EXPLORE · ILFRACOMBE & NORTH DEVON
Make more of your
North Devon stay.
Family days out, coastal walks, cycling, golf, island adventures and time on the water — a local guide to help you plan from Bath House Holiday Apartments.
External attraction and booking links open in a new tab. Check seasonal opening, availability, access and age requirements directly before travelling.
Days out with kids
Choose a harbour outing close to home, a wet-weather visit or a bigger day out across North Devon.
Ilfracombe Aquarium
Discover local aquatic wildlife, from an Exmoor stream to the coast. An indoor option beside the harbour.
Where: Old Lifeboat House, The Pier, Ilfracombe EX34 9EQ
Ilfracombe Museum
Explore local history and an eclectic collection — a useful option when the weather changes.
Where: Wilder Road, Ilfracombe EX34 8AF
Watermouth Castle
Family rides, gardens and adventure play, including Hobbledown Bay. Check the operating calendar and ride restrictions.
Where: Watermouth, Ilfracombe EX34 9SL
Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park
Combine animal encounters with dinosaur-themed attractions. Check which experiences are running on your date.
Where: Higher Leigh Manor, Combe Martin EX34 0NG
More family days out
Exmoor Zoo, The Milky Way Adventure Park and The BIG Sheep offer further options by car. Compare activities and travel plans using the local visitor guide.
Where: Across North Devon
Simple days around town
Explore the harbour and Verity, visit Bicclescombe Park or enjoy time at Hele Bay. Plan beach visits around tides and conditions, with children supervised near the water.
Where: Ilfracombe and Hele
Walks & hikes & bikes
Ilfracombe is hilly. Routes can include steep climbs, steps, uneven ground and exposed cliffs; choose a route that suits everyone in your group and check current route notices.
Ilfracombe & the Torrs
A 3.2-mile route through town and the Torrs, with coastal views. The South West Coast Path grades it challenging, with steep gradients and rugged sections.
Where: Starts at Ilfracombe Quay EX34 9EQ
Hillsborough & the Sleeping Elephant
A shorter but demanding outing with climbs and views over Ilfracombe. Follow the Coast Path Association’s route information for distance, terrain and directions.
Where: Hillsborough, Ilfracombe
The Torrs with the National Trust
Use the National Trust’s route guide for another way to explore this stretch of coast. Take suitable footwear and layers.
Where: The Torrs, west of Ilfracombe
More coastal walking
Discover routes around Ilfracombe and nearby North Devon, from local viewpoints to longer Coast Path days. Plan transport back before setting off on a one-way walk.
Where: Ilfracombe and the surrounding coast
Bike rides & cycle hire
Choose a shorter ride on the old railway line near Ilfracombe or head to the flatter Tarka Trail around Barnstaple. These are different routes: the wider connection from Ilfracombe includes hills and road sections, so check a cycle map before choosing your ride.
Ilfracombe’s old railway line
Explore the former railway route between Ilfracombe and the Willingcott area near Woolacombe. The local visitor guide describes an approximately four-mile traffic-free stretch; allow for the climb away from Ilfracombe and share the path considerately.
Where: Ilfracombe / Willingcott — choose your access point using the route guide
Tarka Trail — estuary rides
For a gentler outing, start around Barnstaple and choose the traffic-free trail towards Braunton or Bideford. Plan a distance that suits your group and check the route map and return journey.
Where: Barnstaple, Braunton and Bideford
Tarka Trail Cycle Hire
Hire bikes beside Barnstaple Railway Station. Reserve in advance online; call 01271 324202 for same-day or next-day availability, or email info@tarkabikes.co.uk. Ask about suitable sizes and family equipment.
Where: The Railway Station, Barnstaple EX31 2AU
Tor Moor & Sea — hire & guided rides
Pre-book mountain bikes or e-bikes through a mobile drop-off service, or enquire about a guided ride suited to your ability. Call 07838 213462 or 07920 384257 to discuss routes, delivery coverage and bookings.
Where: North Devon — delivery and tour meeting point agreed when booking
Guided cycling & walking tours
Let a local guide lead the way. Availability is seasonal and departure points vary; contact the organiser or use its booking calendar for your dates.
eBike Trail Tours
Guided electric mountain-bike outings in North Devon, with options for beginner and more experienced trail riders. Compare routes and ask about bike provision, minimum ages and the fitness needed for your chosen tour.
Where: North Devon / Exmoor — confirm the meeting point with the organiser
Devon History Tours — Ilfracombe
A guided walk exploring the seafront and harbour’s history, from the Landmark Theatre towards Fore Street. Check forthcoming dates through the website, or enquire about a private tour.
Where: Ilfracombe seafront and harbour — confirm the booked tour’s meeting point
Exmoor National Park guided walks
Browse seasonal volunteer-led walks, including options around Lynmouth. Check the route, terrain and current programme before booking. Lynmouth National Park Centre enquiries: 01598 752509.
Where: Exmoor — start point varies by walk
The Exmoor Society walks programme
Explore a changing programme of guided walks across Exmoor. Check the next season’s dates, distance, terrain and booking arrangements; routes vary in length and difficulty.
Where: Across Exmoor — see each walk’s starting point
Bringing your own bike? Ask us about our locked basement storage before booking so we can discuss your equipment and access needs.
Golf courses near Ilfracombe
Build a North Devon golf break around a local clifftop round or a day on the links. These courses welcome visitors and take bookings directly.
Ilfracombe Golf Club
Clifftop golf close to Ilfracombe, with sea views from every tee. A convenient choice for a round during your stay.
Where: Hele Bay, Ilfracombe EX34 9RT
Visitor bookings: Book visitor tee times online or call 01271 862176.
Mortehoe & Woolacombe Golf Club
A nine-hole headland course at Easewell Farm, with coastal views. An option for a shorter round near Woolacombe and Mortehoe.
Where: Easewell Farm, Mortehoe, Woolacombe EX34 7EH
Visitor bookings: Call 01271 870566 to check visitor availability and arrange your round.
Saunton Golf Club
Two championship links courses, East and West, set among the dunes at Braunton Burrows. Plan ahead if you would like to include both courses in your golf break.
Where: Braunton, North Devon EX33 1LG
Visitor bookings: Check visitor bookings on the club website or contact 01271 812436 / info@sauntongolf.co.uk.
Royal North Devon Golf Club
A historic links course at Westward Ho! for golfers planning a day further along the North Devon coast. Visitors are welcome; check the club’s playing requirements before booking.
Where: Golf Links Road, Westward Ho!, Bideford EX39 1HD
Visitor bookings: See visitor information or call the club on 01237 473817.
Check current green fees, tee times, handicap or dress requirements and equipment hire directly with each club. Book accommodation and golf separately.
Lundy Island & boat trips
Choose between landing on Lundy to explore and a coastal or wildlife cruise. Check the exact departure point, trip description and return arrangements before booking. Sailings depend on conditions; wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Lundy day trip — MS Oldenburg
Take the seasonal ferry for time ashore on Lundy. Departures can be from Ilfracombe or Bideford, so check the timetable carefully. Book online or call 01271 863636. Dogs and pets are not permitted, except assistance dogs.
Where: Ilfracombe Pier EX34 9EQ or Bideford Quay — as shown on your sailing
Ilfracombe Princess & Sea Swift
Browse coastal cruises, sightseeing and available Lundy services. Confirm whether your selected trip lands on the island or stays on the water.
Where: Ilfracombe Harbour — confirm boarding point with operator
Ilfracombe Sea Safari
Explore the coast on a sea safari, with trips including seals and lighthouse routes and Lundy options. Read the operator’s suitability guide before choosing a RIB trip.
Where: Ilfracombe Harbour, EX34 9EQ — confirm check-in details
A harbour day
The quay has boat-trip kiosks for cruises, sea-life safaris and fishing. Ask about the next suitable departure, boarding access and current sea conditions.
Where: Ilfracombe Harbour EX34 9EQ
Fishing trips & where to buy tackle
Try a shorter fishing outing or a longer charter. Ask about experience levels, minimum ages, equipment, bait and what is included before booking.
Bluefin Charters
Fishing trips from Ilfracombe Harbour, from shorter outings to deep-sea charters. The operator supplies rods, tackle and bait; confirm the details of your chosen trip. Call 07968 419897 for enquiries.
Where: The Pier, Ilfracombe EX34 9EQ
Osprey / Carrick Lee Charters
Browse fishing trips, coastal cruises and Lundy options, then contact the operator for availability and the most suitable trip.
Where: Ilfracombe Harbour — confirm boarding point when booking
High Street Tackle
A local option for fishing tackle and lure advice. Call 07810 186482 to check opening hours, stock and what you need for your outing.
Where: 153 High Street, Ilfracombe EX34 9EZ
Harbour Bait and Tackle
A convenient stop on the pier for bait and tackle enquiries. Call 07748 221156 before making a special trip.
Where: Kiosk 1, The Pier, Ilfracombe EX34 9EQ
Surf beaches, lessons & board hire
Head beyond Ilfracombe to Woolacombe, Putsborough, Croyde or Saunton for surfing. Whether you want a first lesson, coaching or equipment hire, these local providers give you several options. Ask the school which beach and session suit your experience and the conditions on the day.
Woolacombe Surf Centre
Group and private surf lessons, plus surfboard, bodyboard and wetsuit hire. Book through the website or call 01271 871533.
Where: Shop 5, Barton Court, Barton Road, Woolacombe EX34 7BA
Surfing Woolacombe
Lessons and equipment hire from the beach slipway, with boards and wetsuits available. The school has changing facilities and showers. Book lessons or browse hire through its website.
Where: Woolacombe Beach slipway, Woolacombe
Nick Thorn Surf Coaching — Putsborough
Surf lessons from first attempts to more advanced coaching, plus surfboard and wetsuit hire. Book online or call 01271 871337. Confirm your session’s meeting point.
Where: Putsborough Sands, near Georgeham
Surf South West — Croyde
Group and private lessons for beginners and improvers, with adaptive and SEN options available to discuss with the school. Book through the website.
Where: Croyde Burrows Car Park, Moor Lane, Croyde EX33 1NZ
Surfing Croyde Bay
Half-day and private surf lessons, plus equipment hire. Check the school’s swimming and age requirements before booking.
Where: North end of Croyde Beach, near the National Trust car park at the end of Moor Lane
Tom’s Surf Hire & Lords of Downend
Hire surfboards, bodyboards and wetsuits at Downend. Lessons and coaching are offered through Lords of Downend, linked from the hire website. Enquiries: 01271 545035.
Where: Downend Car Park, Croyde EX33 1QE
Surf Saunton
Lessons for first-timers and improvers, with surfboard and wetsuit included. Book online or call 07719 105500; check arrangements for younger children with the school.
Where: 1 Burrows Bungalow, Saunton Beach, Saunton Road EX33 1LG
Saunton Surf Hire
Surfboard and wetsuit hire for your own session at Saunton Sands. Browse equipment and reserve through the website. Hire is separate from a supervised lesson.
Where: Saunton Beach car park, Saunton Sands
Book ahead during school holidays. Confirm the meeting point, equipment supplied and swimming requirements with your provider; lessons and hire depend on suitable sea conditions.
Kayaking, paddleboarding & coasteering
Choose a guided outing, a lesson or independent equipment hire around Ilfracombe, Hele Bay, Lee Bay and Combe Martin. Tell the provider your experience level and the ages of your group so they can suggest a suitable session.
Ilfracombe Watersports Hub
Find instructor-led kayaking, paddleboarding, coasteering and swimming providers. Book with the provider and check swimming ability, age and weather requirements for your activity.
Where: Larkstone Cove, Ilfracombe EX34 9FQ
Active Escape
Paddleboarding and coastal activities around Ilfracombe and Lee Bay. Check the meeting point for your specific session. Enquiries: 01271 320745.
Where: Larkstone Watersports Hub or Lee Bay, depending on activity
H2Outdoor
Guided kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and coasteering, with individual sessions and group activity packages. For information and bookings, call 07789 807424.
Where: Ilfracombe and the North Devon coast — confirm the meeting point for your chosen activity
Surfside Kayak Hire & Tours
Guided coastal kayak tours, plus kayak and paddleboard hire. Book through the website or call 01271 883220 to discuss your group.
Where: Combe Martin, close to the beach — confirm check-in directions when booking
OSKC Watersports
Kayak and paddleboard hire, guided sea-kayak tours, SUP lessons and kayak-steering, combining kayaking with coasteering. Call 07976 555004 or browse the website for bookings.
Where: Borough Road, Combe Martin EX34 0AN
Coastal Adventures North Devon
Coasteering at Hele Bay and Croyde, plus paddleboarding and activity packages. Call 01271 611069 or email info@coastaladventuresnd.co.uk for availability.
Where: Hele Bay / Ilfracombe and Croyde — meeting point depends on your session
North Devon Coasteering
Guided small-group and private coasteering adventures around Croyde and Ilfracombe. Book through the website and read the activity requirements first.
Where: Hele Bay or Croyde — follow the meeting instructions for your booking
Confirm minimum ages, swimming requirements, equipment and weather arrangements before booking. Guided sessions and independent hire are different options; ask the provider which suits your group.
Information checked in October 2026. Operators manage their own bookings and may change routes, services and opening dates.
Your base in Ilfracombe
Return to a self-catering apartment after a day exploring North Devon.