Break in North Devon Archives - The Carlton Hotel Ilfracombe

Enjoy a family holiday in North Devon

A Family Holiday in North Devon continues to be a top choice for summer 2024 getaways. Ilfracombe, with its quaint coastal charm, bustling harbour, and a plethora of water sports and attractions, promises to keep the entire family entertained throughout the year.

Things to Do and Discover

Ilfracombe offers a wide array of family-friendly activities and attractions. From sunbathing on beautiful beaches to engaging in water sports, there’s something for everyone. The town’s unique appeal lies in its blend of historic sites, cultural landmarks, and natural beauty, making it a prime spot for a family holiday in North Devon.

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Exploring Ilfracombe’s Attractions

Ilfracombe is home to several world-famous attractions, such as the historic Tunnels Beaches and Damien Hirst’s sculpture, Verity, which symbolises truth and justice. These iconic landmarks, combined with award-winning beaches, theatres, theme parks, and annual events, highlight why Ilfracombe has been a beloved destination since the Victorian era.

Out of This World Beaches

North Devon boasts some of the UK’s most stunning beaches. Wildermouth Beach, Rapparee Cove, and Hele Cove offer fantastic rock pooling opportunities and a sense of seclusion. Tunnels Beaches, renowned for its hand-carved Victorian tunnels, is a popular heritage attraction and wedding venue. Visitors are greeted by an unparalleled, picturesque beach upon exiting the tunnel.

For a quieter experience, visit the tiny village and beach of Lee Bay, or the charming village of Clovelly, where time seems to stand still. If you are seeking a larger more expansive location visit Woolacombe Beach, or Saunton Sands. Though often busy, these beaches offer ample space for families to set up and enjoy the day.

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Enchanting Attractions

There’s no shortage of ways to spend your time in North Devon. Take a ferry or helicopter to Lundy Island, a protected nature reserve visible from the mainland. Here, families can observe North Devon’s puffin population, seals, dolphins, and an array of other wildlife. Activities such as swimming, snorkelling, and climbing are plentiful. Be sure to book in advance through the Landmark Trust or Visit Ilfracombe.

Back on the mainland, Ilfracombe Aquarium is a beloved attraction, featuring over 75 different species of marine life. The town’s museum offers eclectic collections of natural history items and cultural relics, providing a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Family Fun at Watermouth Castle

Watermouth Castle, located at the eastern edge of town, is undergoing major investment, enhancing the guest experience. Whether it’s a sunny or rainy day, the castle offers plenty of indoor and outdoor activities, ensuring family fun in any weather.

The Favourite Spot for Foodies

Ilfracombe is a top destination for discovering incredible food and drink venues. Its bustling harbour port offers many places that serve freshly caught fish and seafood. Enjoying fish and chips by the harbour or on the beach is a must, making for a perfect end to a day of exploration.

Discover North Devon’s Natural Beauty

North Devon, with its breathtaking coastline, rolling countryside, and charming towns, is the perfect destination for families seeking an unforgettable break. This picturesque region offers a myriad of activities and attractions that cater to all ages and interests. From exhilarating outdoor adventures to educational experiences, North Devon has something to delight every family member.

Explore Exmoor National Park

Located on the eastern edge of North Devon, Exmoor National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Family adventures can include hiking along rugged trails, where you might spot wild ponies, red deer, and soaring birds of prey. The park also offers cycling, horseback riding, and canoeing, ensuring an exhilarating day in nature.

Visit Lundy Island

Hop aboard the MS Oldenburg from the mainland and set sail to Lundy Island, a unique and enchanting destination. This remote island is a designated Marine Conservation Zone, perfect for a day of wildlife spotting. Seals, puffins, and dolphins can often be seen from the cliffs, and the island’s rich history, including its own castle and lighthouse, adds an educational twist to your adventure. For those in a hurry, private charters can be booked from many harbour towns, including Ilfracombe.

Enjoy Family-Friendly Attractions

North Devon is home to various family-friendly attractions that guarantee hours of entertainment. The Milky Way Adventure Park is a must-visit, offering thrilling rides, indoor play areas, and live shows. Children can get up close to exotic animals at the Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park or embark on a magical journey at the Big Sheep, featuring sheep racing, tractor rides, and an array of fun-filled activities. Watermouth Castle combines history, fantasy, and entertainment in the heart of North Devon. Designed with families in mind, the castle offers exciting rides, slides, and a maze, ensuring that kids are captivated by the adventure theme park.

A Family Day Out - Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park

Explore North Devon and Exmoor by Open-Top Bus

For an environmentally friendly and unique way to discover North Devon’s beauty, hop on an open-top bus. The Exmoor Coaster offers a two-hour tour from Ilfracombe to Minehead, passing through coastal towns like Combe Martin, Lynmouth, and Porlock. Alternatively, the open-top Stagecoach 21C bus bus travels from Ilfracombe to Barnstaple through Braunton, Saunton, and Croyde. Both routes provide stunning coastal vistas, charming countryside, and picturesque towns, making for an unforgettable journey.

Visit the Landmark Theatre for a Family Fun Day Out

The Landmark Theatre in Ilfracombe offers a diverse and exciting Summer Season, with performances that captivate audiences of all ages. From Footloose Jr The Musical to Cillian O’Connor, the theatre promises an extraordinary theatrical experience for the whole family.

A Family Holiday in North Devon blends natural wonders, coastal charm, and unforgettable experiences. From the captivating beaches to the untamed beauty of Exmoor National Park, each day brings new adventures and cherished memories.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes North Devon a great destination for a family holiday? North Devon offers stunning beaches, a variety of outdoor activities, family-friendly attractions, and charming towns, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Which beaches in North Devon are best for families? Woolacombe Beach and Saunton Sands are excellent for families, offering golden sands, clear waters, and plenty of space for activities.

What activities can families do in Exmoor National Park? Families can enjoy hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and canoeing, with opportunities to spot wildlife such as wild ponies, red deer, and birds of prey.

How can we get to Lundy Island? You can take a ferry or helicopter to Lundy Island. The MS Oldenburg offers regular trips from the mainland, and private charters are available from harbour towns like Ilfracombe.

Are there any family-friendly attractions in North Devon? Yes, North Devon is home to attractions like the Milky Way Adventure Park, Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park, the Big Sheep, and Watermouth Castle.

What kind of food can we expect in Ilfracombe? Ilfracombe offers a variety of food and drink venues, especially those serving freshly caught fish and seafood. Enjoying fish and chips by the harbour or beach is a must-do experience.

Blue Sky Horizon With a North Devon Summer Staycation

Many of us entered 2021 with a feeling of optimism, only to have it dashed in the first week of January as another lockdown descended. With the latest news it would be very easy to disappear under a cloud of doom and gloom. But no. Resist!

While the midwinter skies are cold and dark, they do serve as a reminder that nothing lasts forever. Just as it’s very hard to imagine a lush, verdant landscape and summer sunshine on your face, the seasons keep turning and that time will surely come. Just the same, these dark and horrible times ushered in by the pandemic will also eventually pass.

2021 Year of the Summer Staycation

For this reason it’s important to keep positive and fix an eye on the horizon for the first glimmer of blue sky. What you need is a holiday in North Devon in the diary! With all the uncertainty caused by local covid flare ups abroad and the travel restrictions resulting from them, 2021 will be the year of the staycation. And why not? Sometimes the Brits are so keen to jet off to a foreign holiday destination that they forget what their own backyard has to offer.

And within that back yard there is a particularly splendid patch, North Devon, which has the makings of a great holiday for all ages. With 30 ensuite rooms, and crammed with modern comforts, The Carlton in Ilfracombe is the perfect starting place for a North Devon summer staycation in 2021 for any size of party – with a selection of single, double/twin and family rooms available and optimum covid compliancy measures throughout.

The in-house Brasserie is a restaurant renowned for its local dishes that make the best of seasonal produce, and its selection of libations (many brewed in the area). Beyond what the hotel offers, a North Devon staycation offers options for all holiday palates – from gourmet dining to traditional seaside fish and chips and ice creams to slurp away on a warm summer’s day.

North Devon: Staycation Heaven

So why a North Devon staycation? After the confines of lockdown, the great outdoors will hold more of an allure than ever before and this is a part of the world which offers its benefits better than most. Put simply, summers were made for North Devon!

Let’s start with the lush green landscape with its rolling hills, which provides a picturesque backdrop to any summer staycation. The region is criss-crossed by a network of footpaths and bridleways, some of which begin a stone’s throw from The Carlton itself, allowing visitors to get an instant feel for the great outdoors. The town of Ilfracombe sits between two sections of wonderful Southwest coast path which winds its way across cliff tops, with views of Wales across the Bristol Channel, and down to hidden rocky beaches.

For those seeking a more traditional beach scene, North Devon has sandy beaches by the bucket and spadeful! Within a 10 mile radius of Ilfracombe are three of the most popular beach destinations in the county – Woolacombe/Putsborough, Croyde and dog friendly Saunton Sands. All three offer a paradise for sandcastle artisans and serve as a mecca for surfers. Experienced surfers opt for Croyde while the more easy going waves of Woolacombe and Saunton are perfect for beginners with all three offering surf schools and surf/body board hire facilities to help newbies wet their feet!

For those who find the rigours of the great outdoors rather less appealing, Ilfracombe itself is a perfect canvas on which to spread some holiday colour. From the delightful harbour and the town’s own network of small beaches to the gift shops, galleries and tea rooms which dot the narrow streets, everything is accessible within a 15 minute stroll from The Carlton. All local businesses have adopted rigorous covid policies to ensure customer safety, and at the time of writing North Devon remains one of the areas of England least affected by covid.

Having previewed the trailer (!) this is a great month to book that North Devon staycation trip! For peace of mind, The Carlton offers a flexible booking policy during these unpredictable times with free changes and cancellations up until 48 hours before the start of any stay. To find out more about summer staycation options, contact The Carlton.

Discover The Warmth Of A North Devon Winter Break

Winter Breaks In North Devon

Traditionally there are many reasons to visit North Devon in the summer, but actually a winter break can also be thoroughly enjoyable. A big part of this is the sense of having the place to yourself, with the pace of life a gentle stroll compared to the hustle and bustle of the tourist season. The Carlton in Ilfracombe is offering some fantastic North Devon winter break options to tempt you down to the Westcountry this January, February and March.

From the cosy snugness of The Carlton (which naturally will be continuing to implement its covid plan to ensure safety of staff and guests alike), 5 reasons to head west to North Devon this January and February include:

The Carlton – The Perfect Winter Base!

Excuses to visit the area in January and February are plentiful, and that’s even without leaving the hotel! The Carlton provides a great base to launch your exploration of the area, from its highest spec ensuite rooms to the fine food menus which source the best local produce, served in The Brasserie (located in the hotel). Having made it through the front door – if you can avoid the allure of the superb Carlton afternoon tea! – here are some more reasons to enjoy a winter break in North Devon in 2021.

The Charms of Ilfracombe

The Carlton’s home is a delightful harbour town on the North Devon coast which went from sleepy village to desirable seaside resort with the coming of the Victorian railways. The result is a town whose character reflects this era, seen in the buildings and architecture of the place. A stroll around the town will reveal some of its historical treasures, such as the famous Tunnel Beaches, Victorian bandstand and the sheltered harbour which has made Ilfracombe a historical haven for small fishing boats, which continue to land their fresh catches today.

Scratch deeper and you can discover much more fascinating history in the area, with remains of Norman settlements and Iron Age fortifications. On the flipside, Ilfracombe is also home to the sea facing Verity statue created by some time North Devon resident Damien Hirst, an arty side to the town reflected in its healthy array of arts, crafts and galleries.

North Devon’s Great Walking Country

For many visitors on a North Devon winter break, ‘blowing away the cobwebs’ with a few days filled with fresh air and exercise holds great allure. The locals have very much adopted the Scandinavian maxim of there being no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing, and if you are prepared for the very worst the elements can throw your way then you are probably going to be pleasantly surprised! Walking a section of the South West coast path (which passes through Ilfracombe) on a bright winter’s morning, with just the sun and the lapping of the waves for company is true bliss. On the flipside, a roaring wind and a turbulent sky brings its own magic too, but if that’s not your thing, then it’s easy to find a sheltered valley/river walk nearby in Exmoor National Park.

Dog Friendly North Devon

Nearby Woolacombe and Saunton Sands beaches roll on for miles and as a dog friendly hotel, The Carlton can recommend these beaches which never fail to disappoint dogs and owners alike. Closer to home, there are great short walks around Ilfracombe, which offer dog friendly exercise and spectacular views. North Devon as whole enjoys a reputation as being a great dog friendly holiday destination and most pubs, cafes and restaurants go out of their way to accommodate canine visitors.

Action Winter Break in North Devon

While some visitors’ idea of the perfect wither break in Ilfracombe is to sit, enjoy great food and drink and just ‘be’, others itch to get active. Despite the winter season, there are still plenty of activity options available. Exmoor National Park is as popular with cyclists as it is with walkers, while the Tarka Trail cycle track begins in Ilfracombe, accessing two more of the region’s bigger towns – Bideford and Barnstaple – along its route. Other activity options include fishing, golfing and clay pigeon shooting.

While the idea of a winter break in the UK may not have been top of a visitor’s list at the start of the pandemic, the events of the past few months have shown that staying close to home does have advantages. There are plenty of winter break charms to be found in North Devon and discovering them is part of the charm itself! Book direct here, call us on 01271 862446 or email us on stay@ilfracombecarlton.co.uk.

Brasserie Brings Something Special To Exmoor Food Fest 2021

January is something of a fallow month for the senses, a time for them to settle down again after the overload of the festive period. Nevertheless after a chaste month, they are fit and ready for February, which is rather convenient because it’s the month the ever popular Exmoor Food Fest launches. Prompted by extenuating circumstances perhaps, it returns for not one, but two months of North Devon culinary delights and discounts.

The Brasserie at The Carlton in Ilfracombe reprises its role as a partner restaurant in this Taste of Exmoor experience and brings its own sumptuous offering to the table in the form of an exclusive menu which celebrates the best of North Devon local produce. The added ingredient of a great deal, in the form of an ExFF201 discount in February and March, will be extra palatable to diners.

Fans of the Brasserie will be aware of the pride that is taken in the provenance of the food prepared in the kitchen by patron, Eliot Seabourn-Wren. He specialises in simple dishes which accentuate the ingredients without overwhelming them. “This is our second showing at the Exmoor Food Fest,” says Eliot. “We came in last year for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed the experience so had to return! What we loved about the event is the way it acts as a focus point for all the great things happening with food in the Exmoor region.

Naturally, great food brings out people who love great food and last year was such an interactive and rewarding experience for The Brasserie, with lots of ‘oohs’ and ‘ahs’ as plates arrived and many wonderful conversations around the appreciation of food.”

While last year was a case of not really knowing what to expect, this year The Brasserie returns with a menu offering that has a clear vision for what it wants to offer diners. The past few months have seen Eliot and his kitchen team planning a menu that offers depth, flavour and truly represents the diversity of ingredients the region brings to the winter pantry.

“For this year’s Food Fest we really are drawing on the rich resources available to us as a North Devon based kitchen,” says Eliot. “We are genuinely excited about this menu, which combines the best that land and sea has to offer. Our selection of meat comes from local North Devon farms – including Exmoor raised beef – which have been handpicked for quality and high animal welfare standards. The menu also features items which make the most of game, with dishes bringing out the richness of venison and fowl. As for the fish, it doesn’t come much fresher than a catch caught by boats which set off from the town’s harbour!”

Vegetables come with local provenance too, many of them supplied from the Great Field in the village of Braunton, whose fertile ground has been worked since medieval times. The Carlton Food Fest deals also include superb vegetarian options. Furthermore, explains Eliot, “Aside from vegetarian and gluten free dishes, The Brasserie kitchen has a ‘no fuss’ reputation for adapting its dishes to accommodate diners with allergies.”

A combination of two courses – chosen from starter, mains and dessert menu options – can be enjoyed for a special Exmoor Food Fest rate of £17.50 per person, a dinner deal that is available on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings throughout February and March (and as a lunchtime option by appointment).

To make the most of this North Devon foodie event, serious diners will be seeking a place to rest those optimised senses (in addition to well filled stomachs!), and The Carlton provides accommodation in the form of first class en suite rooms that emanate style, convenience and relaxing comfort. Contact The Carlton by phone or email to find out about great off-season room rates, and make the most of the 2021 Exmoor Food Fest experience.