Ilfracombe
Ilfracombe is just a mile from The Fernery is the ideal base for a staycation holiday in north Devon. It is home to Damien Hirst’s Verity, the award winning Ilfracombe Aquarium and the unique Tunnels Beaches, holders of a blue flag and seaside award. There is a vibrant and developing art scene in Ilfracombe with many art galleries such as Other Criteria, Echo Beach, Portland Art and The Driftwood Gallery. Other well known local artists (and our friends) include Paul Kenton, Fiona Bates and Mary Taylor.
Ilfracombe's Victorian shops and houses nestle against the rugged coastline where there are many secluded coves and rock pools to discover and explore. North Devon Theatres' Landmark Theatre has a regular schedule of festivals and events and always has a good programme of drama, comedy, musicals, cultural and family events. There are many excellent restaurants like La Gendarmerie, Damien Hirst's Restaurant, 11 The Quay overlooking the harbour and quaint real ale pubs like The Ship and Pilot. The brand new Admiral Collingwood Weatherspoon's, also offers very good value food and drinks, with an impressive upper floor balcony overlooking Capstone and the sea. Ilfracombe's Fore Street which leads from the harbour to the High Street is also well worth a visit and offers more good places to eat.
Ilfracombe is famous for its quaint working harbour where you can book on regularly scheduled trips to Lundy Island to see puffins, seals and basking sharks. Deep sea fishing is also available from Ilfracombe with half day coastal "Sea Safari" sightseeing trips which include views of the famous cliffs around the Valley of the Rocks.
Ilfracombe high street has an interesting mix of independent retailers and you can sample some splendid chocolate at the Walker's Chocolate Museum. The children will enjoy the mini golf, many play areas and the simple delights of crabbing, exploring the rock pools or climbing the Torrs.
The sandy beaches of Woolacombe, Putsborough and Croyde are within easy drivign distance and are perfect for professional and amateur surfers alike.
Ilfracombe's Victorian shops and houses nestle against the rugged coastline where there are many secluded coves and rock pools to discover and explore. North Devon Theatres' Landmark Theatre has a regular schedule of festivals and events and always has a good programme of drama, comedy, musicals, cultural and family events. There are many excellent restaurants like La Gendarmerie, Damien Hirst's Restaurant, 11 The Quay overlooking the harbour and quaint real ale pubs like The Ship and Pilot. The brand new Admiral Collingwood Weatherspoon's, also offers very good value food and drinks, with an impressive upper floor balcony overlooking Capstone and the sea. Ilfracombe's Fore Street which leads from the harbour to the High Street is also well worth a visit and offers more good places to eat.
Ilfracombe is famous for its quaint working harbour where you can book on regularly scheduled trips to Lundy Island to see puffins, seals and basking sharks. Deep sea fishing is also available from Ilfracombe with half day coastal "Sea Safari" sightseeing trips which include views of the famous cliffs around the Valley of the Rocks.
Ilfracombe high street has an interesting mix of independent retailers and you can sample some splendid chocolate at the Walker's Chocolate Museum. The children will enjoy the mini golf, many play areas and the simple delights of crabbing, exploring the rock pools or climbing the Torrs.
The sandy beaches of Woolacombe, Putsborough and Croyde are within easy drivign distance and are perfect for professional and amateur surfers alike.
Panoramic view of Ilfracombe Harbour with Damian Hirst's Verity
