News from the Carlton
January 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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
The last few weeks have been a testing time for all as we have attempted to come to terms with Covid-19, lockdown and what commentators refer to as the ‘new normal’. While everybody has an opinion regarding the best route out of lockdown, the government has set a road map for the process and it […]
Read More
I’m Karen, the therapist at The Carlton. I wanted to write this blog to help people to feel more relaxed and provide some useful self-care tips to keep yourself well and healthy during this time. During the first part of lockdown, I found myself glued to the news and all forms of media, sometimes not moving […]
Read More
This far into the lockdown and we thought we’d update you on the team and what’s happening at The Carlton Hotel. The truth, of course is that everything feels very different to normal! Some of our team are furloughed since we shut our doors around the 23rd March. Sadly, we haven’t been able to furlough […]
Read More
“Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat,” said the author Laura Ingalls Wilder. For anyone over a certain age her most famous work, Little House on the Prairie, which was a stalwart of 1970s TV, epitomises an era of innocent wholesomeness. At times when the whole world feels challenged we […]
Read More
Our Easter Family Break sleeps 4 for £46pppn, breakfast and one-night dinner inclusive. Plus get free admission to our local Chocolate Emporium and Museum! This deal must be booked directly on 01271 862446 or email stay@ilfracombecarlton.co.uk.
Read More
Our very special Mothers Day Treat combines a Spring Weekend Break with Mothering Sunday lunch and FREE Devon Cream Afternoon Tea for just £69 /person/night. Plus dinner inclusive (one night) leaving you time to explore the rest of Ilfracombe. This deal is based on two sharing a twin or double room over the weekend of 21/22/23 March. Call […]
Read More
Our Spring break offer is a relaxing two-night weekend stay in North Devon, which includes one evening meal in our Brasserie, two nights room and full English breakfast. And pricing is from £54 /person/night based on two sharing a twin or double room*.T&C’s include – prepayment and if you book before March 20th we’ll offer you a […]
Read More
While the winter of 2020 seems to be hanging under a bit of a cloud, to coin a theatrical phrase from the 1800s, ‘the show must go on’! So this is a call out to all party planners – when it comes to family celebrations in North Devon, the Carlton Hotel in Ilfracombe is a […]
Read More
We are really looking forward to Easter coming to North Devon. In this season of delicious treats and family fun, you’ll find plenty of things to do around the area, with everything from top attractions hosting special days and activities during the holidays, to additional local events so you can really make the most of your […]
Read More
“What’s this we hear about a new restaurant opening called The Brasserie?” We’ve been getting this quite a lot recently, so let’s deal with the (chocolate coated) elephant in the room before we explore local food provenance! We’ve recently re-launched our restaurant as The Brasserie at the Carlton, complete with its own website. In addition there are some […]
Read More
We have colourful winter food on our mind at The Carlton this month; celebrating the great tastes available in the region is something of an obsession at the Carlton Hotel, whether that be in-house or great places to eat around us. At this time of year, with grey skies, and general signs of January gloom […]
Read More
This January the Love Ilfracombe Magazine features our nutrient-packed dish, based around tuna, credited for its omega-3 properties, vitamin D and antioxidants, along with essential oils. We’ve used raw tuna but canned tuna can be substituted. Combining the fish with broccoli and peppers ensures a balance of vitamins and minerals, including a good source of […]
Read More
Are you looking for a group travel partner in a beautiful part of the world to team up with? Because The Carlton Hotel in Ilfracombe, North Devon is seeking to grow our travel partner network in 2020 and 2021. Why bring your group to us? Let’s save the pitch for a moment and start with […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
We’ve just about finished the refresh of this old dame. We always have a little giggle when we get out our old brochures from The Carlton. Heres a glimpse of some of our favourites.
Read More
Explore England’s Adventure Coast! Read our Group Travel World feature to discover why The Carlton, Ilfracombe is the perfect base camp to explore North Devon’s coast and the countryside of Exmoor National Park. North Devon is the Adventure Coast, an unspoiled corner of England where green rolling hills extend to the sea. The region’s natural […]
Read More
Golf has always had something of a reputation as a holiday sport – golf courses in the Algarve and on the Med paving the way for tourist development in Portugal and Spain in the 1970s and 80s. However, the UK golfing holiday has been a feature of popular tourist spots for far longer and North […]
Read More
Before we start to talk about doggy breaks in North Devon, let’s take a moment to paws (sorry!) for thought… It’s great being thefamily dog! You get treated like one of the kids (‘better than one of the kids’a few guys will now be mumbling under their breath!), get fed good grub, get taken for a walk […]
Read More
Mist clinging to rolling green hills, the deep blue of October sea swells, ancient woodlands flushing red and golds… These are the images of Autumn in North Devon and an open invite to make the most of an October half term break. While the West Country needs no further recommendation as a summer holiday destination, it […]
Read More
This October in Love Ilfracombe Magazine we are celebrating our new party and event spaces. What’s in store for our Christmas and New Year party nights. Our famous Sunday roasts. This month’s Foodie Friday Steak Night coming up on the 25th and our of course our delicous dish of the month, Cod Loin With Smoked […]
Read More
Get ready for the party season, with this super refreshing Pre-Party Pamper Package. This deal includes: Glass of fizz 30-minute treatment from our therapists Superfood packed juice or smoothie and wellbeing lunch. This package is available Friday and Saturdays in November through to early December. £29.50 per person, when booked and paid for before the […]
Read More
The Carlton Hotel in Ilfracombe, North Devon, is amongst a new breed of British hotel which is embracing the concept of pet inclusive and dog-friendly holidays. “I have two large hairy dogs that were made very welcome…” Just one line from a Trip Advisor review speaks volumes! The dog friendly credentials of the Carlton stem, […]
Read More
“Rosamunde who?…” This is very often the answer when a Brit is asked by a German speaker, usually with a beaming smile, if they are familiar with the work of Rosamunde Pilcher. The Cornish born author, who died earlier this year, should be better known by her countrymen – after all, her novels have sold […]
Read More
If you love salmon then this teriyaki salmon recipe is a winner! It’s so quick and simple and doesn’t require any lengthy marinating, but is super tasty and flavorful. The Asian salmon turns out flaky, juicy and absolutely delicious with a homemade teriyaki sauce.
Read More
In this month’s Love Ilfracombe Focus Magazine, August Issue we talk about our traditional Sunday lunch, much loved Salmon Teriyaki recipe, Chrismas and New Year events for the diary and our popular afternoon tea. Look out for our next issue coming up in September!
Read More
If you’re looking to explore the essence of the English country garden, then North Devon is a great place to start! A North Devon gardens tour provides variety, contrast and some of the most beautiful surrounding natural scenery England has to offer. The oceanic climate of the region delivers milder winters than most parts of […]
Read More
Our simple broad bean risotto recipe is a delicious and healthy vegetarian dish but it can easily be adjusted to include meat and fish. Simply add pancetta, ham, beacon or fish or your choice and replace the vegetable stock with chicken. One of the greatest benefits of living and working in the South West is the […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
North Devon D-Day commemorations are taking place this June and the region is going to be hosting some fantastic events to mark the occasion. The centre piece, and a unique North Devon holiday experience, will be a two day event on the wonderful Saunton Sands which will see the beach transformed into a snapshot from a different […]
Read More
Once upon a time the concept of going away on holiday involved leaving all one’s good habits behind and spending the break indulging in a festival of gluttony. Eating and drinking far too much, one would return home joking about the need for a holiday to get over the holiday… These days wellbeing is playing […]
Read More
Now that summer is just around the corner we are buying local asparagus, and this features through our brasserie menu. Delivered by Edds (wholesale greengrocer at Mullacott) grown and picked at Broadlands Farm, outside Braunton which is part of the flat landscape known as the Great Field. Typically and throughout the year we also receive, […]
Read More
We’ve updated our Spring/Summer Wine List and really grown the collection this year. In the whites, our changes include an upgrade to the ever popular Pinot Grigio (and for the same price as previous). We’ve introduced a quality Bourgogne Aligote from a smallish 30 acre vineyard in the Cote Clhallonais. It’s perfect with seafood which is always on our […]
Read MoreLove the planet? Then fly less…. and enjoy a go green holiday in North Devon. It’s the simple but inconvenient truth for many of us who want to lead environmentally friendly lives but tend to ignore, when it suits us, the negative contributions we make. This is never truer than our holiday habits – for instance […]
Read MoreEaster 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, […]
Read MoreTake a look at our delicious West Country Beef Brisket recipe, as featured in this months Love Ilfracombe Focus magazine. This is a firm favourite on our regular brasserie menu. This cheap and verstile cut is slow cooked then pulled, drizzled with BBQ sauce, filled into a bap or bun.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Read More
If you’re at home on the range or looking to pick up a clay for the first time, there is great fun to be had by rounding up a posse and heading down to the West Country for a clay pigeon shooting break. The Carlton Hotel in Ilfracombe, North Devon has been hosting clay pigeon shooting […]
Read More
Take a look at our delicious Lundy Cod and Clams recipe, as featured in this months Love Ilfracombe Focus magazine. This is a firm favourite on our regular brasserie menu. This simple dish of local cod and clams are perfectly complemented with warm, smokey chorizo
Read More
Ilfracombe’s business breakfast meetings are held at The Carlton, where you can meet and network. Chat with fellow business owners and entrepreneurs at Love Ilfracombe’s fortnightly open sessions. This informal group meets every other week on Thursdays from 7:45am onwards. It’s a safe and friendly environment where ideas and tips are shared. Usually a guest […]
Read More
The problem with modern life is that it just doesn’t stop! There is a lot of research out there regarding office worker health, urging us to switch off and de-stress, but we just don’t seem to get the time to get round to it… This is something of an irony seeing as the first bit […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
The Carlton we have sought to work with a range of local quality suppliers, since August 2015. And to be fair we’ve got an amazing choice being based in the South West. Being surrounded by over 230 miles of coastline means we get to choose from a huge variety of fish and seafood. Plenty of […]
Read More
Take a look around the office. It’s been a devilishly long winter and everyone’s been cooped up for far too long. Dark mornings, dark evenings, stale air, bright lights, the hum of technology, winter colds and of course Brexit… As winter rolls into spring, it’s time for business team building. Time to escape the city […]
Read More
Here are just a few of our favourite dog walks in North Devon. We are proud to welcome well-behaved dogs at here The Carlton Hotel. Morte Point, Mortehoe Village Enjoy a challenging walk through a rare spot of coastal heathland which provides the wonderful backdrop for a wealth of wildflowers and wildlife. You might even […]
Read More
Museums in North Devon We are blessed along the North Devon coast, not just with our beautiful scenery, but also a wonderful heritage. Endorsing these credentials is a selection of local museums, so many of which are funded or run by volunteers, and many are open for many months of the year, meaning an all […]
Read More
This flavourful warming Moroccan stew is loaded with cooked vegetables and signature spices like cumin and coriander. This version is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who enjoys meat-free dishes to experience international fare at its best. Serve over couscous for a true Moroccan meal. Ingredients 1 cauliflower, cut into florets (blanch prior to main cook) 1 parsnip, […]
Read More
Gluten-free blogger Sarah Howells is on a mission to make a gluten-free living just that little bit easier for everyone!26-year old blogger Sarah Howells blogs about living a fit and healthy gluten-free life with coeliac disease and thyroid issues and how fitness can also please a key part in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Sarah creates delicious gluten-free […]
Read MoreAward-Winning Hotel With Modern Facilities The Carlton Hotel offers all you need for a successful business event. Open all year round, our modern facilities and contemporary interiors are supported by a professional service, terrific food and excellent attention to detail. Recent renovations have been carried out with corporate events in mind. Touches like new glazing […]
Read More
From 23-25 November 2018, enjoy a tutored art course in the creative town of Ilfracombe, North Devon. Based at The Carlton you will have one day’s intensive coaching from renowned local artist Nigel Mason in his nearby studio. Featuring instruction on: Setting up equipment and materials. Head proportion. Drawing from life/profile and full face. Transferring […]
Read More
We’ve created very special New Year’s Packages, three nights from just £83 per person*. Included in this value break is Quality accommodation Dinner each evening Gala dinner and dance on New Year’s Eve Breakfast every morning Afternoon tea Lunch Relax and see in the new year whilst staying at the award-winning Carlton hotel, Ilfracombe North […]
Read More
Bid farewell to the old and see in the new with our evening of fine food, dancing and entertainment. Programme 3 pm Complimentary drinks in the hotel bar 3 pm Six course themed dinner 3 pm Dancing with our resident DJ until late 12 am Chimes of Big Ben – Happy New Year! Dancing continues […]
Read More
Sunday Lunch is served between 12:30 and 2:30. Always with a classic roast or two, plus some of our popular dishes from the weekday brasserie menu, and lots of seasonal freshness. For this month only we are serving Clovelly Mackerel is filleted, flash grilled then served with a beetroot and potato salad. You can indulge […]
Read More
Due to the popularity of our Party Nights, we’ve introduced a unique late lunch, early party tea dance on 16 December. Our Festive Tea Dance starts with a glass of fizz on arrival, followed by a three-course lunch, which consists of two mixed roast options and plenty of seasonal dishes, whilst we play Christmas movies […]
Read More
This autumn we’ve updated our wine list, to reflect the change in season. We’ve introduced some great value wines from South Africa, Chile, and Italy. Our new Stonedale Shiraz is a little spicier than its predecessor and is ideal for the bigger flavored dishes on this seasons menu. The Ca’Luca Merlot offers an alternative to […]
Read More
Come and join us for a cosy warm drink and a peice of cake or light lunch this auturmn. As the days get cooler and the evenings longer we’re adding some new hot chocolate recipes to our coffee lounge menu, including a vegan drink. We make our hot chocolate drinks with Callebaut for that genuine […]
Read More
One of the best things about having a hotel in North Devon is sharing our favourite beauty spots with guests and then seeing their faces when they return from a visit. Sometimes we take the beauty of the area for granted, so it’s always a delight to see people’s reaction to the scenery and landscapes […]
Read More
Ilfracombe has a rich maritime history and its close links to the sea is one of the things we love about being here – whether that’s the day-to-day workings of the boats in the harbour; the array of watersports and activities you can take part in; the fabulous seafood that come straight from the Atlantic […]
Read More
We have so many events going on in Ilfracombe this summer, that we’re not sure if we’ve got room to list all of them – but we’ve given it a go! Devon Street Food Festival 10 – 12 August Whether it’s mac and cheese, a plate of charcuterie or a taste of Morocco, you’ll be […]
Read More
We’re very proud to be one of the sponsors of this fantastic event taking place on Sunday 5th August 2018! This 4 BBB Stableford Competition (90% Handicap) has a top prize of £5000 for a hole in one, plus other great prizes. Entry fee is £8.00 for members and £15.00 for visitors and there is […]
Read More
One thing we do really well in Devon is gardens – they say it’s due to our warm climate and very varied landscape. We have a host of lovely gardens to visit in North Devon, some public, some private – but all very different. RHS Garden Rosemoor This is one of only six Royal Horticultural […]
Read More
It’ll soon be time for champagne and strawberries at Wimbledon, but if you like sport and outdoor pursuits, it may be time to head to Ilfracombe for an early summer break. Golfing getaway Our friends up at the Ilfracombe Golf Club are holding an open week from June 9. This course has amazing clifftop views, […]
Read More
We’re in a seaside town but it’s not just fish and chips that you’ll find in Ilfracombe! Visitors to North Devon are often really surprised to discover that this is a foodie destination for the whole area. All the locals know that Ilfracombe is the place to go for exceptional and unique dining out experiences. […]
Read More
If you love nature and wildlife, then Ilfracombe is a fabulous place to stay. You might be bringing your own four-legged companion along on holiday with you but, if not, we’ve got plenty of other creatures nearby to see! Lundy Island The Oldenburg sails to Lundy island from the quay and we’d encourage anyone who loves […]
Read More
In our last post we told you all about our love of art and how we like to show artists’ work at The Carlton. Well, it’s not just art for the walls, we’re also mad keen on theatre and film. Anyone who’s stayed here will have noticed the framed show posters on the bedroom and […]
Read More
We love to be surrounded by high quality artwork. No home – or hotel – feels right without it, which is why we really care about what goes on the walls of The Carlton. We’re always keeping an eye out for new artists and their work. It just so happens we can count the world’s […]
Read More
We all think of January as a time for fresh starts, and it couldn’t be more true at The Carlton this month. There were cheers all round when the scaffolding, which had been wrapping the hotel in the run up to Christmas, came down to reveal a new roof – not to mention a fresh […]
Read More
It’s always such a hectic and busy time over the festive period, so much to organise, so many people to see, children at home for the holidays…as busy hoteliers we know just how hard it is to stop, take a breather and look around you. But there’s so much out there to experience and enjoy, […]
Read More
The Carlton Supports Local Charity and is Transforming Lives in North Devon Back in December we took the initiative to raise money for a local charity – Freedom Community Alliance who are a ‘needs led’ organisation. This means that where they recognise a need that is not being met for the vulnerable in our community they do their best to fill the […]
Read More
Let’s celebrate in the new The Carlton Bar! After a few weeks of disruption we are new ready to unveil The Carlton Bar area to you. Moving the bar from one side of the brasserie to the other has allowed us to open up the dining area and create a more contemporary and relaxing environment for you. The refurbishment gave us […]
Read More
A dog friendly night away? We’d like to introduce Ragamuffin, an adorable Collie. He’s been a guest at the Carlton Hotel several times and we’ve loved having him come to visit. In fact, it’s Ragamuffin’s birthday soon so we’re planning a bit of a party for him. But, are you wondering how we met? Here’s his version… […]
Read More
After a busy Christmas we are now spending time putting the final touches to our brand new guest bedrooms! The Carlton is open as usual and our builders are doing their utmost to avoid any guest disturbance while creating our new rooms. All first floor bedrooms have been rebuilt. New windows and casements are being installed […]
Read More
We are thrilled to announce our New Years 2017 Competition Winner is Elizabeth Ward. Elizabeth has won tickets for two to our New Years Eve party night. Picked at random from over 200 entrants we are looking forward to welcoming the lucky winner and a friend to our spectacular evening. There are still places left, more […]
Read More
Easter in Devon The coastal resorts of North Devon are once again gearing up for Easter celebrations. As thousands of people travel to this wonderful part of the world, several key events will be shining a spotlight on local culture and providing a spectacular time for anyone visiting. Here’s our guide to having the best […]
Read More
We can’t wait to welcome our guests back in 2016. And with just a few days left to the reopening of Ilfracombe’s Carlton Hotel, the finishing touches are being made to our bedrooms, public areas and also to the brand new all day dining menu food offer. Improvements include superfast WiFi to all areas of […]
Read More