Ilfracombe
N
orth Devon offers an exciting array of family festivals and events, from the North Devon Festival to traditional farming festivals to quirky street carnivals, contemporary art exhibitions to music concerts covering anything from folk to jazz, nature walks, beer festivals, sporting events or shows at a theatre, surfing competitions and the Golden Coast Oceanfest at Croyde beach, there is something for everyone whatever the weather. Fashions can change but North Devon is constant for doing whatever you wish, be it eating out, celebrating with friends, visiting golden sandy beaches, dramatic coastlines, rugged moors and verdant valleys, this part of Devon is the perfect holiday choice.
Whilst no magazine can contain everything the following is a potted guide to some of the touristy costal and inland holiday towns & villages. Lynton and Lynmouth noted for its family entertainments offer a great family holiday experience. There are scenic boat trips along the Exmoor Coast, mackerel fishing and challenging surfing, historic houses and inspiring gardens. The water powered Victorian Cliff Railway offers a unique form of transport up the cliffs.
Woody Bay is a sheltered bay backed by steep cliffs with access via a steep path that zigzags down through the woods to the rocky pebble and shingle beach. It is a secluded hidden gem for dog walkers due to its stunning location on the South West Coast path, and swimmers willing to brave the cold.
Combe Martin offers the visitor glimpses of the two headlands of Great and Little Hangman on the approach to the village and journey to the harbour. Sitting on the western edge of Exmoor National Park with an award winning beach and bay, there is something for everyone. The Combe Martin Museum is an interesting place to visit and the Tourist Information Centre is in the same building. This town is also home to the famous Dinosaur Park offering great fun for the kids.
Hele Bay is shingle with some sand at low tides, for children there is an abundance of rock pools. There is a holiday park and car parking close to the beach, but wheel chair access to the beach is difficult.
Ilfracombe is a resort where the car can be left where you are staying as there are a number of attractions within walking distance including the award-winning Ilfracombe Aquarium, the unique Tunnels Beaches, Ilfracombe Museum, Larkstone Leisure Park, and Chambercombe Manor, one of Britain’s most haunted houses, is to name but a few of the places to visit without the need of transport.
The harbour and quay is the place to be for leisure. Whilst still a working harbour with trawlers mulling around, it is possible to watch the gig crews practise their sport. Along the quay there are trips to Lundy Island, coastal cruises to see seals, porpoises and sea birds, fishing tips, sea-life safaris, diving and more.
Ilfracombe is a great place to fish as it offers a variety of different fishing conditions either from the harbour, the beach, off the pier or from rocks. Fishing charter boats can be hired from the harbour but it is advisable to book early at busy times; OSPREY CHARTERS will ensure that you have an exciting DAY OUT fishing.
Overlooking the harbour is St Nicholas Chapel on the top of Lantern Hill housing the UKs oldest working lighthouse. The working RNLI Lifeboat Station is open to the public and Damien Hirst’s ‘VERITY’, a 20m tall bronze statue of a pregnant woman, is the town’s iconic attraction. The harbour is also the venue for events such as Sea Ilfracombe and Rescue Day showcases the work of the emergency services.
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