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.
Many of us entered 2021 with a feeling of optimism, only to have it dashed in the first week of January as another lockdown descended. With the latest news it would be very easy to disappear under a cloud of doom and gloom. But no. Resist!
While the midwinter skies are cold and dark, they do serve as a reminder that nothing lasts forever. Just as it’s very hard to imagine a lush, verdant landscape and summer sunshine on your face, the seasons keep turning and that time will surely come. Just the same, these dark and horrible times ushered in by the pandemic will also eventually pass.
2021 Year of the Summer Staycation
For this reason it’s important to keep positive and fix an eye on the horizon for the first glimmer of blue sky. What you need is a holiday in North Devon in the diary! With all the uncertainty caused by local covid flare ups abroad and the travel restrictions resulting from them, 2021 will be the year of the staycation. And why not? Sometimes the Brits are so keen to jet off to a foreign holiday destination that they forget what their own backyard has to offer.
And within that back yard there is a particularly splendid patch, North Devon, which has the makings of a great holiday for all ages. With 30 ensuite rooms, and crammed with modern comforts, The Carlton in Ilfracombe is the perfect starting place for a North Devon summer staycation in 2021 for any size of party – with a selection of single, double/twin and family rooms available and optimum covid compliancy measures throughout.
The in-house Brasserie is a restaurant renowned for its local dishes that make the best of seasonal produce, and its selection of libations (many brewed in the area). Beyond what the hotel offers, a North Devon staycation offers options for all holiday palates – from gourmet dining to traditional seaside fish and chips and ice creams to slurp away on a warm summer’s day.
North Devon: Staycation Heaven
So why a North Devon staycation? After the confines of lockdown, the great outdoors will hold more of an allure than ever before and this is a part of the world which offers its benefits better than most. Put simply, summers were made for North Devon!
Let’s start with the lush green landscape with its rolling hills, which provides a picturesque backdrop to any summer staycation. The region is criss-crossed by a network of footpaths and bridleways, some of which begin a stone’s throw from The Carlton itself, allowing visitors to get an instant feel for the great outdoors. The town of Ilfracombe sits between two sections of wonderful Southwest coast path which winds its way across cliff tops, with views of Wales across the Bristol Channel, and down to hidden rocky beaches.
For those seeking a more traditional beach scene, North Devon has sandy beaches by the bucket and spadeful! Within a 10 mile radius of Ilfracombe are three of the most popular beach destinations in the county – Woolacombe/Putsborough, Croyde and dog friendly Saunton Sands. All three offer a paradise for sandcastle artisans and serve as a mecca for surfers. Experienced surfers opt for Croyde while the more easy going waves of Woolacombe and Saunton are perfect for beginners with all three offering surf schools and surf/body board hire facilities to help newbies wet their feet!
For those who find the rigours of the great outdoors rather less appealing, Ilfracombe itself is a perfect canvas on which to spread some holiday colour. From the delightful harbour and the town’s own network of small beaches to the gift shops, galleries and tea rooms which dot the narrow streets, everything is accessible within a 15 minute stroll from The Carlton. All local businesses have adopted rigorous covid policies to ensure customer safety, and at the time of writing North Devon remains one of the areas of England least affected by covid.
Having previewed the trailer (!) this is a great month to book that North Devon staycation trip! For peace of mind, The Carlton offers a flexible booking policy during these unpredictable times with free changes and cancellations up until 48 hours before the start of any stay. To find out more about summer staycation options, contact The Carlton.
Brasserie Brings Something Special To Exmoor Food Fest 2021
on Events, News, OffersJanuary is something of a fallow month for the senses, a time for them to settle down again after the overload of the festive period. Nevertheless after a chaste month, they are fit and ready for February, which is rather convenient because it’s the month the ever popular Exmoor Food Fest launches. Prompted by extenuating circumstances perhaps, it returns for not one, but two months of North Devon culinary delights and discounts.
The Brasserie @ The Carlton in Ilfracombe reprises its role as a partner restaurant in this Taste of Exmoor experience and brings its own sumptuous offering to the table in the form of an exclusive menu which celebrates the best of North Devon local produce. The added ingredient of a great deal, in the form of an ExFF201 discount in February and March, will be extra palatable to diners.
Fans of the Brasserie will be aware of the pride that is taken in the provenance of the food prepared in the kitchen by patron, Eliot Seabourn-Wren. He specialises in simple dishes which accentuate the ingredients without overwhelming them. “This is our second showing at the Exmoor Food Fest,” says Eliot. “We came in last year for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed the experience so had to return! What we loved about the event is the way it acts as a focus point for all the great things happening with food in the Exmoor region.
Naturally, great food brings out people who love great food and last year was such an interactive and rewarding experience for The Brasserie, with lots of ‘oohs’ and ‘ahs’ as plates arrived and many wonderful conversations around the appreciation of food.”
While last year was a case of not really knowing what to expect, this year The Brasserie returns with a menu offering that has a clear vision for what it wants to offer diners. The past few months have seen Eliot and his kitchen team planning a menu that offers depth, flavour and truly represents the diversity of ingredients the region brings to the winter pantry.
“For this year’s Food Fest we really are drawing on the rich resources available to us as a North Devon based kitchen,” says Eliot. “We are genuinely excited about this menu, which combines the best that land and sea has to offer. Our selection of meat comes from local North Devon farms – including Exmoor raised beef – which have been handpicked for quality and high animal welfare standards. The menu also features items which make the most of game, with dishes bringing out the richness of venison and fowl. As for the fish, it doesn’t come much fresher than a catch caught by boats which set off from the town’s harbour!”
Vegetables come with local provenance too, many of them supplied from the Great Field in the village of Braunton, whose fertile ground has been worked since medieval times. The Carlton Food Fest deals also include superb vegetarian options. Furthermore, explains Eliot, “Aside from vegetarian and gluten free dishes, The Brasserie kitchen has a ‘no fuss’ reputation for adapting its dishes to accommodate diners with allergies.”
A combination of two courses – chosen from starter, mains and dessert menu options – can be enjoyed for a special Exmoor Food Fest rate of £17.50 per person, a dinner deal that is available on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings throughout February and March (and as a lunchtime option by appointment).
To make the most of this North Devon foodie event, serious diners will be seeking a place to rest those optimised senses (in addition to well filled stomachs!), and The Carlton provides accommodation in the form of first class en suite rooms that emanate style, convenience and relaxing comfort. Contact The Carlton by phone or email to find out about great off-season room rates, and make the most of the 2021 Exmoor Food Fest experience.
Well 2020 has been quite a year… just for all the wrong reasons! Nevertheless, it looks like there is a slither of blue sky on the horizon with recent announcements and so how about planning a post-Christmas break in order to reset, recharge and reboot!
Traditionally there are many reasons to visit North Devon in the summer, but actually a winter break can also be thoroughly enjoyable. A big part of this is the sense of having the place to yourself, with the pace of life a gentle stroll compared to the hustle and bustle of the tourist season. The Carlton in Ilfracombe is offering some fantastic North Devon winter break options to tempt you down to the Westcountry this January, February and March.
From the cosy snugness of The Carlton (which naturally will be continuing to implement its covid plan to ensure safety of staff and guests alike), 5 reasons to head west to North Devon this January and February include:
The Carlton – The Perfect Winter Base!
Excuses to visit the area in January and February are plentiful, and that’s even without leaving the hotel! The Carlton provides a great base to launch your exploration of the area, from its highest spec ensuite rooms to the fine food menus which source the best local produce, served in The Brasserie (located in the hotel). Having made it through the front door – if you can avoid the allure of the superb Carlton afternoon tea! – here are some more reasons to enjoy a winter break in North Devon in 2021.
The Charms of Ilfracombe
The Carlton’s home is a delightful harbour town on the North Devon coast which went from sleepy village to desirable seaside resort with the coming of the Victorian railways. The result is a town whose character reflects this era, seen in the buildings and architecture of the place. A stroll around the town will reveal some of its historical treasures, such as the famous Tunnel Beaches, Victorian bandstand and the sheltered harbour which has made Ilfracombe a historical haven for small fishing boats, which continue to land their fresh catches today.
Scratch deeper and you can discover much more fascinating history in the area, with remains of Norman settlements and Iron Age fortifications. On the flipside, Ilfracombe is also home to the sea facing Verity statue created by some time North Devon resident Damien Hirst, an arty side to the town reflected in its healthy array of arts, crafts and galleries.
North Devon’s Great Walking Country
For many visitors on a North Devon winter break, ‘blowing away the cobwebs’ with a few days filled with fresh air and exercise holds great allure. The locals have very much adopted the Scandinavian maxim of there being no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing, and if you are prepared for the very worst the elements can throw your way then you are probably going to be pleasantly surprised! Walking a section of the South West coast path (which passes through Ilfracombe) on a bright winter’s morning, with just the sun and the lapping of the waves for company is true bliss. On the flipside, a roaring wind and a turbulent sky brings its own magic too, but if that’s not your thing, then it’s easy to find a sheltered valley/river walk nearby in Exmoor National Park.
Dog Friendly North Devon
Nearby Woolacombe and Saunton Sands beaches roll on for miles and as a dog friendly hotel, The Carlton can recommend these beaches which never fail to disappoint dogs and owners alike. Closer to home, there are great short walks around Ilfracombe, which offer dog friendly exercise and spectacular views. North Devon as whole enjoys a reputation as being a great dog friendly holiday destination and most pubs, cafes and restaurants go out of their way to accommodate canine visitors.
Action Winter Break in North Devon
While some visitors’ idea of the perfect wither break in Ilfracombe is to sit, enjoy great food and drink and just ‘be’, others itch to get active. Despite the winter season, there are still plenty of activity options available. Exmoor National Park is as popular with cyclists as it is with walkers, while the Tarka Trail cycle track begins in Ilfracombe, accessing two more of the region’s bigger towns – Bideford and Barnstaple – along its route. Other activity options include fishing, golfing and clay pigeon shooting.
While the idea of a winter break in the UK may not have been top of a visitor’s list at the start of 2020, the events of the past few months have shown that staying close to home does have advantages. There are plenty of winter break charms to be found in North Devon and discovering them is part of the charm itself! To book your winter break stay, contact The Carlton and start 2021 with a reboot back to normal!
Did Covid put the brakes on your wedding preparations this summer? Many couples had their hopes swept aside by uncertainty, however now is the time to get those plans back on track by taking advantage of an amazing North Devon Autumn and Winter wedding offer.
We have heard the phrase ‘new normal’ far too often over the past few months. However, it is the situation that is here to stay for a while and, if this pandemic has taught us anything, it is that we have the ability to adapt and make the best of whatever the new normal might be. When it comes to weddings, this is a new appreciation for a different kind of wedding occasion.
Consequently, the champagne may have been on ice, but your wedding plans no longer have to be. Current government guidelines give the green light to wedding gatherings of up to 30 people. In light of this, Autumn/Winter 2020 – 2021 should be embraced as the season of the smaller, more intimate wedding.
The Carlton Hotel in Ilfracombe has adapted its own wedding programme with a North Devon Autumn and Winter Wedding Offer (LINK) that caters for 30 people at £30 per head. So if you’re coming round to thinking that actually an intimate wedding reception may be the way to go, then here are some great reasons to back up those thoughts:
1) More Control
Some people crave the big wedding day, with a guest list as long as a wedding trail. However, the dream, as encapsulated in movies such as Four Weddings and a Funeral, rarely goes so smoothly in reality. Big occasions are incredibly demanding and a supporting cast of dozens can bring dozens of problems with them. Keeping things intimate with a tighter control over a guest list that cannot exceed 30 means there’s an oven ready excuse to ensure that you only have the guests you want at your wedding!
2) Less Stress
Let’s face it, a wedding may be one of the biggest days of your life but it can also be one of the most stressful. With the pressure on to make sure that everything goes perfectly it’s a good job the bride and groom have a honeymoon to look forward to – they definitely need it! The wonderful thing about a small wedding is how much more relaxed it is. In many ways 30 is a perfect number – that much bigger than a typical family and friends gathering to feel special, but not too big to stress you out.
3) More Memorable
The curse of the big wedding is that the happy couple spend their whole day ‘catching up’ with everybody through fear of leaving anybody out. This involves a succession of snatched (and repeated) conversations, each one requiring a fixed smile and polite engagement of niceties. No wonder brides and grooms fall victim to wedding fatigue! If the big day flies by as a result then just how memorable can it be? Some of the happiest wedding memories are made when the occasion is relaxed, the guest list is convivial and there is actually time to sit back and enjoy the occasion.
4) Less Money
Ok, so this one is probably reaching out to the bridegroom more than the bride now the tradition of her father footing the bill is increasingly outdated. However, the days of happily yelling ‘money is no object’ at the top of your lungs are gone in these uncertain times and for this reason the current 30 guest limit is also a welcome brake on the budget. Don’t forget, the Carlton is offering 30 people for £30 per head leaving more savings for the honeymoon pot!
5) More Options
The occasion may be smaller but your ambitions don’t necessarily have to be. It’s your wedding day and you can do whatever you want with it so why not get creative? The Carlton is well experienced in managing events, such as weddings and celebrations, with its reputation for being there to help with every stage of the planning. So if you have some unorthodox ideas about how you want your wedding reception to stand out from the crowd then let your imagination wander!
Don’t forget that aside from offering a great North Devon Autumn and Winter Wedding offer as an event space, we also have enough rooms to comfortably accommodate 30 guests. We have a comprehensive Covid plan in place at the hotel and an experienced team to carry out all the necessary procedures and precautions to ensure your stay is as safe as it can be.
Send us an email or a call (01271 862446) to check date availability and tell us about your wedding plans and how we can help you to make the most of an intimate wedding this coming season.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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.
As part of the Treasury’s Eat Out to Help Out promotion we are offering all diners the opportunity to halve their food bill when they eat in our Brasserie At The Carlton this August. You can save up to a maximum of £10 per customer at breakfast, lunch or dinner when you eat in on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.
You can enjoy this benefit as many times as you like in the month of August. The saving will be calculated automatically and applied to your bill, whether you are simply enjoying a coffee and cake or a three-course dinner.
Just look at these incredible prices
- Exmoor Park fillet steak was £25 now £15
- Hand made Scotch egg was £5 now £2.50
- Beer battered haddock & chips was £14.50 now £7.25
- Full English breakfast was £12 no £6
Remember the total maximum saving is £10 per person at any one meal service.
A couple of points to note:
- Please tell us on booking and advise us you’ll be taking part in the discount.
- We require a minimum spend before discount of £12 per person in The Brasserie, but no restrictions in the lounge (for light meals, coffee and cakes).
- The saving is not available on takeaway (or delivery) food and alcoholic drinks.
- You’ll also need to give us your contact details when you eat in as part of the test and trace scheme requirements.
To reserve your table call us on 01271 862446 or email dine@ilfracombecarlton.co.uk today.
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!