Home / Things To Do / Activities

Activities

There are all sorts of activities for families, individuals and groups from the most to the least active.

Ilfracombe is a good central base to visit surfing beaches nearby. Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton are all great places to surf and are between 10 - 20 minutes drive away. Board and wetsuit hire is freely available if you don't have your own and there are several surf schools offering training from beginner up to advanced level for both children and adults.

Ilfracombe is the ideal base for a cycling or walking holiday. The Tarka Trail (the old railway line, now a cycle path) is a popular route and the North Devon Coastal path (part of the South West Coastal Path) runs along the sea front. Exmoor, criss-crossed with walks is only a twenty minute drive away.

Fishing is a popular pastime & shore fishing is available from the rocks around Capstone Hill & from the pier (tide permitting). Local shops keep a variety of fresh & dried bait. There are also a number of boats offering off-shore fishing. In the summer there are trips daily weather permitting and boat hire available for most of the year.

There are 51 golf clubs in Devon, 5 of which are within half an hour's drive (traffic dependant) including one in Ilfracombe itself and the challenging championship links courses at nearby Saunton Sands. There are also numerous clubs in East & North Cornwall within easy reach.

Other activities available either in or around Ilfracombe include horse riding, quad bikes, paint-balling, sea kayaking, clay shooting and more. Most activities are available year round but can be weather dependant. Many activities can be booked at the Tourist Information Centre.