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Exploring Ilfracombe & the Surrounding Area

Ilfracombe is a town bursting with pride, with bustling shops, regular farmers markets and independent high street retailers providing you with choice, quality and a few surprises like the Chocolate Emporium and Museum. In summer the main shopping streets and promenade are alive with colour from magnificent floral displays, winning Ilfracombe the honour of a 'Gold' award in Britain in Bloom for three years running and a Silver Gilt award in 2008.

The heritage harbour and quay are spectacular. The many pubs, restaurants and shops that surround the quay create a friendly continental atmosphere. It is from the harbour that boats leave to the magical Lundy Island, a place of outstanding natural beauty, which will provide you with an unforgettable experience.

Surrounding Area

Ilfracombe is ideally situated for you to explore the spectacular coastline and the delightful moorland reaches of Exmoor with its rolling hills and quaint villages; to the west are the unique villages of Lynton and Lynmouth with it's cliff top railway, and to the east the delights of Clovelly, Hartland and the market town of Barnstaple with its famous Pannier Market and Butchers Row.

Ilfracombe is the centre for some of the finest walking country in England. Whether you enjoy a gentle promenade walk around Capstone Hill, the rugged coastal path or prefer the river valleys and tranquillity of the moorland hills of Exmoor National Park you will find the scenery spectacular. Words somehow cannot fully capture this natural beauty, this 'great outdoors'.

The North Devon Coast path stretched from Hartland in the West, to Lynmouth in the East and encompasses such a variety of countryside, from the mighty hogback cliffs of Great Hangman, to the sweeping golden sands and wild surf at Woolacombe, to the calmer waters of the estuary of the Taw and Torridge rivers.

The coast path between Woolacombe and Lynton with Ilfracombe at its heart is breathtaking in more ways than one. Why not base yourself in Ilfracombe, walk a section of this path each day and be at one with nature.

There are numerous walks in the exquisite National Park of Exmoor. On its moorland and heather hills you will find sheep and ponies with buzzards flying overhead. Along its coastal edge, the views, well the views are from another world. Glance across the water to South Wales and on a clear day you will see its mountains, it's a perfect backdrop to your picture. Exmoor will give you such a memorable day out and a story or two to take home with you.

Walking books and maps can be purchased from the Tourist Information Centre before your visit. Find time to explore some of the local attractions - within easy reach you will find romantic gardens, exciting castles, beautiful villages and fascinating National Trust properties.