What’s On In Around Ilfracombe This March

So, this March is packed full of events and activities for just about everyone. The longer days naturally mean visitors can make the most of the extended light and warmer climate.

Easter is late March so that means all the boats are back in the water. After spending their winter on the quay, it’s time to get back afloat, and for you to start your coastal exploration as water-based trips recommence. Use these to orient yourself around our unspoilt North Devon coastline and get close to the wildlife same time. Plenty of operators to choose from including Sea Safari, Ilfracombe Princess – go to Visit Ilfracombe for more info.

Cultural Ilfracombe

Before that though why not spend an evening at the local Landmark Theatre? Enjoy a night with standup comedian Tim Vine, on 20th March. And if movement is your thing why not book your seat for LORE, on 9th March, a new dance production from James Wilton Dance set to a blend of Viking, Celtic and Slavik folk music. It’s a fascinating journey into the pagan world of gods, demons and humans.

Kicking off our theatrical cultural month on the 1 & 2 March is a local production of The Wizard of Oz. On the 16th March, the clever comedy ART examines how friendships can be disrupted. Our final highlight from the Landmark is an afternoon with renowned author Ann Cleeves in support of the 200th year anniversary of the RNLI, marking the paperback publication of her latest book The Raging Storm

Mother’s Day

10 March recognises Mother’s Day and there’s plenty to do including a fine lunch at The Carlton of course! Why not combine this into a weekend and make the most of the local National Trust

properties which are all coming to life. This includes a daffodil trail at nearby Arlington House from 4 March. Don’t forget there’s many more NT and other historic locations including Watersmeet (near Lynmouth), Clovelly Village, Hartland Abbey and the bracing spots around Baggy Point.

Art & Galleries

Many of the town’s independent galleries are open for browsing and business. This includes some which are artist owner operated, like The Pier Gallery down by the harbour. There’s something really

special about learning more from the artist themselves.

Railways

If you’re into transport, pop along to the Ilfracombe Model Railway exhibition at the Pavilion , on 30 March. Why not combine that with a trip along the Lynton Barnstaple preserved line at Woody Bay or a trip on the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway?

17 March is St Patrick’s Day so there’ll be plenty to celebrate around town that weekend.

Paranormal

Fancy a scare? Why not join in one of Devon Ghost Tour evenings at The Second Stage for a spot of paranormal on 15 March? These guys offer historic walking tours as well as other spooky options.

Spring Blooms

Plenty of public gardens will be open, including the nearby Marwood Hill and further afield RHS Rosemoor with its notable Spring Flower Show. With Exmoor on our doorstep and equally convenient the largest UK sand system at Braunton Burrows, just one part of North Devon’s Biosphere reserve.

Getting out and about by foot is so simple. And most of the above locations are linked by the South West Coast Path of course. You’ll be interested in a talk by Dave Edgecombe on 15 March detailing how Braunton Burrows was used for military training in WW2. The talk takes place in Bideford.

The local major attractions are all open including our Harbour Aquarium, Watermouth Castle, The Big Sheep and Combe Martin’s Wildlife and Dinosaur Park. Check opening hours with each outlet please.

Closer to home in our Museum is an expert talk on the History of Hele, 15 March, starting at 7pm. Book on Eventbrite.