Set around a picturesque harbour on the North Devon coast, Ilfracombe is clustered with Victorian architecture. It’s home to one of England’s oldest working lighthouses and a striking modern theatre and also offers easy access to the legendary South West Coast Path.
Things to do in Ilfracombe
If you’re interested in the local history, visit St Nicholas Chapel, which was built in the 14th century overlooking the harbour on Lantern Hill. It’s one of the oldest working lighthouses in the country, having guided ships since the middle ages, and exhibits old documents and photographs detailing Ilfracombe’s cultural heritage.
If you’re interested in Devon’s navigational history, visit the Bull Point Lighthouse, which overlooks the rugged coast to the north of Mortehoe village. The fully-automated modern lighthouse replaced an original 19th-century landmark and offers magnificent views along the coast from its lighthouse keeper’s cottages.
A short drive from Ilfracombe takes you to the Heritage-listed Watermouth Castle, which was built in the mid-19th century as a country estate. In addition to its Victorian antiques and vintage amusement machines, the castle complex boasts themed rides in the Adventure, Merry-go and Gnome Land zones.
One of the most prominent buildings in Ilfracombe is the award-winning Landmark Theatre, referred to locally as “Madonna’s Bra”. Its double conical design hosts regular musical, dance and comedy performance, having replaced the Victorian-era Pavilion Theatre that once stood on Ilfracombe’s coastal promenade.
Getting around Ilfracombe
The Exeter International Airport is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Ilfracombe and the town is connected to Swansea by regular ferries. Buses travel throughout the town and connect to surrounding destinations, while Ilfracombe is compact enough to explore on foot.