Things to see and do..
Here are our recommendations for things to see and do in and around Ilfracombe.
These are some of our favourites, more can be found via the Visit Ilfracombe site here
The Cairn
Situated just behind The Earlsdale - The Cairn is a beautiful and mystical woodland created by the Victorians with a myriad of alluring pathways to be explored - taking you to the top of The Cairn for wonderful views towards the town. Find out more here.
The Cairn
Listed by distance from The Earlsdale (roughly!)
The Torrs
One of our favourite walks combining 2 of our passions - beautiful natural scenery and impressive period architecture. Walk the Victorian Zig Zag clifftop paths for breathtaking views over the channel, then descend back into Ilfracombe via the Torrs estate - a once grand collection of vast Victorian villas - many of which still stand, just waiting to be admired.
The viewpoint at the top of The Torrs
The Harbour and Beach
Rapparee Cove
Tunnels Beaches
Ilfracombe High Street and Fore Street
Our High Street and Fore Street areas offer plenty of unique shopping opportunities with many quirky and intriguing independent shops just waiting to be discovered. There are also a wealth of cafés and eateries - find out more here
Ilfracombe Harbour
The harbour is well worth a visit, no matter what time of year you visit. The beautiful scenery can be enjoyed by all as the harbour area and car parks are all on the level. For those seeking some gentle walking we would recommend climbing up to see St Nicolas Chapel for exceptional views over the harbour, or try Capstone Parade for a refreshing walk and views over the Bristol Channel to Wales. Be sure to explore the Ilfracombe Aquarium.
Larkstone and Rapparee
Both beautiful, the beaches of Larkstone and Rapparee Cove offer a alternative view of the harbour area - and are well worth exploring especially if you are making your way towards Hillsborough. Rapparee Cove was once a very exclusive bathing beach in Victorian times - now a largely forgotten gem - yours for the discovery.
Hillsborough and Hele Bay
A walk for those that like to get the blood pumping, beyond Larkstone and Rapparee - climb up our very own 'sleeping elephant' the impressive Hillsborough for incredible views over the harbour to the west, and to the east descend into Hele Bay where a pub, The Mill Tearoom and cafe await you. Plus, you can always get the bus back easily if you aren't up for the return journey on foot!
Tunnels Beaches
Prior to 1820, these beaches were not accessible by land - then the tunnels were excavated for easy access and a tourist attraction was born! Now privately owned, a small admission fee gives you access to these beautiful and intriguing beaches. Be sure to check out the tidal pool as the tide goes out. Find out more here
The old railway line
Beyond The Cairn, you'll find the old railway line that used to run from Ilfracombe to Barnstaple. This much missed line was closed in the 1970s, but the trackbed is now a lovely footpath that can be enjoyed as far as Willingcott (just beyond Woolacombe) and is perfect for a chilled stroll - nice and shady on a hot day.
The old railway line
Lee Bay
A beautiful and largely unknown spot to tourists - Lee is a stunning bay with a tiny village. Enjoy as part of a walk on the South West Coast Path in between Ilfracombe and Woolacombe. Be sure to visit The Grampus Pub and visit The Old School Room Gallery. Find out more about Lee Bay here
Woolacombe Beach
Simply put, one of the most beautiful beaches. Woolacombe beach (including Combesgate, Barricane and Putsborough beaches) offers an incredible sandy beach experience - either for sunbathing and swimming, or, as we prefer, a lovely long walk - it's just 5 mins drive from The Earlsdale, or simply jump on the bus. Be sure to check out The Porthole Café on Marine Drive. For serious walkers, try walking the South West Coastal Path from Ilfracombe to Woolacombe via Lee Bay and Mortehoe.
Woolacombe Beach
Combe Martin
The sweet little town of Combe Martin features a lovely beach area with plenty of watersports activities to enjoy as well as pubs, cafés and restaurants. When the tide is out, Combe Martin offers up a tantalising array of beautiful rock pools to explore. Only 15 minutes drive from The Earlsdale - find out more here
Rock pools at Combe Martin
Croyde Beach
A little further on than Woolacombe, and accessed by smaller roads - Croyde is a beautiful bay with a stunning beach and a good selection of pubs and eateries. Try the walk out to Baggy Point for amazing views. Find out more about visiting Croyde here
Croyde Beach
Braunton
In between Ilfracombe and Barnstaple, Braunton is a nice spot to have a wander, some really nice shops, pubs and restaurants including the famous Squires Fish and Chip shop. Find out more here
Crow Point
Saunton Sands (and Braunton Burrows)
Raw, unspoilt and truly beautiful - the beach at Saunton and the endless dunes at Braunton Burrows down to Crow Point are secret gems of this coastline. Miles of pristine wilderness are just waiting to be explored. Car parks can be found at Saunton Sands, or Braunton Burrows, or Crow Point. Find out more here
Barnstaple
Our county town has a lot of history, architecture and shopping to enjoy. A wide selection of shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants are easily found in the High St and Boutport St. Why not enjoy a walk along the river and Rock Park, or if the weather is not onside, the indoor shopping centre at Green Lanes is very handy. Find out more here
Heddons Mouth and Heddon Valley
One of our favourite walks - start by driving to The Hunters Inn at Heddon Valley - then on foot follow the path alongside the river, all the way down to the sea. A very quiet and reflective walk, mainly in the shade of beautiful woodland until the skies open up above the stunning Heddons Mouth.
Heddon Valley
Exmoor Zoo
About 30 minutes drive from The Earlsdale, close to Lynton and Lynmouth, Exmoor Zoo is a real treat. They have a really unusual collection of animals and do some amazing conservation work. find out more here
Clovelly
The ancient sea port village of Clovelly is steeped in history, and hills! Perfectly preserved it's one of the areas top visitor attractions and we thoroughly recommend a visit - about 45 minutes drive from The Earlsdale. Find out more here
Lynton and Lynmouth
Roughly 30 minutes drive from The Earlsdale - the towns of Lynton and Lynmouth are not to be missed. We recommend parking in Lynton and then taking the Funicular Railway down to Lynmouth. There is plenty to see and do in both towns, and if you are seeking a really special walk, head up the East Lyn River to Watersmeet. Find out more about the area here
Lynmouth