Ilfracombe

Tucked away on the North Devon coast, Ilfracombe, with its picturesque harbour and dramatic coastline, has been the perfect holiday venue since the Victorians built an elegant seaside town here in the 19th century. Unlike many coastal towns, it has retained its Victorian charm along with much of its architecture.

The Harbour

In a truly dramatic setting, this is the largest harbour on the North Devon coast. Fish and seafood are still landed daily and trips to nearby Lundy Island, coastal cruises, fishing and diving are all available from the quay.

Tunnels Beaches

Woodlands is only 10 minutes away from the famous award winning Tunnels Beaches, which are Ilfracombe’s must-see tourist attraction. Hand carved by Welsh miners in the 1820s, the tunnels lead to sheltered beaches and a tidal Victorian bathing pool. This is now a unique and stylish beach wedding venue – one of the most popular in the UK - and we are pleased to welcome wedding guests to Woodlands.

The Landmark

The Landmark Theatre is an award winning venue hosting a fascinating programme of music and theatre throughout the year.

Beaches

North Devon has miles of award winning golden sandy beaches. Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton are easily reached.

Surfing at Woolacombe

We are a 20 minute car journey from Woolacombe Beach, a well known surfing destination, famous for its long breaking waves, ideal for beginners and experienced boarders alike. With a reputation for surf excellence, the area hosts numerous surfing events each year.

Ilfracombe Golf Course

The 18 hole Ilfracombe Golf Course, with its spectacular views, offers a challenge to golfers of all abilities. There are four other first class courses within a short drive, all having dramatic scenery, challenging terrain and all year round playability, including the famous Saunton course, an ex-Open venue.

Walking

The coastline near Ilfracombe is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The stunning South West Coast Path is on our doorstep. The awe inspiring natural beauty of the rugged and dramatic North Devon coast attracts walkers all the year round. Ramblers experience some of the UK’s best walking country in the spectacular wilds of nearby Exmoor National Park.

Cycling

The Tarka Trail begins close to Woodlands and provides mostly easy going cycling using the old railway line. This forms part of Devon’s cycling coast to coast route between Ilfracombe and Plymouth.

Lynton and 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. The high ground of Exmoor falls to meet unusual ‘hog back’ cliffs that plunge steeply over 600ft into the sea providing a breathtaking backdrop to the two rural communities. The Lyn Rivers tumble through deep wooded valleys meeting at Lynmouth to flow across a rocky shore to the open sea.

Clovelly

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.

It is famous for its donkeys, which traditionally carry goods up the hill; sledges bring things down. There are links with Charles Kingsley, Turner, Dickens and the Spanish Armada..

Valley of the Rocks

A truly dramatic landscape that has to be seen to be believed. Over many thousands of years, the elements have chiselled the sandstone, slate and limestone rock into strange and precarious formations. The Valley of the Rocks sits near the edge of Exmoor, where moorland plunges into cliffs to meet the sea, making for some superb walking. Start at the coastal town of Lynton, to the east of the Valley, for a circular five mile ramble that takes in moors, clifftops and stunning views across the Valley and out to sea. Don't forget to pack a picnic.