Ilfracombe has plenty to offer visitors all year round, whatever the weather.
The Carlton’s location, close to the centre of town and Ilfracombe harbour, means that guests have a huge choice of things to do from the hotel doorstep, whether the emphasis is on fun, activities, nature, food or culture.
Let’s start at the seafront, with the town’s many small beaches dotted along the way and coastal views from hilltop paths. The harbour is the starting point for boat trips and other water based excursions, and plays host to the striking Verity, donated to the town by the artist Damien Hirst.
Local things to do in Ilfracombe include crazy golf, the ubiquitous seaside amusement arcades and visits to the town museum, the Tunnels and the RNLI lifeboat station to soak up a bit of local history. Ilfracombe’s rich Victorian tradition is all around and most evident in the architecture of many of the town’s buildings.
Through a regular Summer, there are a number of free festivals and events which take place in the town and on the seafront. The town’s cinema, Pavilion Theatre and numerous galleries provide evening entertainment programmes featuring film, theatre and the arts.
Any break away requires a little over indulgence! Excellent fish and chips, local ice creams and a Devon Cream tea are obvious ‘holiday’ choices although the town also serves up more gourmet dining options, as well as fulfilling sweet toothed desires at The Chocolate Emporium. The town’s numerous pubs and cafes are also great places to sit, enjoy the sun on your face and just watch the world go by!
Things to do in North Devon
The name Adventure Coast provides a clue as to the wide ranging options for visitors looking to make the most of the region’s natural beauty and diverse landscape. This is big walking and hiking country – the Southwest coastal path and Exmoor National Park being two of the most popular destinations for walkers and dog walkers. The Carlton’s blog page is filled with suggestions for all interests of what to do and where to find them!
North Devon has been a go to destination for families for many years and the area boasts many family friendly theme park attractions for small and big kids alike. The Exmoor Zoo, Watermouth Castle and the Combe Martin Wildlife Park are all close by, while The Big Sheep and Milky Way attractions are less than an hour away.
The Carlton is surrounded by awesome beaches – golden sands and quiet coves – but to name check a handful, there are the expanses of Woolacombe, Saunton and Westward Ho!, coastal village beaches at Combe Martin, Croyde and Instow. Most beaches offer a full complement of water sports lessons and hire and of course North Devon is renowned for its many surf spots.
There are plenty of nearby opportunities to engage in individual and group sporting activities. Quad biking, horse riding, mountain and road biking and clay pigeon shooting opportunities are short drives away. You can “see the sea from every tee”, at Ilfracombe Golf Club or face a stiffer challenge at Saunton or Royal Devon golf clubs.
Further information can be found online at Visit Ilfracombe, or call the people that know on 01271 863001.
So what’s on then…
Take to the water – ribs and bibs
Splash in muddy puddles along the Tarka Trail
Day trip to Barnstaple (museum, shops, indoor market, theatre, cinema)
Book a break today! To reserve a table call us on 01271 862446 or email dine@ilfracombecarlton.co.uk.
Life is returning to a level of usualness and as usual, Ilfracombe has plenty to offer visitors this Autumn.
Our regular guests know that there is a hub of activity in and around the harbour. And others know of the many other land-based leisure pursuits. Be it playing on the range, shooting a clay or getting on your wheels. And to relax into the evening our local food and pub scene has re-opened with meals and drinks of choice and quality for everyone.
As the days get shorter the weather gets cooler and it is even known to rain in North Devon. So what’s to do then: Gallery hopping Chocolate shopping Landmark theatre Wildlife Park Take to the water – ribs and bibs Scuba diving Indoor rock climbing Relax at the hotel Afternoon tea in town Air Extreme Catch a movie Day trip to Barnstaple (museum, shops, indoor market, theatre, cinema)
Let’s start with a brief look at retail opportunities during the day. With a fine selection of galleries open to browse in, a number centred on the seafront and St James Place, with more up Fore Street. Art including contemporary pieces, paintings, sculptures and more, mingle with more traditional crafts and art. The towns galleries are open most days for viewing and purchase of pieces.
Not forgetting the obvious stroll along our pier to visit Verity; why not detour up the hill to St Nicholas Chapel or stop off outside the old lifeboat shed for a quick snack in the Aquarium café?
If you’ve found St James Place then you will have noticed the tea rooms, with three to choose from. Sit back and relax in their outdoor gardens as you decide which way to top off that freshly baked scone. The Landmark theatre is open for food and drink, with plenty of outside seating too. It’s a great little spot near Wildersmouth beach and handy for a socially distanced visit to our Tourist Information Centre, which is bound to have up to the minute ideas and information to make your visit complete.
A short walk up the hill away from the seaside will bring you to our eclectic high street. Despite the global woes of the physical retail sector, Ilfracombe boasts a wide range of shops, cafes and services. Mind you don’t miss the snake sanctuary as you catch one of our traditional butchers at work. Artisan crafts shine through, with expert chocolatiers and marmalade purveyors competing for your £s. Only in Ilfracombe of course!
The High Street, Fore Street and The Quay have a variety of take-away and dine-in, table service restaurants including specialities in modern cuisine, fish & seafood, traditional pub suppers, fish and chips, pizzas, pasta, Indian, Italian, wine bars and simply bars (or great British pubs as we used to call them).
Further information can be found online at Visit Ilfracombe, or call the people that know on 01271 863001.
So what’s on then…
Take to the water – ribs and bibs
Splash in muddy puddles along the Tarka Trail
Day trip to Barnstaple (museum, shops, indoor market, theatre, cinema)
To reserve your table call us on 01271 862446 or to book a break email stay@ilfracombecarlton.co.uk today.
Two legs or four, it doesn’t matter! If you’ve spent most of this year staring at the same four walls for an inordinate amount of time then now’s the time to plan a North Devon Autumn break. One of the more off the beaten track coastlines in England, it is fantastic walking country.
While July and August are for beaches, crowds and all the trappings of a summer holiday, it is the Autumn months of September and October which often provide richer pickings for those looking to enjoy the best of the region’s scenery on foot.
As an Autumn break destination, North Devon ticks many boxes, especially during current times, and The Carlton in Ilfracombe provides the ideal sanctuary for an escape from the city. Buffeted by fresh Atlantic breezes and surrounded by miles of open beach and countryside space, the hotel is offering a special three day/two night North Devon Autumn break deal and an exclusive dog-friendly Autumn break deal.
Of course, any holiday booking needs to be considered in relation to the Covid situation and The Carlton is ever ready to answer any questions or concerns potential guests may have. The hotel’s team was quick to respond to the challenges and has implemented a fully integrated plan that seeks the safety of guests while not compromising on the quality of service (more information about this can be found in a recent blog article).
5 Great Walks For North Devon Autumn Breaks
A paradise for casual strollers, dog walkers and serious hikers, there is a walk-in North Devon suitable for all levels of fitness. Lace-up those sturdy shoes, forget your worries and hit the trail with 5 great walks to take during a North Devon Autumn break, as recommended by The Carlton.
1) Southwest Coast Path: Ilfracombe – Lee Bay
Level: Medium
Time: 1-2 hours
Straight from the door of the Carlton Hotel to the beautiful little village of Lee, this stretch of the coast path takes approximately 2 hours there and back. The rewards are rolling countryside and clifftop views along the way and the beach of Lee Bay sits in a sheltered cove. There are options to extend the walk and make it circular by linking up with the old railway line.
2) Woolacombe – Putsborough Beach
Level: Easy
Time: 1 – 1.5 hours
This walk is all beach, but what a beach! Regularly featuring in the top ten of best beaches of the world, let alone the UK, Woolacombe is a big open beach with acres of bare sand, so popular with dog walkers. Out of holiday season and during the week, seagulls are often more numerous than other walkers. A big favourite with dogs – pack a blanket for that back seat on the return journey as they tend to bring half the beach away with them!
3) Combe Martin – Great Hangman Hill
Level: Difficult
Time – 3-4 hours
Close to Ilfracombe is the village of Combe Martin, the start of a walk that scales a series of peaks which reward with ‘top of the world’ views over the rugged North Devon coastline. A circular walk provides a nice diversity of scenery, following the Southwest coast path upwards to cliff top heights before cutting back inland and following country lanes which wind back down to the village.
4) Exmoor: Doone Valley
Level: Medium
Time 5 -6 hours
Walking is the best way to discover the delights of Exmoor, North Devon’s expansive area of the national park. If Autumn breaks for you mean true peace and tranquillity then you will find it in an amazing National Trust circular walk which takes in the breathtaking beauty of the Doone Valley (named after the family in the classic tale of Lorna Doone). While meandering through wooded valleys with the soothing sound of river’s flow in your ears there are plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, including birds of prey, deer and the area’s famous Exmoor ponies. Most walking is on footpaths and so dog friendly, although attention should be made to signs denoting the presence of livestock.
5) Saunton and Braunton Burrows
Level: Easy – Medium
Time 1 – 2 hours
Saunton Sands is another wide-open beach known for being dog friendly. Behind it are the dunes of Braunton Burrows, a UNESCO biosphere reserve renowned for its varied plant life and otherworldly landscape. Saunton is the best start point for those looking for easy walking, with quick beach access and the opportunity to dip inland to experience the sand dune system. Crow Point and Sandy Lane car parks are both starting points for circular walks, more details of which can be found in the Braunton Burrows guide.
As every walker knows, a day of pounding the path is more than likely followed by an evening of immense appetite and a desire to fall into a soft bed at the end of the night! What great news then to discover that The Carlton is best equipped to satisfy these needs with its fresh, local food menus and stylish modern rooms that emphasise guest comfort. For more information and booking inquiries, contact the Carlton on stay@ilfracombecarlton.co.uk or 01271 862446.
Life is returning to a level of usualness and as usual, Ilfracombe has plenty to offer visitors this summer.
Our regular guests know that there is a hub of activity in and around the harbour. And others know of the many other land-based leisure pursuits. Be it playing on the range, shooting a clay or getting on your wheels. And to relax into the evening our local food and pub scene has re-opened with meals and drinks of choice and quality for everyone.
Let’s start with a brief look at retail opportunities during the day. With a fine selection of galleries open to browse in, a number centred on the seafront and St James Place, with more up Fore Street. Art including contemporary pieces, paintings, sculptures and more, mingle with more traditional crafts and art. The towns galleries are open most days for viewing and purchase of pieces.
Not forgetting the obvious stroll along our pier to visit Verity; why not detour up the hill to St Nicholas Chapel or stop off outside the old lifeboat shed for a quick snack in the Aquarium café?
If you’ve found St James Place then you will have noticed the tea rooms, with three to choose from. Sit back and relax in their outdoor gardens as you decide which way to top off that freshly baked scone. The Landmark theatre is open for food and drink, with plenty of outside seating too. It’s a great little spot near Wildersmouth beach and handy for a socially distanced visit to our Tourist Information Centre, which is bound to have up to the minute ideas and information to make your visit complete.
Focussing on the water-based activities this year there are some new operators in town. Depending on your reason for getting on board you can choose from a cruise around the coast and over to Lundy, or a half-day at sea fishing for figuratively casting your net. With slow boats and fast ribs and even heritage lifeboats at your disposal. Of course, our harbour is a safe haven, you might catch our local gig pilot boat club practising on the water, or the commercial fishing vessels landing today’s catch.
A short walk up the hill away from the seaside will bring you to our eclectic high street. Despite the global woes of the physical retail sector, Ilfracombe boasts a wide range of shops, cafes and services. Mind you don’t miss the snake sanctuary as you catch one of our traditional butchers at work. Artisan crafts shine through, with expert chocolatiers and marmalade purveyors competing for your £s. Only in Ilfracombe of course!
To the seafront once more, where you can enjoy a round of crazy golf, perhaps before you indulge in another Devon Cream tea? And if you are a serious player then you must see the sea from every tee, at Ilfracombe Golf Club. Just five minutes drive from the town centre, visitors are very welcome. For the serious Tiger Woods why not hop over to Saunton or Woolacombe or even the Royal Devon for further rounds of this Scottish pursuit. Yes apparently started up there…
Back to the land, and there’s a choice in clay pigeon shooting grounds. With have goers as welcome as the more competitive club set. An overnight stay is a must to maximise the shooting practice.
Ilfracombe pier is the start of one of the UK’s longest cycle routes, taking full advantage of redundant railway lines for the least onerous inclines. Bikes can be hired from nearby Braunton for your pedal pleasure. Maybe you fancy a bit more powered transport – so the off-road quad bikes, seg ways and even horse riding are available from Mullacott.
North Devon is a natural haven, and within the town of Ilfracombe, there are plenty of opportunities to walk at leisure. A stroll through Bicclescombe Park, with its water wheel, or follow one of the Town Trails for a diversion. Further afield you can drive to Marwell Gardens, a classic retreat for horticulturists. Why not get up close with more exotic nature at Exmoor Zoo, Combe Martin Wildlife Park or enjoy real farmyard tales with regular Sheepdog and Falconry displays at Borough Farm.
The High Street, Fore Street and The Quay have a variety of take-away and dine-in, table service restaurants including specialities in modern cuisine, fish & seafood, traditional pub suppers, fish and chips, pizzas, pasta, Indian, Italian, wine bars and simply bars (or great British pubs as we used to call them).
Further information can be found online at Visit Ilfracombe, or call the people that know on 01271 863001.
Below is a selection of links to some of the operators mentioned above.
- Ilfracombe Harbour
- Galleries, Arts & Crafts
- Verity
- St Nicholas Chapel
- Aquarium
- Landmark Theatre
- TIC Ilfracombe
- Ilfracombe Boat Trips
- Tarka Trail
- North Devon Shooting Ground
- South West Shooting
- North Devon Segway
- Quad Biking
- Borough Farm sheepdog & falconry
- Lundy Island & MS Oldenburg – we are also a registered ticketing agent
- Chocolate Emporium & Museum
- Ilfracombe Golf Club
- Marwell Gardens
- Exmoor Zoo
- Combe Martin Wildlife Park
- Lynton & Barnstaple Railway
To reserve your table call us on 01271 862446 or email stay@ilfracombecarlton.co.uk today.
A BIRD IN HAND
by Frederick Weatherly
There were three young maids of Lee,
They were fair as fair can be,
And they had lovers three times three,
For they were fair as fair can be
These three young maids of Lee.
But these young maids they cannot find
A lover each to suit her mind;
The plain-spoke lad is far too rough,
The rich young lord not rich enough,
And one is too poor and one too tall,
And one just an inch too short for them all.
“Others pick and choose, and why not we?
We can very well wait!” said the maids of Lee.
There were three young maids of Lee,
And they had lovers, three times three,
For they were fair as fair can be,
These three young maids of Lee.
There are three old maids at Lee,
They are old as old can be,
And one is deaf and one cannot see,
And they all are cross as a gallows tree,
These three old maids of Lee.
Now if anyone chanced, ’tis a chance remote,
One single charm in these maids to note
He need not a poet, nor handsome be,
For one is deaf, and one cannot see
He need not woo on his bended knee
For they all are willing as willing can be
He may take the one, or the two, or the three
If he’ll only take them away from Lee!
There are three old maids at Lee
They are cross as cross can be,
And there they are, and there they’ll be,
To the end of the chapter, one two three,
These three old maids at Lee!
Ok, we’ll admit it, at The Carton we’re rather excited about February! It’s not everyone’s favourite time of the year, but this month we have three reasons to be cheerful: Exmoor Food Fest!
As lovers of fine food, how can we not get excited about this event? The 2020 edition will be even more special of course because this year The Carlton is getting involved for the first time too through our Ilfracombe Brasserie restaurant!
Exmoor Food Fest Background
This most excellent of foodie festivals, right on the doorstep in North Devon, is celebrating something of a milestone in 2020 as this will be the fifth Exmoor Food Fest. The event has earned a reputation for turning the spotlight on some of the region’s finest eateries, while at the same time giving foodies in the area, and from beyond, an added incentive to get out there for a taste of Exmoor!
This incentive comes in the form of the Exmoor Food Fest discounts which run for the month and expose the palate to some of the more sublime tastes the area has to offer. The Carlton Hotel, Ilfracombe, is proud to be joining in this festival of food and will be bringing its own special menu components to the party, along with a selection of exclusive Exmoor Food Fest deals.
Exmoor Food Fest 2020: Deal
For the duration of the event, The Brasserie (at The Carlton Hotel) is offering:
* 20% off of all starters, mains and desserts.
* A special £17.50 dinner menu (1) featuring two courses– available Thursday, Friday & Saturday.
* 15% off accommodation at The Carlton when booked direct
Let’s take a look behind the menu to see what makes the Ilfracombe Brasserie one of your must-eat stops on the 2020 Exmoor Food Fest tour…
The Brasserie
Exmoor Food Fest and the Taste of Exmoor event coincides with the unveiling of The Brasserie. Open to non-residents since The Carlton was extensively refurbished three years ago, the Brasserie has been gaining enough plaudits of its own that the time has come to emerge from the shadows of the hotel and deliver as a stand-alone dining destination in Ilfracombe.
What sets it apart? From the early days, The Carlton has stamped its own distinctive style on the food it serves in its restaurant. The dishes are simple but that simplicity is worn as a badge of honour in the Ilfracombe Brasserie, as it is the food that does all the talking.
The Carlton calls itself a ‘Hotel with Provenance’ and a gaze through the suppliers‘ list tells you just how important local ingredients are for the kitchen team. Free-range eggs, locally caught fish, locally reared meat, seasonal vegetables, and ingredients all feature heavily on the menu.
The fish you will eat at The Brasserie, in Ilfracombe, will have been caught in the bay and landed by local fishing boats or, in the case of the plump tidal mussels on the menu, plucked from the bed of the Torridge, one of two arterial rivers which flow into the Atlantic via the North Devon coast.
Much of the meat that makes the plate in the Brasserie will have been Exmoor farmed (such as the pork), or at the very least come from a southwest farm with high welfare standards (as is the case with the beef and the lamb).
Meanwhile, the kitchen’s supply of staple vegetables comes from The Great Field, located in the nearby village of Braunton, which has been providing sustenance from its nutritious soil since the ninth century.
With such quality and consistency, simplicity in the kitchen means celebrating the authentic tastes and full flavours of these basic ingredients. While the provenance and local sourcing behind the Brasserie menu ensures the food talks for itself, the stylish layout and pleasant surroundings of the restaurant itself is another enticement to enjoy a wonderful evening (or lunchtime).
Also worth a mention is The Carlton’s reputation for non-fussy adjustments to menu items in order to accommodate diners with specific diets and allergies. You know how in some places such requests are received with a with a snooty nose in the air? Well not at The Brasserie, where it is the pleasure of the restaurant to do all it can to ensure that all guests in the restaurant party enjoy their meal.
So that’s the background, now it’s time to jump in and enjoy the Exmoor Food Fest! For more information about Carlton food menus or to book a table for the restaurant email us on dine@ilfracombecarlton.co.uk.
The North Devon coastline has a reputation for being spectacular enough, with its sweeping views across the Bristol Channel, but for a select number of visitors heading to the region, it is the small island that lies off its coast which marks the spot on their holiday map. Lundy is three miles (5km) long and just over half a mile wide (1km) and is a mere 23.5 miles from land (the town of Ilfracombe) and yet it could be another world…
While there are only 28 inhabitants on the island, around 20,000 visitors make the trip to Lundy Island each year between the months of April and October. The crossing, with MS Oldenburg tickets, takes approximately two hours. The Carlton Hotel in Ilfracombe has been approved as an official ticketing agent ahead of the 2020 season which means that residents (and non-guests) can purchase MS Oldenburg tickets. This Landmark Trust owned ship is something of a North Devon institution and has been carrying visitors out to Lundy and back for the past 35 years.
With a capacity of 267 passengers, she sails four times a week in the summer, from the port towns of Bideford and Ilfracombe. Most visitors to Lundy opt for the day trip – there on the tide in the morning and back on the tide in the afternoon (due to the tide times are not fixed so make sure to listen when the skipper announces when MS Oldenburg will leave for its return journey!).
However, the Landmark Trust, which manages Lundy Island, also has a number of holiday properties and an increasingly popular North Devon holiday choice is to combine a couple of days exploring the island with a couple of days on the mainland. The Carlton’s central location makes the hotel an ideal place to set up base camp as the Oldenburg leaves from Ilfracombe harbour, which is just a 10 minute stroll away.
Explore Lundy Island
So what can you expect to discover on Lundy? Well, let’s start with the joy of simplicity. There are no roads on Lundy, no shops, no major housing developments. This means there’s no traffic, no pollution and no stress (unless you neglected to listen to the skipper…). You are effectively escaping from the world when you set foot on Lundy Island and even your fellow passengers will begin to melt away by the time you’ve traced your way from the landing jetty to the centre of Lundy civilisation (ie the shop and the Marisco Tavern which are both run by the Landmark Trust).
The island has many nooks and crannies to explore and the 360 degree aspect provides amazing diversity in terrain despite the relatively small surface area. In the west, imposing cliffs jut from the exposed Atlantic side while the sheltered east of the island is home to wildflowers and a gentler coastline. This diversity of the natural environment is a big attraction for wildlife spotters.
Lundy comes from the Norse word for ‘puffin’ and the distinctive black and white bird with the colourful beak lives on the island, one of 317 species of bird which is known to frequent this Atlantic outcrop. This makes Lundy a popular destination for bird watchers who know their stuff, but also for casual visitors who are chasing a glimpse of what the Northern Scots refer to as ‘sea parrots’.
Marine Conservation Area
This beautiful little island also became the first Marine Conservation Zone in Britain in 2010. The waters around Lundy Island have long been popular with divers due to the clarity of the water and the diversity of marine wildlife it encompasses, including branching sponges and cup corals. You don’t have to be a diver to catch sight of the island’s seal population either and it’s very rare to visit the island without seeing at least a couple of pinnipeds bobbing up and down in the sea. There are also basking sharks, porpoises, dolphins and the occasional Minke whale to be spotted in the waters around Lundy. Seal watching, in particular, is a popular pastime amongst visitors.
Pirates and Brigands in Lundy’s History!
While nature rightly gets most of the attention on Lundy, it is worth reading up a little about the rich history of this island. Anyone travelling with kids can score some easy wow points by painting a picture of an island that for many years was the seat of some tumult; over time it has played base to Norse invaders, Knights Templar and various brigand groups including bands of pirates from England, France, the Basque country and even Barbary pirates from the North coast of Africa!
Definitely a trip to jot down in the memory book, Lundy Island may be not more than 20 miles off the North Devon coast but once you’re there, looking back at the mainland, it really does feel like you’ve travelled to a destination both exotic and unfamiliar. You can book your MS Oldenburg tickets to Lundy through The Carlton Hotel, which also offers the perfect pre and post-visit dock to shore up in, replenish stores and stretch your land legs!
Do you have a sense of adventure? If the answer is yes, then we have the perfect destination for you. If the answer is ‘I used to’, then we also have the perfect destination for you to rediscover that sense. Welcome to North Devon – England’s Adventure Coast.
It’s some boast of course, but in this case it could be said to be true. There’s something about North Devon- which runs from the Cornish border to the edge of Exmoor – that sets it aside from other parts of the country. This is typified by the rugged coastal landscape, formed by the region’s exposure to everything the Atlantic flings its way (there is nothing but sea between it and the coast of North America), and the lushness of rolling green hills.
Ilfracombe, home to the Carlton Hotel is the perfect location to explore the best the North Devon Adventure Coast has to offer. So let’s set the scene with a look at what adventures the area has to offer:
The Sea
It’s such a good place to start, considering our town of Ilfracombe sits within one of the most picturesqueyet hidden of bay locations. Thecoastline around it mottled with small coves that once offered smugglers safe havenand have captured the imagination of Famous Five tales (nearby WidmouthBay was the backdrop for 1995’s ‘Five on a Treasure Island’ TV production). The perfectexploration adventure awaits!
The Coast
Looking at the bigger coastal picture, the wonderful SouthWest coastal path provides a fantastic North Devon Adventure Coast experience – whether as part of an extended hike, or a day trip excursion, complete with picnic in the pack. The trail covers the breadth of the North Devon coastline, ascending steep cliffs, with amazing views out to sea, and descending onto empty beaches with frequent wildlife spotting opportunities, such as seals and porpoises bobbing between the waves. The Ilfracombe- Mortehoesection of the coastal path is particularly rugged and epic, while the section from Ilfracombe to Combe Martin is more sheltered and verdant.Whichever the route the visage is stunning.
The Sport
Long before North Devon got the title ‘England’s Adventure Coast’, it had been discovered by those committed devotees to the adventure sportsgenre. The beaches of North Devon are renowned for their great surfing opportunities. The sandy length of Woolacombe beach is frequently counted as one of thebest in the worldand its waves (particularly at the Putsboroughend, are classic). Nearby Croyde has surf that pumps (beginners beware) over its sandy bar, whereas the longer, more manageable, waves of Saunton Sands are a long boarder’s paradise and a great place to learn to surf.
Away from the waves, North Devon’s deep forested valleys, high moors and miles and miles of tranquil country lanes, provide most excellent cycling terrain for both road bikers and mountain bikers (check out our North Devon cycling blogfor more information).
The Land
Time to cast away thetech and swap a smart phone for a pair of binoculars and a firm stick! England’s Adventure Coast is a nature haven, a place where you can get close to wildlife without having to pay the price of an admission ticket– yes so much of the offer is free. As an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,and a UNESCO designated Biosphere, nature is literally on the doorstep. If you care about the environment, then England’s Adventure Coast is a great place to explore it! Adventures can be found throughout the Exmoor national park – from getting up close to an Exmoor pony or deer spotting as the sun goes down with a ranger (many activities are free). Braunton Burrows, one of the UK’s biggest sand dunes, always provides an adventure too (follow the walks in the Burrows guide to avoid the real possibility of getting lost in this vast space).
The Food
TheNorth Devon Adventure Coast culinary expedition will include some seaside favourites – fudge, ice cream, fish and chips! – but will also open the window onto a world of fresh caught fish, local reared meat and fine,locally grown ingredients. Use the Carlton as your home and enjoy a rich dining experiencethat will sensationalise those taste buds!
Need we say more?! Set up base at The Carlton in Ilfracombe where our stylish contemporary rooms and first class facilities provide a luxurious sanctuary… and set your sense of adventure loose this Summer or Autumn. Get in contactfor more information or to book a stay.
Easter is a moveable feast, quite literally, but this year at least we all benefit from it being later rather than sooner. Spring will be more advanced and that is great news for anyone planning Easter holiday activitiesin North Devon, even if it doesn’t answer the eternal question ‘why can’t Easter be fixed’!
For North Devon, Easter is the time of year when the region emerges from its winter hibernation and becomes the go to holiday destination. It has been a favourite seaside stop since the early days of the Victorian era, when the railways opened up the possibility of travel for millions and a dip in the ‘old briny’ first became a holiday ritual.
Times have changed dramatically, but funnily enough Ilfracombe still retains much of the original Victorian charm, as evidenced in the architecture of one the West Country’s most picturesque seaside towns with its narrow streets, unfussy harbour, town cove beaches and coastal views.
Making the Most of the Seaside
Nevertheless, Easter holiday activitiesin the region have progressed significantly since the days when men and women were obliged to bathe on different Tunnelsbeaches – women strictly covered and men in the altogether. The Twenty First century staple of British seaside bathing – the wetsuit – means that even in April a dip in the Atlantic can be a fun and enjoyable experience!
For vacationing visitors this Easter, any What’s on in North Devonguide to activities can’t ignore smorgasbord of sea based activities available. These range from surfing the waves at nearby Woolacombe (10 minutes by car), which was recently voted one of the best beaches in the world by Trip Advisortravellers, orcoasteering with H2Outdoorto get a seal’s view of the beautiful North Devon coastline.
For some, even a warm layer of neoprene and the exaltation of “it’s not too bad once you’re in!” is still not enough to be coaxed off the beach and there’s no harm in that either. There are few simpler pleasures in life than beachcombing for shells, rock pooling for crabs or joining one of the region’s regular beach cleansto get a sense of well being. North Devon is blessed with many beaches – from wide expanses of golden sand to intimate secret covesstraight out of a Famous Five adventure.
Nature on the North Devon Doorstep
Of course seals are very much a part of the local scenery and are often sighted from the craggy cliff tops around which the coastal path weaves its way with impressive stretches either side of Ilfracombe town. Aside from advertised ‘What’s on in North Devon’ activities over the Easter break, nature puts on its own show, ranging from the Spring flowers which are beginning to bloom on Braunton Burrowsin the heart of the UNESCO biosphere, to sightings of deer on the hoof and buzzards in flight over the dramatic landscapes of the Exmoor National Park.
Around the Town Of Ilfracombe
For most visitors, a sudden exposure to copious amounts of North Devon fresh air can lead to a sudden unwillingness to want to venture too far afield! Luckily, this town has many treasures to reveal , and all within walking distance of the Carlton Hotel. A great guide to what’s happening in the town is provided by the very informativeVisit Ilfracombewebsite.
The Tunnels Beachesand Ilfracombe Museum give a wonderful glimpse of Ilfracombe’s Victorian past while the Aquariumand boat trips from the harbour give an insight into what makes the North Devon coast so special as a marine habitat. There’s no pier’s end entertainment in Ilfracombe (other than the locals enjoying a spot of crabbing!), but The Landmark Theatrehas a full programme of events this Easter, with old favourite Sooty coming to town as well as grown up comedy in the form of the play Rotterdam.
A stroll around the harbour invites pause for thought at the sight of Damien Hirst’s Verity statue – a bit of a Marmite piece of art – and any appetite raised can be sated with traditional fish + chips and ice cream, pub grub or upmarket fayre from the Michelin starred Olive Room restaurant.
Base Camp Luxury – The Carlton Hotel
The Carlton Hotel is the perfect base to explore Ilfracombe’s charms with its combination of old fashioned character and high standard modernroomsfollowing its recent and extensive refurbishment. With high end bathrooms, super comfy beds and speedy Wi-Fi access as standard, the hotel brings a welcome slice of luxury to the seaside experience.
Kitted out to make your stay as relaxing as you hoped it would be, fresh locally sourced foodcan be enjoyed in the brasserie while the relaxed environment of the bar makes for a perfect end to the day. For more information about booking a stay at the Carlton Hotel this Easter you can emailus or telephone (01271 862446).
Ilfracombe has a rich maritime history and its close links to the sea is one of the things we simply love about being here. Now whether that’s the day-to-day workings of the boats in the harbour; or the array of watersports and activities you can take part in; perhaps enjoying the fabulous seafood that come straight from the Atlantic waters or simply just setting out on the South West Coast Path and admiring the views across the ocean. Being close to the water is a must!
People often think of Ilfracombe as a Victorian seaside town, but its seafaring past goes way back – it’s played a huge part in the country’s maritime history. Did you know that the man who carried news of Nelson’s death home to England was born in Ilfracombe? Captain John Lapenotiere was a British Royal Navy officer and commanded the HMS Pickle which was at the Battle of Trafalgar.
Previously we have supported our local pilot gig boat club, so when the opportunity arised last year we set up stall at the local maritime festival called Sea Ilfracombe. You can see the team hard at work in the image above.
The Carlton At Sea Ilfracombe Festival
We’re really proud to help carry on this maritime tradition by taking part in the Sea Ilfracombe Maritime Festival. This years festival takes place on 31st August – 1st September 2019. It’s a celebration of everything to do with the sea and there’s loads going on.
Last year we were proud to have the support of Nathan from Passmores fishmongers to create our seafood dishes. So popular in fact, we sold out of the local oysters supplied by Phoebe Chope who picks and processes them on the Torridge, just outside Instow.
We really enjoyed meeting lots of people who came along to enjoy an oyster or 2, with one of our gorgeous dressings, or our special seafood risotto. We couldn’t resist having some of Eliot’s famous hand-made scotch eggs too, made with flaked Exmoor ham hock, Farmer Bob’s free range eggs, fresh herbs and fennel – with piccalilli on the side!
We even had lots of Vegan options too!
Take a look at Sea Ilfracombe Festival 2018, and you can be sure we will be back his year.