If you’re planning your next holiday or family getaway in the UK, a holiday in Ilfracombe in North Devon is a great option. Ilfracombe has so much to offer no matter who you’re holidaying with. Whether you’re looking for an active adventure holiday with friends, a relaxing retreat with your partner, a cultural exploration or some wholesome family fun, you won’t be disappointed.

A holiday in Ilfracombe in North Devon has all the bases covered. The beautiful coastline is perfectly complimented by the rugged countryside and the many towns and villages that populate the northern coast of Devon make this area extremely attractive for the 6 million visitors who choose this region for their holidays and day trips each year.

Is Ilfracombe worth visiting?

We may be biased because we have made Ilfracombe our home, but we think this part of the country is the perfect choice for anyone looking to plan a holiday in the UK. Ilfracombe has been a popular tourist destination for many years and in our opinion, it is one of the most beautiful towns you could visit in North Devon. The picture postcard town has so much to offer and in this post, we will share some of our local knowledge with you so that you can plan your perfect holiday in Ilfracombe, North Devon.

What is Ilfracombe famous for?

Damien Hirst’s Verity

The first thing that probably springs to mind when you think of Ilfracombe is Verity, Damien Hirst’s 20m stainless steel and bronze statue that depicts a pregnant woman holding a sword up in the air while carrying the scales of justice and standing on a pile of law books.

You cannot visit Ilfracombe without stopping by the harbour to take in this magnificent sculpture that draws in art-loving tourists year after year.

But Ilfracombe is about so much more than Verity. There are many other attractions and activities that you can do in and around Ilfracombe that will create a memory-making holiday for you and your travel companions.

Ilfracombe Attractions to Visit

Ilfracombe Harbour

We are extremely lucky to have the largest harbour on the North Devon Coast right here in Ilfracombe. The bustling port has been in operation since the 12^th Century and whilst it is a functional port for landing locally caught fish and seafood, which we serve in The Brasserie, it is also used for the many leisure and tourism activities that take place in Ilfracombe. Whether you’re planning a sea safari, a day trip to Lundy Island or doing a spot of sea fishing, the harbour is where you will want to head.

Ilfracombe Tunnels Beach

Ilfracombe may be famous for Verity, but coming in a close second is probably Tunnels Beaches. The network of hand-carved tunnels leads to unique sheltered beaches and a tidal Victorian bathing pool. The private beaches are the main beaches in Ilfracombe and are steeped in history.

What is there to do in Ilfracombe for adults?

Runnymede Gardens

If you are visiting Ilfracombe in North Devon with a group of adults there are plenty of things that will keep you occupied. If gardens are your thing, make sure you stop by Runnymede Gardens. This is a small, enclosed garden close to the Landmark Theatre and seafront.

Landmark Theatre

Photo by Richard Brannen on Unsplash

While you’re there, the Landmark Theatre is a 483-seat arts and entertainment complex where you can watch a film, a musical, a play, a concert, or a dance performance.

Southwest Coast Path

If you’re looking for something more active and outdoorsy there is always the South West Coast Path to explore. The path is 630 miles long and runs all the way around the South West Coast from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset. It is a mixture of rural and urban walks and runs right through Ilfracombe.

Chambercombe Manor

If you’re a fan of the paranormal why not consider visiting Chambercombe Manor, a manor House in Ilfracombe thought to date from the 11th century, was mentioned in the Domesday Book and is thought to be haunted.

Hele Cornmill

Hele Cornmill is a 16th-century working water mill just outside Ilfracombe. It’s a great stop for cream tea in the Teagarden.

St Nicholas Chapel

St Nicholas Chapel is a working lighthouse dating back to 1321 and is said to be the oldest in the country. It is open to visitors from Easter to October.

Things to do in Ilfracombe for Kids

Watermouth Castle

Watermouth Castle is a Victorian Castle full of eclectic treasures and vintage curios. Kids will love the outdoor theme park which includes toboggan runs, mazes, river rides, crazy golf, swing boats, steam carousels and a gnome village.

Bicclescombe Park

Bicclescombe Park is Ilfracombe’s premier park and features a large children’s play area and sensory garden.

Ilfracombe Aquarium

Down on the harbour is Ilfracombe Aquarium, an award-winning, all-weather, family attraction. The living exhibits display a variety of species of aquatic animals from around North Devon.

Chocolate Emporium

Kids will love a trip to the Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium where they can learn all about how their favourite sweet treat is made in the chocolate museum before sampling some of the goods.

Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park

Devon’s very own prehistoric park is situated just a few minutes outside Ilfracombe in Combe Martin. At Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park kids can enjoy the impressive life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and the gigantic Dinosaurus Playzone.

The Milky Way Adventure Park

North Devon’s all-weather, multi-award-winning attraction The Milky Way Adventure Park is a short distance away in Clovelly and is fantastic for kids who seeking thrills as well as those looking to learn about birds of prey, paint some pottery or play a game of mini golf.

The Big Sheep Farm & Theme Park

From rollercoasters to hilarious animal shows, there is something for toddlers, tiddlers and teens at The Big Sheep, yet another award-winning attraction just outside Ilfracombe in Bideford.

If you need more inspiration, check out this handy guide by Devon with Kids for more ideas of things to do in Ilfracombe for kids.

Are There Many Shops in Ilfracombe?

Maybe shopping is your favourite pastime and you’re wondering whether Ilfracombe has a good selection of shops to keep you occupied while you holiday in North Devon. We’re delighted to inform you that Ilfracombe has an excellent selection of independent shops, greengrocers, butchers and bakers, as well as traditional seaside souvenir gift shops and galleries.

Which places are near Ilfracombe?

A holiday in Ilfracombe in North Devon wouldn’t;t be complete without the obligatory day trips to other towns and villages in the near vicinity. You’ll be glad to know that we have a selection of great towns near Ilfracombe that make for fantastic trips. Here are some of our favourites:

Woolacombe & Mortehoe

These two villages in North Devon are best known for Woolacombe Beach. This 3-mile sandy stretch of beach is great for body boarding, rock pooling, building sand castles and playing beach games. But both villages have plenty more to offer including great pubs and restaurants.

Braunton

Just six miles west of Barnstaple is Braunton, a densely populated village that boasts a working model railway and the Museum of British Surfing along with various eateries.

Croyde

Superb sandy beaches and spectacular scenery characterise the unspoilt village of Croyde. The village is particularly popular with young surfers and those seeking outdoor activities and water sports.

Barnstaple

Barnstaple is one of the UK’s oldest boroughs as well as being one of the largest towns in North Devon. Known as the social centre of North Devon, Barnstaple is home to great markets, eateries, and shopping opportunities.

Lynton and Lynmouth

The picturesque villages of Lynton & Lynmouth are worth a visit for the world-famous Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway, the Lynmouth Regatta & Maritime Festival or a local market, there is something for everyone in this charming seaside town.

South Molton

The classic British market town of South Molton is known for its traditional markets that take place twice a week in the main square. The town has a reputation for the quality of its cafés and independent shops.

Bideford

Bideford was once Britain’s third largest port and it is now a cultural hub in North Devon with plenty to do and see including nature attractions, walking and cycling trails and ferry trips.

Appledore

Appledore is a historic fishing village full of maritime history and cute pastel houses. Home to the North Devon Maritime Museum and well-known for the quality of the seafood, Appledore is also a haven for creativity.

Westward Ho!

The only town in the UK to have an exclamation mark as part of its name, Westward Ho! is a delightful village by the sea and one of North Devon’s most popular surfing and swimming spots.

Where to Eat in Ilfracombe

Dine in style at The Brasserie

We’re not exaggerating when we say that Ilfracombe is the gastronomic capital of North Devon. We have some of the best chefs in the area here and they benefit from what we call “North Devon’s Larder” From the fresh fish and live seafood landed daily in the harbour to fine Exmoor meats, locally grown fruit and vegetables, tasty cheeses and more, Ilfracombe is a food-lovers paradise.

We’d love to invite you to sample some of our locally sourced food right here in the Brasserie. You can book your Brasserie table here.

Ilfracombe in Winter

Whilst Ilfracombe has a lot to offer in the summer months when the weather is finer and we can enjoy the outdoors, there is still plenty to enjoy in Ilfracombe in winter. The Landmark Theatre has shows all year round, the Aquarium can be enjoyed no matter what the weather and chocolate workshops at the Chocolate Emporium are a taste sensation.

Embassy Cinema

The independent Embassy Cinema shows all the latest releases and alternative films and is the perfect way to while away a drab and dreary winter’s day il Ilfracombe.

Ilfracombe Museum

There is fun for all the family at Ilfracombe Museum. From natural specimens, maritime models, and technology, to Victoriana, tools and ceremonial objects, and wartime memories, this should keep you occupied until the wet weather dries up enough to get back outdoors.

So there you have it. That’s everything you need to know to plan your perfect holiday in Ilfracombe in North Devon.

If you are currently in the planning stages of your holiday in North Devon, you will probably be doing some research on what to do in the area. Well, you can rest assured that there are plenty of activities you can enjoy here and plenty of great places to visit in North Devon.

There is so much to do up here on the North Devon coast, that we can’t possibly cover it all in one post. So for now we will explore some of the popular art and culture activities in Ilfracombe you might want to consider if you are staying here or simply visiting Ilfracombe for the day.

If you are passionate about art and culture, Ilfracombe won’t disappoint you. The natural beauty of the North Devon coastline has inspired generations of creatives, so it’s no wonder the area is full of highly talented artists, writers, craftspeople and artisans.

Damien Hirst’s Verity

We couldn’t do a post about art and culture activities in Ilfracombe without mentioning Verity. The 20m stainless steel and bronze statue was created by world-famous artist Damien Hirst in 2012 and was loaned to the town of Ilfracombe for 20 years.

Once the tallest statue in the UK, Verity depicts a pregnant woman holding a sword up in the air while carrying the scales of justice and standing on a pile of law books. The statue has always been a controversial addition to the town. Half of the sculpture shows the internal anatomy of the pregnant woman, with the foetus clearly visible.  This has led to critics believing the artwork to be “distasteful” or “grotesque”.

No matter what people think of Verity, it is definitely worth a visit to see how this magnificent piece of art stands on the pier at the entrance to the harbour, looking out over the Bristol Channel towards South Wales.

Ilfracombe Art Trail

Paul Swailes & Heather McNeilly, two of the four co-founders of The Pier Gallery in Ilfracombe

Whilst Damien Hirst might be the most famous artist to live in the area, he certainly isn’t the only one. If you happen to be visiting Ilfracombe in Spring you should check your diary and make sure you’re around when The Ilfracombe Art Trail is on.

For one weekend in May each year, local artists and makers in Ilfracombe open their homes, studios and galleries to the general public. Visitors can see how and where the creatives work, talk to them about their creative processes and also view and purchase a varied collection of their arts and crafts.

We feature lots of artwork from local artists at The Carlton so pop in for a look if you are in the area. Likewise, if you are looking for an art break in North Devon, The Carlton is a great base for your art and culture activities in and around Ilfracombe. Book your stay here.

Landmark Theatre Ilfracombe

Photo by Richard Brannen on Unsplash

Aside from Verity and the Art Trail, there is another prominent tourist attraction that entices people to visit Ilfracombe. The Landmark is North Devon’s iconic seaside theatre located on the seafront.

And don’t worry about finding it as the 483-seat arts and entertainment complex is not something you could easily miss. With its distinctive double-conical design, the sculptural form of The Landmark Theatre towers over the shoreline.

So, whether you’d like to watch a film, a musical, a play, a concert, a dance performance or enjoy a spot of comedy, the Landmark can quench your thirst for art and culture activities in Ilfracombe.

If you’d like to combine your theatre trip with a pre-show supper, don’t forget that we offer a Landmark Theatre discount here at The Carlton. All ticket holders receive a 10% discount off our full menu, including food and drink, when you dine at The Brasserie before your show.

Ilfracombe Museum

If history is one of your interests, make sure Ilfracombe Museum is on your list of places to visit in North Devon. Founded in Mervyn Palmer in 1932, the museum houses many eclectic collections across eight different rooms. From natural specimens, maritime models, and technology, to Victoriana, tools and ceremonial objects, and wartime memories, there really is something for everyone.

The museum is family-friendly with activities such as quizzes, sending morse code messages and bronze rubbing to keep kids occupied and interested. It is the perfect wet-weather activity for those times when the sun refuses to come out.

Watermouth Castle

If historical monuments are more your thing, a short 10-minute drive around the coast will take you to Watermouth where you will find a Victorian Castle full of eclectic treasures and vintage curios. With stunning views of Watermouth Cove and the North Devon coastline and beautiful landscaped gardens to wander around, Watermouth Castle makes for a great day out.

There is also plenty to do for the children as the outdoor theme park hosts a whole world of rides, attractions and play structures. From toboggan runs, mazes, river rides and crazy golf to swing boats, steam carousels and a gnome village, kids will be in their element.

Whether you are planning to book a holiday in North Devon or you’re simply planning to visit Ilfracombe for the day, The Carlton can accommodate you to stay in our coastal hotel, or serve you a delicious afternoon tea or three-course dinner.