze statue of a pregnant woman holding a sword aloft and a set of scales. Overlooking the harbour, Verity represents truth and justice and is Ilfracombe’s new must see attraction.
The UK’s first Courteous Town
Ilfracombe is the first town in the UK to complete a new programme run by the National Campaign for Courtesy to recognise businesses for their courtesy. The Right Honourable Ann Widdecombe presented the Mayor of Ilfracombe with a certificate marking this achievement after more than 100 businesses took part. www.pleaseandthanks.co.uk
Discover ...
Main Attractions
Undercover Partially undercover
27 Watermouth Castle 28 Hele Corn Mill 29 Chambercombe Manor 30 Art & Craft Society’s Gallery 31 Walkers Chocolate Emporium and Chocolate Museum 32 Ilfracombe Princess Coastal Wildlife Cruises 33 Ilfracombe Aquarium 34 Landmark Theatre, Pavilion and Café 35 Ilfracombe Museum 36 Tunnels Beaches For further details of main attractions please see overleaf.
Town Centre 37 Explore Ilfracombe Town Centre, an architectural Victorian splendour. Discover the charm and personal service of Ilfracombe’s traditional family businesses but be assured of the availability of modern essentials, unique gifts and traditional cinema.
Expe
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Harbour 38 Working Fish Quay
Catches landed daily: crab, lobster, bass, rays and others. Beware of hazards in this working area.
39 Fish Shop
Buy freshly caught fish right by the quay, in addition to crab sandwiches, jellied eels and other snacks.
40 Lifeboat Station
Get a close up look at the lifeboat and meet the crew. Great for children. Free entry.
41 Boat Trips
A wide variety of boat trips from the harbour area; wildlife cruises, fishing trips, trips to Lundy Island, day cruises around the Bristol channel.
42 Old Quay Head
Ancient listed pier structure. Look eastwards and spot the famous Ilfracombe elephant!
43 Lantern Hill
Climb up to the cannon for a fantastic viewpoint; just like the bow of a pirate ship!
44 St Nicholas Chapel
Over 650 years old and believed to be the oldest working lighthouse in Britain. Still used to guide ships today. Open to the public. Free entry. Great viewpoint.
45 Horse and Carriage Rides
Operate June to September between harbour and sea front.
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curious coastal charm