Ilfracombe continues to be a top destination for summer 2023 holidays. With its quaint coastal charm, working harbour, plenty of water sports and attractions to keep the whole family engaged this year.
Things to Do & Discover
Here are just some of the many great things to do and see during your visit to Ilfracombe. The town is packed full of family-friendly attractions and activities, including beaches ideal for sunbathing, water sports, and pretty much anything in between. Summer 2023 sees the opening of our brand-new Watersports Hub centre at Larkstone which means the harbour will also be used for much more leisure activities.
Home to many world-famous attractions, including the unique and historic Tunnel Beaches, and Damien Hirst’s sculpture Verity located beside the harbour, symbolising the modern allegory of truth and justice. With award-winning beaches, theatres, theme parks and annual events, it’s not hard to see how Ilfracombe has been a particularly popular resort since the Victorian era.
Out of This World Beaches
On one hand, there is Wildermouth Beach, Rapparee Cove and Hele Cove, which boast great rock pooling and if you’re looking for something a little more secluded. On the other hand, there is Tunnels Beaches, one of the most famous beaches in North Devon. Known for the iconic hand-carved tunnels that were built in the 1820s by the Victorian’s, it is now a popular heritage attraction and wedding venue. If you make your way through the tunnel you are welcomed by a truly picturesque beach like no other.
A little further afield is the tiny village and beach of Lee Bay which has truly wonderful beaches off the beaten track; and then within 15 minutes you quickly arrive at the vast Woolacombe and Saunton Bay beaches. Though these beaches get busy be sure to venture to the middle of the long sands to set up your home on the sand.
Enchanting Attractions
There is a whole host of ways to ensure your time is well spent. You can get a ferry or helicopter over to Lundy Island, a protected nature reserve that can be seen from the mainland. Get up close and personal with North Devon’s puffin population and a huge variety of bird, wild and marine life including seals and dolphins. Not to mention, an abundance of activities such as swimming, snorkelling, climbing all from this truly magnificent island. Book in advance through the Landmark Trust https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/lundyisland/day-trips/bookings/ or Visit Ilfracombe.
Back to the mainland, one of the most loved local attractions has to be Ilfracombe Aquarium. Discover and learn all about the magical marine life both near and far, boasting over 75 different species. The town has it’s own museum packed to the gunnells and featuring eclectic collections of natural history items & cultural relics & curiosities.
Family fun can be enjoyed at Watermouth Castle, which is at the eastern edge of town. This is good for a wet or dry day with plenty of covered activities and curios to enjoy.
The Favourite Spot For Foodies
Ilfracombe is top of the destinations for discovering incredible food and drink venues. With its bustling harbour port, you will certainly find many places that serve day boat fish and seafood. Not to mention the freshest of fish and chips and what better place to eat them than by the harbour or on the beach looking taking in the sea views.