The cobbled, traffic-free, high street of this world famous fishing village in North Devon, built into a cleft in a 400′ high cliff, tumbles its way down past whitewashed cottages festooned with flowers to the tiny working port.
The Valley of the Rocks or The Valley of Rocks is a dry valley that runs parallel to the coast in north Devon, England, about 1 kilometre (0.6 mi) to the west of the village of Lynton. It is a popular tourist destination, noted for its herd of feral goats,[1] and for its geology, having good exposures of the Lynton Beds that are among the oldest Devonian rocks in north Devon and are highly fossiliferous. Also of note are the periglacial features formed when this area was at the limit of glaciation during the last Ice Age. The valley is believed to owe its existence to the dissection by coastal cliff recession of a former extension of the valley of the East Lyn River which now meets the sea at Lynmouth.
The twin town of Lynton & Lynmouth is situated on the North Devon coast approximately midway between Ilfracombe and Minehead. Surrounded by magnificent scenery, unequaled by any resort on England’s shore.
There are also a number of theme parks close to Ilfracombe with Watermouth Castle & Family Theme Park, Combe Martin Dinasour & Wildlife Park, The Big Sheep at Bideford and The Milky Way near Clovelly to name but a few.
The National Trust property at Arlington Court near Barnstaple, is an intimate and intriguing Regency house which is also the home of a superb horse drawn carriage collection. The RHS gardens at Rosemoor, near Great Torrington, are acclaimed throughout the world. Open all year except Christmas Day, Rosemoor also has a restaurant, plant sales and gift shop. Marwood Gardens is also a garden to admire. It is home to an outstanding botanical collection of plants and trees. Open every day from dawn to dusk.
Clare and Kelvin Turner haven’t looked back since opening Clarets Restaurant in October 2007. And with Clare having worked all over North Devon for the last 20 years brings a wealth of experience to the kitchen and a very loyal fan base to the dining room. Devon Fish and Seafood, Combe Martin Beef and veg from Braunton and Combe Martin have contributed to Clarets success from day one and the rustic country cuisine on some wonderfully crafted menus. Open from Thursday until Satuday from 7pm onwards.
Northfield Road
Ilfracombe
EX34 8AL
Tel: 01271 866834
This is a lovely restaurant, family run with a chef from the River Cottage team. Home-made food is a specilaity.
Located on Waterloo Terrace, Fore Street, in the culinary heart of Ilfracombe, Wellingtons is warm & elegant yet, friendly, intimate & relaxed. Your hosts, John & Suzanne Brown are a husband & wife team with a wealth of experience. Because of the limited number of covers, Wellingtons delivers an a la carte menu & offers a highly individual level of service, booking is therefore strongly recommended. The style is both classical & eclectic drawing on influences from around the world & the owners’ environmental & local policies support Devon produce & producers. The restaurant is open all year round Thursday to Saturday in the evening from 7.30pm onwards & is perfect for private parties, special occasions of groups of 15 or less. During the summer months why not take advantage of the south-facing garden Terrace for lunches, dining or just pre-dinner drinks John & Suzanne can design a highly personalized menu for your guests, taking into account all dietary requirements.
Wellington’s Bistro,
28 Fore Street,
Ilfracombe,
North Devon,
EX34 9DJ
Tel: 01271 864 178
Nestled in Ilfracombe’s historic Fore Street – Seventy One has built an enviable reputation for consistently good food. Modern furnishings with a continental feel, original artwork and decor combined with an attention to detail have all attributed to the success. Using the best of Devon’s fresh produce makes sure that the food takes centre stage with some excellent fish dishes featured during the summer months.
Seventy One,
71 Fore Street,
Ilfracombe,
EX34 9ED
Tel: 01271 863632
A bustling restaurant serving some of the best authentic Tapas anywhere! A perennial favorite, the warmth of service and an unhurried, relax style of dining have been a huge hit. Share great food with friends in a truly continental atmosphere, while away an evening, wash down with Rioja and good conversation.
The Terrace Tapas & Wine Bar,
62 Fore St,
Ilfracombe,
EX34 9ED,
Tel: 01271 863482
Fore Street is the place to eat in Ilfracombe, just walk up and down the street and you can choose from a number of fine dining restaurants including:-
La Gendarmerie is housed in Ilfracombe’s stunning old police station where your hosts Paul and Sarah have created a stylish modern brasserie where rustic charm meets contemporary design. The dining room is spacious and unimposing with an open kitchen that always adds a little theatre to proceedings and what is especially nice here is a real warmth to the service that only a intimate, family run restaurant can provide. Great modern British food prepared with care and an attention to detail using the abundant fresh local produce from round about.
La Gendarmerie,
63 Fore St,
Ilfracombe,
EX34 9ED,
Tel: 01271 865984
Damien Hirst – Ilfracombe’s Golden Boy
Owned by artist Damien Hirst, the design and feel of the building does not disappoint, furnished throughout by his art, and conceptually designed and modernised by him and Director Simon Browne, maintaining the traditional exterior, with sweeping changes inside which are a delight. The food is traditional and ingredient-focused, with a Modern twist on some classic dishes, which have been gaining excellent reviews. Every effort ensures the integrity of the dishes, focusing on the locality, the seasonality, and most importantly, the quality of the ingredients used.
Even if you don’t eat here we recommend a drink on the quay with some of their delicious nibbles, a very good experience.
The Quay Restaurant,
11 The Quay,
Ilfracombe,
EX34 9FQ,
Tel: 01271 868090
Other activities available either in or around Ilfracombe include horse riding, quad bikes, paint-balling, sea kayaking, clay shooting and more. Most activities are available year round but can be weather dependent. Many activities can be booked at the Tourist Information Centre.
There are 5 golf clubs within half an hour’s drive (traffic dependent) including one in Ilfracombe itself and the challenging championship links courses at nearby Saunton Sands.
Ilfracombe is the ideal base for a cycling or walking holiday. The Tarka Trail (the old railway line, now a cycle path) is a popular route and the North Devon Coastal path (part of the South West Coastal Path) runs along the sea front. Exmoor, criss-crossed with walks is only a twenty minute drive away.
Ilfracombe is a good central base to visit surfing beaches nearby. Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton are all great places to surf and are between 10 – 20 minutes drive away. Board and wetsuit hire is freely available if you don’t have your own and there are several surf schools offering training from beginner up to advanced level for both children and adults.
Tennis courts can be hired at the nearby Bicclescombe Park.
Ilfracombe Swimming Pool, Pitch and Putt Course is a 10 minute walk from Lantern House.
Visit http://larkstonecafe.co.uk for more.
You will find plenty to do in and around Ilfracombe with a terrific range of activities available to suit all tastes including walking, surfing, clay pigeon shooting, fishing, horse riding, cycling, surfing, walking, sub-aqua diving or simply exploring.
There are all sorts of activities for families, individuals and groups from the most to the least active.
There are a number of exciting coastal walks that run from and around Ilfracombe, including parts of the South West Coastal Path, beautiful walks around Lee Bay and the National Trust paths, such as the Torrs Walk and Baggy Point.
Other beaches in walking distance from Lantern House are Larkstone Beach, Cheyne Beach, Rapparee Cove, Wildersmouth Beach and Hele Bay
Combe Martin is a perfect beach for young children with rock pools & caves to explore, sand and gentle breakers.
Woolacombe, Putsborough, Saunton & Croyde can boast some of the best surf in the country, with miles of golden sand and only a 15 minute drive from Lantern House.
Harbour beach is handy for Lantern House. You can look out of the window and see when the tide is favourable and then head down the steps to be on the beach in five minutes. The children love it because it is handy and sandy with lots of interesting boats and delicious ice cream, surrounded by the picturesque quayside. We strongly recommend a drink outside No. 11, The Quay in the sunshine, before going back up the hill to Lantern House for dinner.
In the centre of Ilfracombe are the famous historic Tunnels Beaches, a network of handcarved tunnels leading to sheltered beaches and Victorian bathing pool.
These award-winning beaches are beautifully maintained, with a children’s play area, cafe and bar, the natural tidal pool and sheltered coves make the Tunnels Beach a really special day out.
All around the local area there are many beaches and walks, all within easy walking distance from Lantern House. Places to visit include the Historic Tunnels Beaches, beaches of Woolacombe and Croyde, ideal for surfing. And rock pooling & exploring in Combe Martin.
Fishing is a popular pastime; shore fishing is available from the rocks around Capstone Hill; from the pier (tide permitting). Local shops keep a variety of fresh & dried bait. There are also a number of boats offering off-shore fishing. In the summer there are trips daily weather permitting and boat hire available for most of the year.
Visit this website for more on fishing in Ilfracombe: www.fishnorthdevon.com
Multi level plaza set up with brick banks and tiled driveway.
