Hele Bay

Popular with bathers since Victorian times

Just a five minute journey by car from Ilfracombe on the A399 will bring you to Hele and easy car parking is available. Buses also run from Ilfracombe and Combe Martin. Or walk from Ilfracombe over Hillsborough with it’s stunning views.

Hele Bay has been popular with bathers since Victorian times and the part sand, part shingle beach is great for families looking for a quiet seaside day out with facilities on hand. Explore the numerous rock pools with fishing nets and discover the secret smugglers’ caves. Then, at very low tide, clamber around the rocks to ‘Fishing Rock’ or ‘Blythes Cove’. The beach is also popular with canoeists and larger ships can be viewed out to sea, so bring your binoculars

After an active morning, why not visit Hele Corn Mill, a 16th century working watermill and tearooms just 300m from the beach and when it’s time for home, an alternative route could include a visit to Chambercombe Manor, approx 20 minutes on foot, five by car. Dating back to 1162, this historic Manor House is connected to tales of smuggling and renown for paranormal activity!