Ilfracombe

town (seaside resort) and civil parish in Devon, England

Ilfracombe is a small town on the North Devon coast in the west of England. It has a beautiful harbour and some wonderful examples of Victorian architecture. Ilfracombe has become a culinary centre for the area with several excellent seafood restaurants, a buzzing cafe culture and Damien Hirsts' 10 The Quay restaurant. Ilfracombe has a vibrant, up and coming feel to it and is perfectly placed for a great family holiday.

Ilfracombe in Devon

Understand

Get in

By road

  • Ilfracombe sits on the A361 road which is connected to the M5 Motorway near Tiverton. Ilfracombe is typically 2 hours drive from Bristol.

By coach

  • The town is served by National Express coaches, including direct services to Bristol and London (via Heathrow Airport).
  • Several holiday companies offer coach holidays in Ilfracombe.

By train

  • The nearest train station is situated in Barnstaple, at the end of the branch line from Exeter. Local bus services connect Ilfracombe to 🌍 Barnstaple station.

Get around

By bus

  • Local buses connect Ilfracombe to the surrounding seaside resorts, including neighbouring Woolacombe, a large sandy beach popular with surfers.
  • Frequent buses also connect Ilfracombe to nearby towns and villages, including Combe Martin, Braunton and Barnstaple: the largest town in the area.

See

Do

  • Take a day-trip to Swansea or Penarth (near Cardiff) on a paddle steamer – summer only.
  • 🌍 Lundy Island. Take a trip to Lundy. See puffins and seals. (updated Jan 2018)
  • Take a walk up Hillsborough or Capstone for superb views.
  • Walk the coast path to Lee and Woolacombe and beyond
  • 🌍 Landmark Theatre. (updated Jan 2018)
  • 🌍 The Embassy Cinema, 134 High St, EX34 9EZ, ☏ +44 1271 862323. (updated Jan 2018)

Buy

  • Enjoy the High Street with its wide range of independent shops

Eat

  • Espresso. For great seafood and meat. 
  • Slice of Devon. For great pizza and seafood. Includes good vegetarian options.
  • Gazpacho. For authentic Spanish food and fabulous tapas. 
  • 10 The Quay. For good food surrounded by Damien Hirst artwork and sometimes a chance to spot him. 
  • Grassroots. For great vegetarian delights. 
  • The Deli. For coffee, brunch and lunch. 
  • Maddys. Fish and chips. 
  • Harbour Deli. Olives, paninis and coffee. 
  • Joe Deluccis. Great ice cream. 
  • For pub grub go down Fore Street. At the end before reaching the harbour the George & Dragon as well as the Prince of Wales serve food.
  • Storm in a Teacup is a former rescue boat, turned into an offbeat cafe by Watermouth Harbour. It's open daily 9:30AM-5PM.

Drink

Sleep

A couple of B&Bs are located on St. Brannock's Road near the intersection with Bicclescombe Park Road. If you do not want to walk from here to the town centre, a bus stop is right at this intersection.

Connect

As of Sep 2023, Ilfracombe and its approach roads have 4G from EE, but next-to-no signal from other carriers. 5G has not reached this area.

Go next


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