Ilfracombe

In Victorian times the arrival of the railways brought holidaymakers by the thousand to marvel at the dramatic scenery of this charming natural harbour and to enjoy the clean invigorating air. The residents of modern day Ilfracombe embrace this heritage and it is never more evident than in Victorian week, held each year in June. The town boasts some fine Victorian architecture but is also the home of The Landmark Theatre, which overlooks the seafront and is one of North Devon's newest arts and entertainment venues.

Olde Thatched Inn, Ilfracombe Photo supplied by Peter Woodier

There are many pubs, inns, cafes and restaurants in the town providing good, often locally produced, food. In the harbour area are shops selling traditional seaside holiday treats. There are safe bathing areas with secluded beaches and pools. Some of these can be reached through the unique Tunnels, quarried beneath the towering cliffs. There are well-kept gardens to stroll through and the town's small museum is well worth a visit. llfracombe has been popular since the 1830's when the Victorians started to visit the area and much of the architecture today is a reminder of the Victorian era. Many of the large, elegant buildings, have since been converted into quality hotels.

Holy Trinity St.Philip & St.James Ilfracombe

The town has grown up around an ancient harbour where today fishing vessels share anchorage with pleasure craft, and from where the M.S. Oldenburg regularly sails to Lundy Island, twelve miles off the coastline. With its array of shops, cafes and bars, llfracombe has an almost continental atmosphere.

Ilfracombe

Torrs Walk at the eastern edge was built in Victorian times when llfracombe was growing in popularity as a seaside resort. The path led up to a refreshment pavilion, which was demolished in i960. Now there are some benches and a grassy area ideal for picnicking. Fine views open up along the coast towards Lee and back over the town of llfracombe. Lower down, towards the National Trust car park, there is a well-preserved lime kiln. These were normally situated on the beaches to receive the coal and limestone which was brought in by boat from South Wales and so the elevated position of this is unusual. Further on, the coast path converges with Langleigh Lane to become the Old Coast Road to Lee. At one point grooves can be seen cut into the rock; these were to prevent cartwheels from slipping on the slope. On the whole it is a level track with easy walking and glorious views on a clear day over the Bristol Channel to the coast of South Wales.

Ilfracombe Harbour Photo supplied by Peter Woodier

Ilfracombe Photo supplied by Peter Woodier

Gateway to the Heritage Coast. In an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, nestling snugly amongst the rugged cliffs of the majestic atlantic coast lies the town of Ilfracombe. The beautiful and breathtaking scenery of the North Devon coast surrounds this charming natural harbour. The resort has been popular since the 1830"s when the Victorians started to visit the area and much of the architecture today is a reminder of the Victorian era. Many of the large, elegant buildings, have since been converted into quality hotels. The town has grown up around an ancient harbour where today fishing vessels share anchorage with pleasure craft, and from where the M. S. Oldenburg regularly sails to Lundy Island, twelve miles off the coastline. With its array of shops, cafes and bars, Ilfracombe has an almost continental atmosphere.

Ilfracombe 1921 - photo presented with the kind permisssion of www.grumpystumpy.com

Ilfracombe - photo presented with the kind permisssion of www.grumpystumpy.com

Ilfracombe Capstone Hill - photo presented with the kind permisssion of www.grumpystumpy.com

Ilfracombe is the base for many varied festivals. The town has a growing reputation for its floral displays and has been the proud winner of many coveted awards in the "Britain in Bloom" Competition. Each year the streets are awash with colour from June to October with baskets, tubs and planters everywhere.

Ilfracombe is also the start of the Coast to Coast cycle route 31 which runs all the way to Plymouth on the south coast and connects to the Sustrans National Cycle Network at Barnstaple

• Ilfracombe - Hele Beach is a small cove in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty sheltered from prevailing winds with free car parking and toilets all within easy walking distance. Beach access is via a slipway (wheelchair access difficult).
• Ilfracombe - Capstone (Wildersmouth) is a sheltered sand and shingle bay surrounded by rocks and set close to the centre of Ilfracombe.
• Ilfracombe - Tunnels Beach - the main beach is formed by an expanse of grey sand and shingle and is backed by cliffs. A network of hand carved tunnels leads to sheltered beaches and a Victorian tidal bathing pool. Entrance fees apply.

See also:

www.ilfracom.org.uk
Ilfracombe's Community Website

Contributed by: various