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Ilfracombe Harbour

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Ilfracombe

A historic and picturesque harbour, known for its scenic beauty, maritime history, and vibrant atmosphere.

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Ilfracombe Harbour
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Woolacombe Beach
Woolacombe Beach is one of the most celebrated coastal destinations in North Devon, renowned for its expansive golden sands, rolling dunes, and clear blue waters.
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The Haunted House
Westward Ho!, known for its stunning coastline and unique history, harbors a lesser-known and eerie tale: the legend of the Haunted House.
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Morte Point
Morte Point, situated near Woolacombe in North Devon, is a stunning promontory that offers a mix of breathtaking views, rich history, and rugged coastal beauty.
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The Kingsley Museum
The Kingsley Museum, located in the picturesque fishing village, offers a deep dive into the life and works of Charles Kingsley, a prominent Victorian author.
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Codden Hill
Codden Hill is a prominent and picturesque hill located near the town of Barnstaple in North Devon.
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Lyn & Exmoor Museum
The Lyn & Exmoor Museum is a small, charming museum located in Lynton
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Queen Anne's Walk
Queen Anne’s Walk in Barnstaple is a historic building constructed in 1708 as a merchants’ exchange.
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Pannier Market
At the heart of Barnstaple is the Pannier Market, one of the largest and longest-running markets in the country. Dating back to 1855, this Grade II listed Victorian market hall is a bustling hub of activity.
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Skate Park
Skate Park and Dirt Track for BMX and Mountain bikes.
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St George's Church, Georgeham
A historic church located near Croyde in the village of Georgeham, known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful setting.
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Croyde Bay
A popular sandy beach known for its excellent surf conditions, stunning scenery, and family-friendly atmosphere.
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Baggy Point
A dramatic headland offering panoramic views of the North Devon coastline, popular with walkers and wildlife enthusiasts.
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Capstone Hill
A prominent hill offering panoramic views of Ilfracombe and the surrounding coastline, perfect for scenic walks and photography.
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Putsborough Sands
A secluded, sandy beach located at the southern end of Woolacombe Bay, offering great surf and peaceful surroundings.
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The Landmark Theatre
A modern theatre located near Ilfracombe Harbour, offering a diverse range of performances, from plays to live music and comedy.
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Ilfracombe Museum
A quirky and fascinating museum located in Ilfracombe, showcasing local history, natural history, and eclectic collections of curiosities.
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Verity Sculpture
A striking 66-foot-tall bronze statue by Damien Hirst, symbolizing truth and justice, located at Ilfracombe Harbour.
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Tunnels Beaches
A unique set of beaches accessible via hand-carved tunnels, offering safe bathing pools, dramatic cliffs, and a rich history.
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Newberry Beach
A hidden gem located just outside Combe Martin, known for its clear waters, rock pools, and peaceful surroundings.
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Ilfracombe Harbour
A historic and picturesque harbour, known for its scenic beauty, maritime history, and vibrant atmosphere.
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Heddon’s Mouth
A dramatic section of the South West Coast Path, offering breathtaking views of the cliffs and sea, stretching from Combe Martin to Heddon’s Mouth.
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Castle Hill, Torrington
The site of a former castle that played a significant role during the English Civil War, now a peaceful viewpoint offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
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RHS Garden Rosemoor
A stunning 65-acre garden managed by the Royal Horticultural Society, featuring beautiful themed gardens and woodland walks.
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The East Lyn River Walk
A scenic riverside walk following the East Lyn River, offering peaceful views and the opportunity to spot wildlife along the way.
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Watersmeet
A beautiful riverside location where the East Lyn and Hoar Oak Water rivers meet, surrounded by ancient woodlands and walking trails.
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Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon
Located on the Strand, this museum offers fascinating exhibitions on the history, culture, and natural heritage of North Devon.
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Lynmouth Harbour
A picturesque harbour located in the heart of Lynmouth, offering scenic views and access to coastal walks and boat trips.
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Valley of Rocks
A dramatic coastal valley near Lynton, known for its striking rock formations, wild goats, and stunning coastal views.
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Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway
A historic water-powered cliff railway connecting the towns of Lynton and Lynmouth, offering stunning coastal views.
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St Mary's Church
A historic church in Appledore, offering beautiful architecture and a peaceful setting overlooking the estuary.
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The Skern Northam Burrows
A natural estuary area near Appledore, perfect for birdwatching, walking, and exploring the diverse coastal ecosystem.
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North Devon Maritime Museum
A fascinating museum located in Appledore, showcasing the region’s rich maritime history, including shipbuilding, fishing, and exploration.
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Albert Clock Tower
An iconic clock tower located in the center of Barnstaple, symbolizing the town's rich history and serving as a focal point for the community.
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Appledore Quay
A charming quay located in the heart of Appledore, known for its picturesque views, quaint shops, and vibrant maritime culture.
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St Anne's Chapel
A beautifully preserved medieval chapel located in the heart of Barnstaple, offering a glimpse into the town's rich ecclesiastical history.
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Rock Park
Rock Park is one of Barnstaple's largest green spaces, offering a beautiful riverside setting with plenty of opportunities for walking, picnicking, and outdoor activities.
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St Mary's Church
Pilton Church is one of the oldest and most historically significant churches in Barnstaple, with origins dating back to the Saxon period.
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Castle Mound
The remains of Barnstaple Castle, which date back to the Norman period, now consist of a large grass mound located near the center of the town.
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Queen's Theatre
A key cultural venue in Barnstaple, the Queen’s Theatre hosts a variety of performances including plays, concerts, and comedy.
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Kenwith Valley Nature Reserve
A tranquil nature reserve in Bideford offering wooded walks and wildlife spotting, ideal for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
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Braunton Marsh
A coastal marshland offering stunning views and excellent birdwatching opportunities, popular with walkers and nature lovers.
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Barnstaple Long Bridge
A historic 13th-century bridge that crosses the River Taw, connecting Barnstaple to its western outskirts.
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Saunton Sands
Saunton Sands is a three-mile-long beach known for its golden sands and excellent conditions for surfing, paddleboarding, and other water sports.
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Northam Beach
A popular sandy beach stretching for miles, known for its excellent surfing conditions and family-friendly atmosphere.
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St James Church
A 12th-century parish church in Swimbridge, renowned for its impressive architecture and historical significance.
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Instow Signal Box
A restored Victorian signal box, located alongside the Tarka Trail, providing a glimpse into the region's railway history.
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St Mary Magdalene Church
An ancient church located in the heart of South Molton, known for its beautiful architecture and historical significance.
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Clovelly Court Gardens
Walled gardens located within the Clovelly estate, featuring a variety of flowers, fruits, and vegetables grown in a traditional Victorian style.
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South Molton Museum
A small but fascinating museum that tells the story of South Molton's local history, including its agricultural and industrial heritage.
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South Molton Pannier Market
A traditional market in the heart of South Molton, offering a variety of local produce, crafts, and antiques.
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Braunton Countryside Centre
An environmental education centre, the Braunton Countryside Centre provides information on the local landscape, flora, and fauna of the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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Museum of British Surfing
The Museum of British Surfing in Braunton celebrates the history and culture of surfing in the UK, with exhibits on the sport’s development and its impact on local communities.
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Bideford Pannier Market
A historic indoor market that has been a vital part of the town’s community for over 150 years. The market is home to a variety of independent businesses, offering locally produced foods, crafts, and antiques. It serves as a community hub with regular events and activities, enhancing its role as a significant cultural and economic landmark​​.
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Victoria Park
This large, family-friendly park in the heart of Bideford offers various recreational facilities, including playgrounds, a paddling pool, sports pitches, and an outdoor gym.
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Braunton Burrows
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Braunton Burrows is the largest sand dune system in England, offering diverse wildlife and walking trails.
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The Lundy Shore Office
The Lundy Island Ferry departs from Bideford Quay, offering a scenic journey to the wildlife-rich island of Lundy in the Bristol Channel.
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Bideford Long Bridge
An iconic 13th-century bridge that connects the east and west sides of Bideford, offering panoramic views of the River Torridge.

Ilfracombe Harbour

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About

Ilfracombe Harbour

Ilfracombe Harbour is a historic and picturesque port located in the heart of Ilfracombe, North Devon. With its natural beauty, rich maritime heritage, and modern cultural attractions, the harbour serves as both a working fishing port and a vibrant destination for visitors. Nestled between cliffs and sheltered by Hillsborough Hill, Ilfracombe Harbour offers stunning views of the Bristol Channel and access to some of the region’s most beautiful coastal scenery.

History of Ilfracombe Harbour

Ilfracombe has been a port town since at least the 12th century, with records showing that its natural harbour was used as a fishing and trading port. During the Victorian era, Ilfracombe Harbour became a popular departure point for pleasure cruises and ferry services, connecting visitors to Lundy Island and other coastal destinations. The arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century further boosted the town’s status as a tourist destination, with Ilfracombe becoming a favored seaside retreat.

The harbour also has a military history, serving as a key defensive site during various periods, including the Napoleonic Wars. Its sheltered position and strategic location made it a valuable base for protecting the North Devon coast.

In modern times, the harbour has adapted to support a thriving tourism industry, while still retaining its role as a working port. The combination of fishing boats, pleasure craft, and visiting yachts gives Ilfracombe Harbour a lively and colorful atmosphere year-round.

Things to Do at Ilfracombe Harbour

Explore the Harbourfront: A stroll along the harbourfront allows visitors to enjoy the historic charm of Ilfracombe, with its quaint shops, cafes, and restaurants lining the waterfront. The harbour area is filled with interesting nooks and crannies, including the Ropewalk, where you can find local crafts, seafood, and gifts.

Visit Verity: A major attraction at Ilfracombe Harbour is Verity, a striking 66-foot bronze sculpture by Damien Hirst. Installed in 2012, Verity depicts a pregnant woman standing on a pile of law books, holding a sword aloft. This dramatic piece symbolizes truth and justice and has become a landmark of the town. Its bold, modern style stands in contrast to the traditional character of the harbour, creating a thought-provoking point of interest.

Take a Boat Trip: Ilfracombe Harbour serves as a gateway to the Bristol Channel, with numerous boat trips available for visitors. From the harbour, you can embark on fishing excursions, coastal cruises, or wildlife-watching trips to see seals, dolphins, and even puffins on Lundy Island. For those interested in exploring the island’s unique landscape and marine life, ferry services to Lundy depart regularly from the harbour.

Discover the Lifeboat Station: The Ilfracombe Lifeboat Station is an important part of the town’s maritime community. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has operated a lifeboat from Ilfracombe since 1828. Visitors can learn about the vital role of the lifeboat crews in rescuing those in distress along the treacherous North Devon coast, and sometimes catch a glimpse of the lifeboat being launched for training or a rescue mission.

The Aquarium: The Ilfracombe Aquarium, located in the old Lifeboat House, offers a family-friendly experience with displays of local marine life from the Exmoor rivers to the Bristol Channel. It’s a great way to learn more about the underwater world of the region and the various species that thrive in these waters.

Why Visit Ilfracombe Harbour?

Ilfracombe Harbour is the heart of this coastal town, offering a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and modern attractions. Whether you are visiting to explore the quaint streets, embark on a boat trip, or simply enjoy fresh seafood by the water, the harbour provides a quintessential North Devon experience. Its combination of traditional fishing heritage and contemporary art makes it a unique destination that appeals to both families and solo travelers. With the stunning backdrop of Hillsborough Hill and the open expanse of the Bristol Channel, a visit to Ilfracombe Harbour offers an unforgettable encounter with the best of North Devon’s coastline.

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