Ilfracombe occupies a truly spectacular position on England's Southwest coast, with Bristol
to the North and the stunning county of Cornwall to the South. Whether you're looking to make
this place the base for a rousing trip through Devon or to while away a week or two within its
confines, this little seaside town certainly packs in the attractions.
A good place to kick things off is the Ilfracombe aquarium, which becomes a favourite when the Great
British weather decides to throw the odd curveball here and there. Follow this with a dose of fish n'
chip in the pier and you'll know you couldn't be anywhere other than the English seaside.
A dizzying network of hand-carved tunnels can be found at Ilfracombe's famous Tunnel Beaches
attraction, which lead on to some of the area's most tranquil beaches and a Victorian bathing pool.
The Landmark Theatre is a sight to behold in its own right, while the neighbouring Ilfracombe Museum
is the place to go for a detailed insight into the culture, heritage and history of the region.
Ilfracombe really made its mark as a fishing port and as a major hub for the export and import
of lime and coal. The sea is still important to the town today, but economically it relies more on
tourism and a number of light engineering businesses have also made the town their base of operations.
With nearly 75% of the population employed in the service sector, visitors to the town are well
catered for. If you're looking to satisfy your retail and gastronomic cravings in one fell swoop,
nowhere comes more highly recommended than the Walker's Chocolate Emporium on Ilfracombe's High
Street - the name pretty much gives away what you'll find in spades here!
Sporting activities range from everything the sea has ever served up to family staples like
mini-golf and classic croquet - all within easy reach of the town centre. Ilfracombe also boasts
some of the most stunning coastal views this side of the English Channel - the panoramas just too
beautiful to put into words.