Nestled on the attractive North Devon shoreline, Ilfracombe is a historic fishing city that’s effectively price a gander when exploring this picturesque area of England. In truth, there’s a heap of the most effective issues to do in Ilfracombe throughout the city – however that’s not the place it ends! Throughout the city, there are essentially the most attractive coves; trails and little villages which make for an incredible day journey while visiting wider Ilfracombe.


Now, it’s no shock that we love this space of England! In truth, we spent an entire journey simply on this nook of Devon alone; it was so pretty and completely picturesque. I’m fairly positive we ate our weight in seafood while exploring all of the little gems in and across the city.
From iconic items of artwork, historic websites and lovely bays, you’re going to be spoilt for alternative while you go to for a day journey or an extended weekend break.
So, that will help you get essentially the most out of your time when you arrive, I wished to share a few of the finest issues to do in Ilfracombe while you go to.
Have the most effective journey!
1.) Tunnels and Ilfracombe Seashores
With its cliffside settings and dramatic coast, Tunnels and Ilfracombe Seashores may be pebbly however they’re completely pristine. Not solely that, there’s a Victorian bathing pool that’s crammed with the incoming tidal waters.
Even on a not-so-sunny day, this is likely one of the finest issues to do in Ilfracombe for a bit of stroll. Simply off the seashore, you’ve additionally bought a part of the South West Coast and a few attractive views from this viewpoint.
Feeling peckish? Seize a desk at Antidote for his or her seasonal British menu. Their seafood dishes are all the time so recent and engaging.
Read more: Best things to do in North Devon
2.) Verity
Overlooking the historic harbour of Ilfracombe, Verity is a 20.25-meter tall sculpture (by Damien Hirst) product of stainless-steel and bronze which is fairly laborious to overlook.
Now, Verity herself is a sculpture of a pregnant lady standing on a heap of books, holding the Sword of Justice with one arm. The opposite facet of Verity exhibits the uncovered muscle groups and the fetus in her womb and it’s fairly spectacular to see.
You possibly can simply spot her by taking a stroll down the pier and it’s proper subsequent to the Chapel of St Nicholas, too.
3.) South West Coast Path
Spanning a whopping 630 miles Nationwide Path, the South West Coast Path is likely one of the finest issues to do in Ilfracombe if you wish to discover the unspoilt shoreline close by.


With cliffside view, hidden coves and a straightforward path to comply with, it’s a very nice strategy to get immersed within the dazzling pure great thing about Devon.


You’ll come throughout locations just like the; Watermouth, Valley of Rocks, Lynton and Lynmouth (to the east) that are completely picturesque and with their very own cliff railway, too!


Simply remember, the stroll to the latter factors can take upwards of 7-hours (30-minutes within the automobile).
If you need someplace a bit of nearer for a stroll, head to see the cliff views throughout Broadsands Beach. It’s gorgeous.
Read more: Best things to do in North Devon
4.) Watermouth
Simply shy of Ilfracombe itself, Watermouth is a gem of a spot to go to for a number of hours journey from Ilfracombe. Simply walked alongside the South West Coast Path (or by driving) you’ll get to go to Watermouth Fort with its superbly landscaped gardens and take within the views from Watermouth Bay itself.
Simply make sure to seize a cuppa on the cosy, Storm In A Teacup Cafe. Perched on essentially the most lovely little boat, it’s a type of finds that makes Watermouth so distinctive.
5.) Ilfracombe Museum
Stuffed with a treasure-trove of curiosities, visiting the museum is likely one of the finest issues to do in Ilfracombe should you’re a eager lover of historical past.
From classic dwelling home equipment, fossils and uncommon antiques from Ilfracombe’s historical past, it’s effectively price a bit of gander for an hour or so.
6.) Ilfracombe Harbour
With Ilfracombe Harbour being the biggest harbour on the North Devon shoreline, it’s a spot you in all probability gained’t miss when exploring the city.


It’s the proper spot to seize an ice cream or a bag of chips and wander the pier space. Simply be careful for these pesky seagulls; their chip thieves!
Additionally, simply across the Quay, you’ll discover a lot of little boat tours heading out on journeys. Some search for dolphins, while others comply with the shoreline.
We headed on the coastal tour (however didn’t see any dolphins)! 🙁
7.) Chambercombe Manor


Nestled away from the shoreline itself, Chambercombe Manor is a Norman manor home that dates all the way in which again to the eleventh century.
Right here, you’ll be taught many fascinating tales and details about the historical past of the manor and eerie rooms. In truth, it’s thought-about to be one of the haunted buildings within the nation. Boo!
Afterwards, for a correct pub lunch, head to the harbour and go to the Smugglers Restaurant for a pint and pie!
8.) Hillsborough Nature Reserve
Located on the coastal space overlooking Ilfracombe, strolling Hillsborough is likely one of the finest issues to do in Ilfracombe on a sunny day.
You see, it’s a neighborhood nature reserve by which is ideal for strolling, fowl watching, or to eat your fish and chips! From right here, you’ll have some gorgeous views of the North Devonshire coast and Ilfracombe Harbour.
For a yummy lunch, head to the Hele Bay Pub, the grill up a imply Westcountry steak.
9.) Chapel of St Nicholas
The Chapel of St Nicholas is believed to be the UK’s oldest working lighthouse which dates again to 1321. Constructed as a spot of worship, for the individuals of Ilfracombe, it’s not an iconic landmark overlooking the harbour that you simply actually can’t miss.
Better of all, you’ll be able to simply embrace a stroll as much as the chapel with a wider stroll across the pier, seeing Verity and exploring the historic harbourfront. It’s all in the identical space.
Read more: Best things to do in North Devon
10.) Landmark Theatre
The Landmark Theatre is an award-winning theatre in Ilfracombe which presents a heap of seasonal packages and exhibits from; music, drama, comedy, dance, movie, festivals (you title it, it goes on right here).
Double-check their listings earlier than you go to Ilfracombe and ebook your tickets upfront. Within the busier months, tickets can promote out a lot sooner.
Read more: Best things to do in North Devon