Ilfracombe

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. Recently 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. Mr Hirst recently announced his intention to build 500 eco homes on the outskirts of the town. Ilfracombe has a vibrant, up and coming feel to it and is perfectly placed for a great family holiday.

Tourist Information

• Visit Devon

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 Train Station.

Get around

• 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

Ilfracombe in Devon

Do

• Take a day-trip to Swansea or Penarth (near Cardiff) on a paddle steamer - summer only.
• Take a trip to Lundy Island. See puffins and seals.
• Visit Ilfracombe Aquarium
• Take a walk up Hillsborough or Capstone for superb views.
• See 'Verity': the new giant art installation by Damien Hirst, situated on the end of the pier.
• Visit Ilfracombe Museum
• Watch a film at the cinema
• Enjoy the High Street with its' wide range of independent shops
• Visit Chambercombe Manor
• Walk the coast path to Lee and Woolacombe and beyond
• Watch a show at the Landmark Theatre

Eat

• Espresso. for great seafood and meat 
• 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 the man himself 
• Grassroots. for great vege delights 
• The Deli. for coffee, brunch and lunch 
• Maddys. fish n chips 
• Harbour deli. olives, paninis and coffee 
• Joe Deluccis. great ice cream 

Go next

• Passenger ferries to Lundy Island
• Exmoor National Park lies just 4 miles to the east by road of Ilfracombe
• Dartmoor National Park is about 1 hours drive to the south.