Ilfracombe lies on the north coast of Devon, England just south of the Exmoor National Park and is the main tourist resort for the area and has been for over a century. This can be seen by the quaint cottages, magnificent old homes and the Victorian hotels that are still much evident today, indeed the town is unspoiled from the modern architecture that has ruined many places.
There is no better place to use as a base to explore this part of Devon and Ilfracombe has many merits of its own. The local countryside is truly magnificent and can be explored by foot, cycle or car. You should try getting off the beaten track a little by using the local "B" roads or unclassified roads (some so narrow that the hedges either side will clatter your wing mirrors), where impressive viewpoints are round every corner as the road hugs the hillside with very steep, unguarded drops to the opposite side.
The main attraction that is actually in Ilfracombe is the old, natural harbour which is now home to just a few fishing boats, yachts, cruisers, pleasure boats offering trips and the small ferries to the National Trust's Lundy Island. All through the season it is packed with visitors perusing the small shops and dining or drinking at the restaurants and bars scattered along the quayside. Keep hold of your ice cream or chips though, the local seagulls love them!
Local accommodation of every type is plentiful, from backpackers hostels through to top quality hotels and guest houses, many of which are family owned and run ensuring first class service and hospitality. At peak times they do get fully booked so booking well ahead is advisable. Short and weekend breaks are a specialty of many of the Ilfracombe hotels, with some offering deals and discounts so don't forget to ask before you book. Self catering apartments and cottages can be found in Ilfracombe and all along the north Devon coast, again, book early to get the best ones.
The beaches in Ilfracombe are small, but the kids will love exploring the rock pools that are exposed at low tide, one even has to be reached through a long tunnel carved through the slate hillside, an adventure in itself. Cafes, fish 'n chip shops and ice cream parlors abound along the promenade, alongside a couple of small amusement arcades. If the children have too much energy, take them for a walk up to the top of the hilltops to great an exhilarating view of the coastline and perhaps Wales in the distance on a clear day.
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