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

Now, it’s no shock that we love this space of England! In truth, we spent a complete 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 selection while you go to for a day journey or a protracted weekend break.
So, that can assist you get essentially the most out of your time when you arrive, I wished to share among the greatest issues to do in Ilfracombe while you go to.
Have the very best 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 without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Ilfracombe for a bit stroll. Simply off the seashore, you’ve additionally obtained a part of the South West Coast and a few beautiful 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 contemporary and attractive.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in North Devon
2.) Verity
Overlooking the historic harbour of Ilfracombe, Verity is a 20.25-meter tall sculpture (by Damien Hirst) fabricated from chrome steel and bronze which is fairly arduous 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 reveals the uncovered muscle tissue and the fetus in her womb and it’s fairly spectacular to see.
You’ll be able to 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 without doubt one of the greatest 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 observe, 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).
In order for you someplace a bit nearer for a stroll, head to see the cliff views throughout Broadsands Beach. It’s beautiful.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in North Devon
4.) Watermouth
Simply shy of Ilfracombe itself, Watermouth is a gem of a spot to go to for a couple of hours journey from Ilfracombe. Simply walked alongside the South West Coast Path (or by driving) you’ll get to go to Watermouth Fortress with its fantastically landscaped gardens and take within the views from Watermouth Bay itself.
Simply remember to seize a cuppa on the cosy, Storm In A Teacup Cafe. Perched on essentially the most lovable little boat, it’s a type of finds that makes Watermouth so distinctive.
5.) Ilfracombe Museum
Full of a treasure-trove of curiosities, visiting the museum is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Ilfracombe in case you’re a eager lover of historical past.
From classic dwelling home equipment, fossils and uncommon antiques from Ilfracombe’s historical past, it’s properly price a bit 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 most likely received’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 plenty of little boat excursions heading out on journeys. Some search for dolphins, while others observe 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 best way again to the 11th century.
Right here, you’ll be taught many attention-grabbing tales and details about the historical past of the manor and eerie rooms. In truth, it’s thought of to be probably the most 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 without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Ilfracombe on a sunny day.
You see, it’s an area nature reserve by which is ideal for strolling, fowl watching, or to eat your fish and chips! From right here, you’ll have some beautiful 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 folks 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.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in North Devon
10.) Landmark Theatre
The Landmark Theatre is an award-winning theatre in Ilfracombe which provides a heap of seasonal packages and reveals from; music, drama, comedy, dance, movie, festivals (you identify it, it goes on right here).
Double-check their listings earlier than you go to Ilfracombe and e book your tickets upfront. Within the busier months, tickets can promote out a lot quicker.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in North Devon
10 Finest Issues To Do In North Devon, England