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Exploring Ilfracombe and North Devon

Ilfracombe is a town bursting with pride, with bustling shops, regular farmers markets and independent high street retailers providing you with choice, quality and a few surprises like the Chocolate Emporium and Museum.

In summer the main shopping streets and promenade are alive with colour from magnificent floral displays, winning Ilfracombe many awards and the honour of a 'Gold' award in South West in Bloom for 2011

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The heritage harbour and quay are spectacular. The many pubs, restaurants and shops that surround the quay create a friendly continental atmosphere. It is from the harbour that boats leave to the magical Lundy Island, a place of outstanding natural beauty, which will provide you with an unforgettable experience.

Surrounding Area

A few minutes from the centre of Ilfracombe by car or bus are the spectacular sandy beaches and dunes of Woolacombe, Croyde Bay and Saunton Sands. The whole area is a mecca for surfing and is a children's paradise, where they will amuse themselves safely for hours building sandcastles, flying kites or playing in the shallow breakers.

Ilfracombe is ideally situated for you to explore the spectacular coastline and the delightful moorland reaches of Exmoor with its rolling hills and quaint villages; to the east are the unique villages of Lynton and Lynmouth with it's cliff top railway, and to the west the delights of Clovelly, Appledore, Hartland and the market town of Barnstaple with its famous Pannier Market and Butchers Row. 

Find time to explore some of the local attractions - within easy reach you will find romantic gardens, exciting castles, beautiful villages and fascinating National Trust properties.  Walking books and maps can be purchased from the Tourist Information Centre before your visit.