Planning a festive adventure for the days between Christmas and New Year? 
Once the presents are unwrapped and the sofa snooze has worn off, you might be ready for a little exploring – or perhaps you’ve got family to entertain, fresh air to find, or a cosy meal in mind. Ilfracombe and North Devon have plenty to enjoy in that twinkly week between the holidays.
From wildlife encounters and nostalgic railways to independent galleries and brilliant places to eat, here’s a handy guide to just some of what’s open.
ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
• Ilfracombe Aquarium — 28 Dec–2 Jan, 10am–4pm (last entry 3pm)
• Keypitts Off Road Adventures — open 27th, 30th & 31st
• North Devon Resort pool open to non-residents — 26th Dec to 1st Jan — 9am-12pm and 2pm-5pm (until 6.30pm from 27th to 30th)
• The Combes Golf Park – open 26th (12-6), 27th to 30th (10-9), 31st (9-5), 1st Jan (12-6)
• Exmoor Zoo — open 27–31 Dec, 10am–4pm
• Lynton & Barnstaple Railway — New Year Service from 28–31 Dec (under 14s travel free)
• The BIG Sheep Family Attraction — open throughout the holidays except 24–26 Dec & 1 Jan; NYE Glow Party on 31st
• The Milky Way Adventure Park — 28–31 Dec, 10.30am–4.30pm
SHOPS & GALLERIES
• Marks Models — open from 29 Dec, 9am–4pm
• Fairy’s Fancies — 27–30 Dec, 10.30am–4.30pm
• Magenta Fine Art — 27–31 Dec, 10am–5pm (closed NY Day)
• The Pier Gallery – Ilfracombe — open daily from 26 Dec, 10am–4pm
• Ilfracombe Art & Craft Society — open daily from 26 Dec, 10.30am–3.30pm
FOOD & DRINK
• 11 The Quay – Cafe & Wine Bar — open every day except Christmas Day from 10am
• The Terrace Tapas and Wine Bar — open 30 & 31 Dec
• Monkey Puzzle Restaurant — open 27, 28 & 31 Dec
• Monkey Puzzle Bar – open 26, 27, 28, 29 & 30 Dec
Both include free soft play and gaming with any purchase over £5
• The Royal Britannia Hotel Ilfracombe — open throughout
• Santiago’s — open 27 Dec from 5pm, and 28 Dec from midday
• The Carlton Hotel Ilfracombe and The Brasserie — open throughout Christmas and into New Year. Special menus for Boxing Day lunch and dinner, evenings throughout and New Year’s Day.
TAXI
• Sure Taxis Limited — operating throughout the festive period for pre-booked journeys
01271 865385
