Ilfracombe guidebook
Beaches
A few minutes walk from the apartment, you access the little beach a historic victorian tunnel carved in to the rock. Visit at low tide to use the natural swimming pool. There are toilets and a small shop ... there is a smallish entry charge.
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Tunnels Beaches
Bath PlaceA few minutes walk from the apartment, you access the little beach a historic victorian tunnel carved in to the rock. Visit at low tide to use the natural swimming pool. There are toilets and a small shop ... there is a smallish entry charge.
The other end to Woolacombe beach so miles of sand and great surf. There are also plenty rock pools for kids to play in. A bit further to drive but worth it for close parking, a little cafe and nice toilets.
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Putsborough Beach
Vention LaneThe other end to Woolacombe beach so miles of sand and great surf. There are also plenty rock pools for kids to play in. A bit further to drive but worth it for close parking, a little cafe and nice toilets.
The big one! 3 miles of yellow sand. Great for surfing and you can hire everything you need on the beach. If it looks busy by the main car park you can continue to Marine Drive and get to the beach through the sand dunes. Please only swim between the lifeguard flags. Putsborough beach is at the far end, with parking and a small cafe & shop
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Woolacombe Beach
The big one! 3 miles of yellow sand. Great for surfing and you can hire everything you need on the beach. If it looks busy by the main car park you can continue to Marine Drive and get to the beach through the sand dunes. Please only swim between the lifeguard flags. Putsborough beach is at the far end, with parking and a small cafe & shop
just round the headland from Woolacombe. Best visited at low tide, Barricaine has a shell beach with a little beach cafe (the one that serves curry in the evening). At low tide you can walk round to Combesgate, a beautiful sandy beach with rock pools and great surf.
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Barricane Beach
just round the headland from Woolacombe. Best visited at low tide, Barricaine has a shell beach with a little beach cafe (the one that serves curry in the evening). At low tide you can walk round to Combesgate, a beautiful sandy beach with rock pools and great surf.
A slice of Thailand in North Devon! It's a bit of a walk down about 200 steps and there are no facilities but the views are to die for. Lovely sheltered cove with calm waters, it's also great to kayak to from Combe Martin or Watermouth Bay. Only visit at low tide.
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Broadsands Beach
A slice of Thailand in North Devon! It's a bit of a walk down about 200 steps and there are no facilities but the views are to die for. Lovely sheltered cove with calm waters, it's also great to kayak to from Combe Martin or Watermouth Bay. Only visit at low tide.
A short drive away or longish walk over Hillsborough. A sheltered cove with cafe and toilets. Calm water so good for swimming and kayaking. Good for climbing rocks and enough sand for sandcastles. There is a very reasonable car park just behind the pub.
Hele Bay
A short drive away or longish walk over Hillsborough. A sheltered cove with cafe and toilets. Calm water so good for swimming and kayaking. Good for climbing rocks and enough sand for sandcastles. There is a very reasonable car park just behind the pub.
Great Outdoors
If you have your own bikes you can cycle from Ilfracombe. Follow Station Road to the start of the trail. If you need to hire bikes you can drive to Barnstaple train station to Tarka Trail Cycle Hire and from there cycle to Fremington, Appledore and Bideford - A great day out!
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Tarka Trail Cycle Hire
If you have your own bikes you can cycle from Ilfracombe. Follow Station Road to the start of the trail. If you need to hire bikes you can drive to Barnstaple train station to Tarka Trail Cycle Hire and from there cycle to Fremington, Appledore and Bideford - A great day out!
At Combe Martin beach you can hire all the equipment you need then go off to explore the local coast and find hidden beaches. Check the tides, swell and weather first!
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Surfside Kayak Hire
Borough RoadAt Combe Martin beach you can hire all the equipment you need then go off to explore the local coast and find hidden beaches. Check the tides, swell and weather first!
There are are plenty of fishing or sightseeing trips you can book from the harbour. We would recommend Ilfracombe Sea Safari for fishing trips or a fun thrill ride on the orange powerboat. Try the Ilfracombe Princess for a more sedate sightseeing trip.
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Ilfracombe SeaSafari
11 The QuayThere are are plenty of fishing or sightseeing trips you can book from the harbour. We would recommend Ilfracombe Sea Safari for fishing trips or a fun thrill ride on the orange powerboat. Try the Ilfracombe Princess for a more sedate sightseeing trip.
A short drive to a nice easy walk or cycle through woodlands around a lake.
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Wistlandpound Reservoir
A short drive to a nice easy walk or cycle through woodlands around a lake.
National Trust house with an extensive garden, including a walled garden and woodland walks. The house is quite small but there is also a separate carriage museum. There are often crafts and activities for kids in the holidays. Currently you have to book a time slot.
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Arlington Court
National Trust house with an extensive garden, including a walled garden and woodland walks. The house is quite small but there is also a separate carriage museum. There are often crafts and activities for kids in the holidays. Currently you have to book a time slot.
10 min drive, beautiful gardens with a cafe serving cream teas and lunches. A great plant shop too
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Marwood Hill Gardens
10 min drive, beautiful gardens with a cafe serving cream teas and lunches. A great plant shop too
Worth the 45 min drive to one of the biggest gardens in the country. Currently you have to book a time slot
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RHS Garden Rosemoor
Worth the 45 min drive to one of the biggest gardens in the country. Currently you have to book a time slot
Nick and his crew offer private or group surf lessons at Putsborough beach ( the far end of Woolacombe beach). Also coasteering for the adventurous of you!
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Nick Thorn Surf Coaching
Nick and his crew offer private or group surf lessons at Putsborough beach ( the far end of Woolacombe beach). Also coasteering for the adventurous of you!
Situated in the middle of woolacombe village, run by Zoe & Gary. They have a great team of surf instructors.. especially Rosie who taught me and I can even stand up now (just about!). They will also hire wetsuits and boards and they are great with kids.
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Woolacombe Surf Centre
Barton RoadSituated in the middle of woolacombe village, run by Zoe & Gary. They have a great team of surf instructors.. especially Rosie who taught me and I can even stand up now (just about!). They will also hire wetsuits and boards and they are great with kids.
Family fun
Watermouth castle is little theme park only 10 minute drive. Great for primary school age kids. It's a bit bonkers with an old castle full of old penny machines and curiosities, a fountain light show, a luge/ toboggan run and lots of fairground style rides. It's within a valley so you get lovely views but its a bit of a workout with a buggy or wheelchair.
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Castillo de Watermouth
Watermouth castle is little theme park only 10 minute drive. Great for primary school age kids. It's a bit bonkers with an old castle full of old penny machines and curiosities, a fountain light show, a luge/ toboggan run and lots of fairground style rides. It's within a valley so you get lovely views but its a bit of a workout with a buggy or wheelchair.
A lovely zoo set in a pretty valley with monkeys, lions, penguins, a sea lion show and animatronic life sized dinosaurs. There is also a large soft play . The cafe does a decent chilli and vegan curry (although a limited menu was running during covid-19 so hopefully they are back to full menu in 2022!)
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Parque de Vida Silvestre y Dinosaurios de Combe Martin
A lovely zoo set in a pretty valley with monkeys, lions, penguins, a sea lion show and animatronic life sized dinosaurs. There is also a large soft play . The cafe does a decent chilli and vegan curry (although a limited menu was running during covid-19 so hopefully they are back to full menu in 2022!)
Indoor trampoline park (30 min drive), the toddler sessions ( 18 months - 5 years) are a blast! booking online essential
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Air Extreme Trampoline Park
1 Lauder LnIndoor trampoline park (30 min drive), the toddler sessions ( 18 months - 5 years) are a blast! booking online essential
2 minute walk! Screen 7 has armchairs and all screens are licensed. it is very good value and great for a rainy day. ( there are only 3 screens - 1, 2 & 7.. weird!)
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Embassy Cinema Ilfracombe
134 High St2 minute walk! Screen 7 has armchairs and all screens are licensed. it is very good value and great for a rainy day. ( there are only 3 screens - 1, 2 & 7.. weird!)
Located at the harbour, small but good for young kids, the staff are very friendly and informative and there is a cafe with a great terrace over looking the harbour.
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The Ilfracombe Aquarium
The QuayLocated at the harbour, small but good for young kids, the staff are very friendly and informative and there is a cafe with a great terrace over looking the harbour.
Fun and friendly skate park right on the coast path - if you go early ( before 10:30am) its pretty quiet so good for little kids with scooters. Great views and Rapparee beach is just round the corner.
Ilfracombe Skatepark
Fun and friendly skate park right on the coast path - if you go early ( before 10:30am) its pretty quiet so good for little kids with scooters. Great views and Rapparee beach is just round the corner.
Cafe by the swimming pool with huge outdoor garden with sea views and go karts, trampoline and playground for kids
Larkstone Cafe Bar
Cafe by the swimming pool with huge outdoor garden with sea views and go karts, trampoline and playground for kids
Food scene
Best coffee in town and just a minute from the house! They do great breakfasts such as granola, pancakes and smoothies. Also wraps, soups and salads for lunch, delicious home made cakes too.
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Annie and the Flint
127 High StBest coffee in town and just a minute from the house! They do great breakfasts such as granola, pancakes and smoothies. Also wraps, soups and salads for lunch, delicious home made cakes too.
One of our favourites, a lovely intimate restaurant with delicious flavours and a work of art on every plate. BOOKING ESSENTIAL.
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The Antidote restaurant & boutique accommodation
20 St James PlOne of our favourites, a lovely intimate restaurant with delicious flavours and a work of art on every plate. BOOKING ESSENTIAL.
Lovely little pub serving the best Sunday roasts and midweek homemade food. A nice place to go for a pint too with a glimpse of the sea from the beer garden at the front.
Open for outdoor dining from 7th May 2021.
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The Thatched Inn
Hillsborough RoadLovely little pub serving the best Sunday roasts and midweek homemade food. A nice place to go for a pint too with a glimpse of the sea from the beer garden at the front.
Open for outdoor dining from 7th May 2021.
Nice little local Italian restaurant. Family run and they are great with kids. The tagliatelli de la casa finished off with tiramisu is my favourite!
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Giovanni & Luca
Wilder RoadNice little local Italian restaurant. Family run and they are great with kids. The tagliatelli de la casa finished off with tiramisu is my favourite!
Located in the Marine Drive car park. A fantastic little cafe right at the top of the sand dunes. Great coffee, wraps, cakes, salads, pies and vegan options.
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The Porthole
Marine DriveLocated in the Marine Drive car park. A fantastic little cafe right at the top of the sand dunes. Great coffee, wraps, cakes, salads, pies and vegan options.
Perfect place for a cream tea, in a walled garden next to the National Trust car park at Croyde beach.
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Sandleigh Tea Room & Garden
Moor LanePerfect place for a cream tea, in a walled garden next to the National Trust car park at Croyde beach.
Situated on the working side of the harbour (opposite side to all the shops). A seasonal fishmongers where you buy direct from the fishing boats. There is also outside seating for lunch serving a seafood based menu including seafood platters and crab sandwiches.
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S & P Fish Shop
1 The CoveSituated on the working side of the harbour (opposite side to all the shops). A seasonal fishmongers where you buy direct from the fishing boats. There is also outside seating for lunch serving a seafood based menu including seafood platters and crab sandwiches.
This cafe and takeaway opened Dec 2020 selling exquisite cakes made by pastry chef Bronwyn and delicious coffee from barista Alex. Also serving cocktails in the evening.
You will not be disappointed!
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Stacc
13-14 The PromenadeThis cafe and takeaway opened Dec 2020 selling exquisite cakes made by pastry chef Bronwyn and delicious coffee from barista Alex. Also serving cocktails in the evening.
You will not be disappointed!
Pizza by the slice or whole as well as tacos, wings and loaded fries. Vegan options and they are currently delivering.
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Slice of Devon
3 The QuayPizza by the slice or whole as well as tacos, wings and loaded fries. Vegan options and they are currently delivering.
If you want a bit of a hike you can walk the coast path to Watermouth harbour and reward yourself with tea and cake in a boat.
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STORM IN A TEACUP * BOAT CAFE * ILFRACOMBE
If you want a bit of a hike you can walk the coast path to Watermouth harbour and reward yourself with tea and cake in a boat.
This is our favourite fish and chips locally, you might need to queue but its worth it! Take your dinner to Combe Martin beach to enjoy and fit in a swim before sunset.
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The Black & White
Borough RoadThis is our favourite fish and chips locally, you might need to queue but its worth it! Take your dinner to Combe Martin beach to enjoy and fit in a swim before sunset.
This is where we head for ice cream, down by the harbour and it has a great selection of dairy free as well as fun flavours they make them selves. Favourites are Tiramisu, Jaffa cake and Raspberry.
Joe Deluci's
The QuayThis is where we head for ice cream, down by the harbour and it has a great selection of dairy free as well as fun flavours they make them selves. Favourites are Tiramisu, Jaffa cake and Raspberry.
New for 2023! Restaurant is open all year round and has a lovely terrace right on the water. Great menu too!
The Lime Kiln Cafe & Bar
New for 2023! Restaurant is open all year round and has a lovely terrace right on the water. Great menu too!
Perched on top of woolacombe beach with big windows over looking the sea. Lots of vegan options, great for a wet day!
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The Beachcomber Cafe
Perched on top of woolacombe beach with big windows over looking the sea. Lots of vegan options, great for a wet day!
Wild Swimming
A bit of a scramble down off the coast path as it winds up towards the viewpoint. Once on the beach walk/ climb over the rocks to the opposite side for the best swimming spots. Best at mid tide. (not great for little kids!)
White Pebble Beach
A bit of a scramble down off the coast path as it winds up towards the viewpoint. Once on the beach walk/ climb over the rocks to the opposite side for the best swimming spots. Best at mid tide. (not great for little kids!)
Only possible at low tide ( especially good during the big spring tides). So worth it if you get the timings right, the beach creates massive rock pools, some deep enough to just stand and big enough to swim some lengths. also sand to keep the kids entertained.
Grunta Beach
Only possible at low tide ( especially good during the big spring tides). So worth it if you get the timings right, the beach creates massive rock pools, some deep enough to just stand and big enough to swim some lengths. also sand to keep the kids entertained.
The beach is walking distance form the apartment, just past the harbour and the skate park ( about 20 mins) or you can park in the long stay car park on Larkstone lane. At high tide it is fab for swimming with a pebble and sand beach. It gets to a good depth pretty quick and is nice and sheltered with views of Verity.
Rapparee Cove
The beach is walking distance form the apartment, just past the harbour and the skate park ( about 20 mins) or you can park in the long stay car park on Larkstone lane. At high tide it is fab for swimming with a pebble and sand beach. It gets to a good depth pretty quick and is nice and sheltered with views of Verity.