Best Outdoor Activities in Ilfracombe

"Found in the town of Ilfracombe, the Tunnels Beaches are unique. Originally a historic Victoria bathing bath, the shingle beach has a ringed rock formation that creates a natural swimming pool, with the rocks separating the still water from the sea. To get to the beach requires walking through the cliff, using the large hand-carved tunnel."

"With its cliffside settings and dramatic coast, Tunnels and Ilfracombe Beaches might be pebbly but they’re totally pristine. Not only that, there’s a Victorian bathing pool that’s filled with the incoming tidal waters. Even on a not-so-sunny day, this is one of the best things to do in Ilfracombe for a little stroll."

"Steeped in history, Tunnels Beaches makes a fascinating visit for all ages. Hand carved in the 1820's, the four tunnels provide a truly unique experience. Read extensive history information throughout the site – including hilarious guides to Victorian etiquette for boys, girls and for when boating with ladies!"

"Saunton Sands is a classic beach, with three and a half miles of sand that disappear into the distance, blue seas and dramatic dunes. Facilities include a large car park, café and beach shop for a full day out. Lifeguards are on duty for most of the year, making it a safe place to swim, surf or play on the beach."

"young families | beginner surfers | dog walkers | beach huts | longboarding | beach fires. Award winning Saunton Sands is one of the best Devon beaches to visit with kids and dogs!. With 3.5 miles of glorious sand, Saunton Sands is one of the best beaches in North Devon for families."

"Perhaps the best known of North Devon’s beaches, Woolacombe rightly deserves its popularity. Flat golden sands stretch out along sand dunes and the beach is still accessible at high tide. Woolacombe is a haven for surfing and body boarding, but if you don’t fancy a dip then there are plenty of rock pools to explore."

"rock pooling | rock jumping | shell collecting | epic Sri Lankan curries (Summer only). Barricane Beach near Woolacombe has an amazing Sri Lankan curry shack – a must visit whilst holidaying in North Devon. Barricane beach is a tiny cove with one big fat Summer draw – the Sri Lankan beach shack."

"Barnstaple is the main town of North Devon, England and possibly the oldest borough in the United Kingdom. It is a former river port, located at the lowest crossing point of the River Taw, flowing into the Bristol Channel. From the 14th century, it was licensed to export wool, since the merchants claimed that the town had been declared a free borough in Saxon times."

"Rockham Bay is a little known beach on the coastal track from Morte Point to Bull Point. Rockham Bay is one of the secret beaches in North Devon, generally only known by locals or campers who stay in the magnificently positioned North Morte Farm campsite slap bang on the coastal fields, only 50m from the beach. Owned by the National Trust, Rockham is a secluded rocky sandy beach, fabulous for rock pooling but sandy enough for kids."

"Enjoy a fun day out at this scenic park, 1 mile from Ilfracombe, which boasts a children’s play area and a sensory garden which are both open all the time, as well as a Boat Lake, Duck Pond and Mill Leat which powers the on-site mill wheel. Let the kids burn off steam on the play equipment and feed the ducks before popping into the Old Mill House and Tea Rooms for cake and a coffee."

"Opened in 1912 to celebrate Queen Victoria's reign, Victoria Park is one of the jewels in Bideford's crown; any Bidefordian will tell you how lucky we are to have a park of this calibre in the heart of the town."

"Friendly, family boutique hotel with beautiful gardens and lovely views. The Elmfield has an indoor heated swimming pool with sauna. There is a well-equipped games room, licensed bar and a playroom for all ages."