A picturesque harbour town, seaside resort, and civil parish on the North Devon coast, Ilfracombe is a beautiful holiday destination and home to over 11,000 residents. For a small town, it has no shortage of things to do and see, whether it’s wandering the beautiful beaches, trying your hand at clay pigeon shooting or water sports, immersing yourself in the vast local history, or sampling some of the best delicacies Devonshire has to offer.
Ilfracombe also has a rich history dating back to the Iron Age, with each twist and turn in its story shaping it into the place it is today. Significant dates include 1209, when Ilfracombe was registered as a port for refuge on the Bristol Channel; 1247, when the town supplied ships and manpower to help conquer the Western Isles of Scotland; and 1321 when St Nichol’s Chapel was built on Lantern Hill – today, it remains one of the oldest working lighthouses in the UK. Ilfracombe later grew in popularity as a Victorian tourist resort, and much of the architecture from the era remains.
To help you make the most of your time in the beautiful seaside town, we’ve compiled a list of unusual things to see and do so you’ll have plenty of tales to tell and recommendations of your own to share with friends and family.
Ilfracombe Museum
Immerse yourself in the unique history of Ilfracombe by spending an afternoon exploring the independently run museum.
Here you can find a gallery dedicated to the Ilfracombe men and women that served in the first World War, alongside a fascinating Victorian kitchen and laundry. The curiosities continue with a costume room, and a tribute to the town’s maritime past through objects and stories.
The museum was originally founded in 1932, opened by Mervyn Palmer after he retired to the area in the 1900s. Prior to settling in the town, Mervyn travelled South America collecting for museums, and many of the artefacts on display in Ilfracombe today are from his travels. The local community rallied around in support of the museum’s opening and donated their own collections of insects and taxidermy including, intriguingly, a two-headed kitten! The museum’s eclectic collection is a charming reflection of the town’s history and community spirit and is a must-see during your visit.
Tunnels Beaches
Not just a beautiful spot to spend an afternoon in Ilfracombe, Tunnels Beaches come with their own fascinating history. The four tunnels were originally hand-carved by Welsh miners in 1820 to provide access to the beach via horse and on foot, and later became tidal pools. These pools were instrumental in transforming Ilfracombe from a humble fishing town and trading port into a thriving seaside resort in the Victorian era as holidaymakers flocked to the area to enjoy the bathing pools. Tunnels Beaches remains Ilfracombe’s most popular landmark today, offering stunning views of the rugged coastline and wildlife, rock pooling, and opportunities for wild swimming.
Hele Corn Mill and Tearoom
Pay a visit to the award-winning tearoom and cornmill during your time in Ilfracombe and you won’t be disappointed. Situated just 300 metres from the beautiful Hele Bay Beach, Hele Corn Mill and Tearoom is a popular destination to take in some more of the town’s unique heritage and satisfy a sweet tooth with a tempting selection of goods baked by the miller’s wife. The Grade II listed water mill dates back to the 16th century and milled flour until it fell derelict in the mid-1930s. The mill was lovingly restored by local man, Chris Lovell, in the 1970s and has remained fully operational ever since, grinding organic wheat to provide flour to the tearoom. As a four-time winner of Devon Life’s ‘Best Tearoom’ award, The Miller’s Wife Tearoom is best known for its indulgent Devonshire cream tea and iconic Devonshire splits. The tearoom offers unique takes on much loved classics, including ‘Thunder and Lightning’ – scones with a mouth-watering combination of clotted cream and golden syrup. When you’re ready to work off your cream tea, take a walk around the beautiful cornmill to learn more about its history and the fascinating flour-making process.
Clay pigeon shooting
Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or fancy trying your hand at something new, Ilfracombe’s clay pigeon shooting experiences are second to none. Pay a visit to North Devon Shooting Ground, where husband and wife team, Clive and Jackie, will tailor your experience to your shooting ability so you can get the most out of your round. Similarly, Southwest Shooting School, set in a secluded valley just outside of Ilfracombe, provides exhilarating experiences for all ages and shooting abilities. Those trying the sport for the first time often find themselves surprised at just how much they enjoy the activity, and with expert tuition and equipment hire available at both sites, all you need to do is turn up prepared to have a go.
Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park
Well worth a visit, Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park delivers on even much more than its name suggests. Situated in a beautiful valley at the top of Combe Martin Village and set in over 28 acres of stunning garden in the North Devon area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the family-run park offers a huge amount to explore and enjoy. In addition to its impressive collection of lifesize animatronic dinosaurs, visitors can embark on a visual journey through the ages in the Dinosaur Museum and peruse a vast collection of authentic and replica fossils. The park is also home to wildlife from all over the world, including wolves, penguins, sea lions, and primates. Also set in the vast grounds are the beautiful botanical gardens, with tropical trees, plants, cascading streams, and waterfalls providing a stunning retreat almost reminiscent of a tropical rainforest.
Whether you’re exploring solo, taking a trip with family or friends, or simply passing through, Ilfracombe has no shortage of quirky and unusual attractions to explore. Its rich history and heritage, alongside the range of experiences and activities on offer, mean that our selection is just scratching the surface of what this charming coastal town has to offer.
