Easter Activities In And Around Ilfracombe
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).
