Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Ilfracombe has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Ilfracombe.
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Sights in Ilfracombe
Ilfracombe is a small seaside resort town in Devon, England. It is situated on the North Devon coast, 15 miles west of Barnstaple and 20 miles north of Exeter. Despite its small size, Ilfracombe has a number of interesting tourist attractions.
The most conspicuous feature of the town is Hillsborough Hill, which rises steeply from the harbour. At the top of the hill is St Nicholas Chapel, which was built in the 14th century and is now a grade I listed building. The chapel is open to the public and houses a number of historical artefacts.
Ilfracombe Harbour is another popular tourist spot. The harbour is home to a number of fishing boats and yachts, and there are a number of cafes and restaurants along the quayside. Ilfracombe Harbour is also the departure point for boat trips to Lundy Island, a small island off the coast of Devon.
Nearby Ilfracombe is the town of Woolacombe, which is home to one of the best beaches in Devon. Woolacombe Beach is three miles long and is popular with surfers and sunbathers alike.
Ilfracombe is a town with a long history and a number of interesting tourist attractions. Whether you’re looking for a day at the beach or a walk through history, Ilfracombe is definitely worth a visit.
History of Ilfracombe
The present town of Ilfracombe developed from the 12th century around the small harbour. The town’s name has its origin in the Old English Alfreingescoma meaning the people of Equus (Alfrēon) + cōmbe = valley.
The 19th century saw the town transform from a small coastal village to a seaside resort. Tourists were first attracted to the town in the early 1800s due to its fine beaches and picturesque scenery. Promotional material at the time described Ilfracombe as having “the finest harbour on the coast”.
In 1820, a pier was built which helped to develop the town as a place for maritime activities and soon after, a harbour was constructed. The growth of Ilfracombe continued when the railway arrived in 1874, making it much easier for tourists to visit the town.
During the Second World War, Ilfracombe was used as a base for torpedo boats and was also home to a naval hospital. The town continued to grow in popularity as a tourist destination in the postwar years and by the early 21st century, it was one of the most popular seaside resorts in Devon.
Today, Ilfracombe is a thriving town with a wide range of shops, businesses and amenities. The town’s harbour is still an important hub for fishermen and a base for leisure activities such as sailing and diving. Ilfracombe’s scenic coastline and attractions continue to draw visitors from all over the world.
Vacation in Ilfracombe
Ilfracombe is a seaside town and civil parish on the North Devon coast, England with a population of approx. 11,000 people. The town is adjacent to the Torridge estuary and about 22mi northwest of the county town of Barnstaple. The port of Ilfracombe is protected by The Longships, a partially submerged reef. Ilfracombe has been a tourist destination since the Victorian era, when it first became popular as a seaside resort. Today, the town is still a popular holiday destination, attracting visitors from all over the UK and abroad.
There are a number of reasons why Ilfracombe is such a popular holiday destination. The town has a number of attractive beaches, including Tunnels Beach, which is home to two manmade tunnels that lead out to a sheltered cove. Ilfracombe also has a number of wellpreserved Victorian and Edwardian buildings, as well as a number of museums and art galleries.
If you’re looking for a traditional seaside holiday, Ilfracombe is the perfect destination. The town has a number of fish and chip shops, as well as ice cream parlours and candy shops. Ilfracombe also has a number of amusement arcades and crazy golf courses.
If you’re looking for something a bit more active, Ilfracombe is also a great place to go for a walk or a hike. There are a number of marked trails in and around the town, as well as a number of scenic coastal walks. For something really challenging, you can even walk from Ilfracombe to the top of nearby Hillsborough Hill.
No matter what kind of holiday you’re looking for, Ilfracombe is sure to have something to offer. So why not come and visit this beautiful seaside town for yourself?
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