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.

$A Family Day Out - Ilfracombe$

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.

$Top 7 Dog Walks In Ilfracombe & Around$

Top 7 Dog Walks In Ilfracombe & Around

From Ilfracombe to Lee Bay

Starting at the National Trust Ilfracombe Torrs Car Park; Grid Ref: SS511474.

At the bottom of the car park follow the path down and around to the left, past the NT Torrs walk sign. Follow your nose up the zigzag hill signed ‘Coast Path’, which the Victorians carved into the rock face. At the top, advance through the gate and around to the right. There, observe the toposcope, which is a joint partnership project between the National Trust, Ilfracombe Arts College and South West Coast path Team called “Unlocking our Coastal Heritage”.

Then follow signs for coast path to Lee, go down the hill and cross over the stile and follow the path, keeping the sea on your right. If it’s a very clear day along this part you will get a great view of Lundy Island. And if you are especially lucky you might see dolphins or porpoise off the coast.

Take care around the livestock which graze here and around the cliff edge. Go through the gate, across the field, turning right at the dirt track, follow signs for coast path to Lee. This is about a mile and then reach the field gate, follow the road all the way down the hill and at the bottom turn left to go to Church or turn right to Lee beach. Lee is a lovely little village with a great pub called the Grampus where they are very dog friendly and will treat your dog well.

Woolacombe to Putsborough

A brilliant walk that is a favourite is Woolacombe to Putsborough. Take the 31 route bus or drive the short hop to Woolacombe. At certain times of the year parts of this the beach can be restricted, but get onto the great big award winning beach after the stream. Then you just keep walking.

Dogs must be on leads from the stream to Mill Rock from Easter to November but beyond that they can run around to their hearts delight and fantastic it is too. There Are no restrictions within the dunes off the beach proper.

You might meet some North Devon Red cows on the Woolacombe dunes, called the ‘ladies’. But these are not just any lady cows. They have been involved in a trial of the innovative invisible fencing technique, to help improve our plant and wildlife species on the sand dunes at Woolacombe beach. The invisible fence means no gates, no stiles and no obtrusive fences, meaning easy access for visitors and the stunning rolling dunes would keep their character. The ladies grazing the dunes have been fitted with collars that respond to a radio signal emitted by a cable buried around the dunes. When approaching the cable an alarm sounds on the collar and the clever cows have been trained to know if they continue any further they will receive a pulse from the collar which stops them. The cows really got the hang of this and rarely tested the boundaries. The Beach is 3 miles long with wonderful sand dunes and brilliant to allow your dog to run up and down and swim.

Morte Point, Mortehoe Village

Enjoy a challenging walk through a rare spot of coastal heathland which provides the wonderful backdrop for a wealth of wild flowers and wildlife. You might even be lucky enough to spot some of our infamous sealife including dolphins and seals. This wonderful dog walk will take you out into the fresh country air and really give you an opportunity to get the blood pumping with steep ascents, steps and descents to challenge you along the way. Adventurers will be rewarded with the discovery of some hidden beaches along the way and for those who enjoy a bit of history, discover why Morte Point has been responsible for many a shipwreck throughout the centuries.

Saunton Sands

A short drive or long walk along the South West Coast Path and you arrive at stunning Saunton Sands. This particular beach is a favourite for dog walks as it welcomes dogs all year round. Saunton Sands employs easy to follow zoning sections where you after arriving the first 5 minutes of your stroll requires that your dog is kept on the lead. Thereafter you have the next 3 ½ miles of golden sands to explore and enjoy with your four-legged friend. Do take care at certain times of the year when adders are often snoozing in the grass within the dunes.

Hillsborough Nature Reserve

Overlooking Ilfracombe harbour and known to the locals as ‘the sleeping elephant’, Hillsborough Nature Reserve offers a short, but testing walk for you and your dog. This dog walk takes you past beaches which are also dog friendly so offers plenty of opportunity for a run and a dip in the sea for both of you – especially welcome during the warm summer months! The views provided by this dog walk are glorious – a bird’s eye view of Ilfracombe, out to Lundy Island and even as far as the South Wales coast. There is so much for nature lovers to enjoy along the way too with an array of wildlife and their habitats to be seen. You can clamber down to more secret coves and also extend this walk to and over Hele Bay. Stop off at the café on the beach for refreshments for canine and human!

Baggy Point

As well as providing a dog friendly route, Baggy Point is also an easy access route which is especially important in opening up our beautiful countryside walks to as many people as possible. Considered an easy route, Baggy Point lends itself to those pups who cannot manage a challenging route but still enjoy the great outdoors. It is also considered equally good for young children. Baggy Point might be a shorter, easier dog walk than others on our list, but nonetheless it delivers in breathtaking sights. The views along the way extend along the coast and out to sea and you can also enjoy sightings of our diverse wildlife and sealife – there’s plenty to keep everyone captivated along the way.

The South West Coast Path

The Carlton Hotel is delightfully situated in Ilfracombe town centre where you can begin dog walks in any direction to end up on the beautiful South West Coast Path. Here we have miles and miles of stunning countryside and coastal walks to explore and discover your very own favourite spot. Whilst we have only covered our top 5 dog walks in this blog, there are of course so many dog walks here to enjoy and far too many to list . The South West Coast Path website is an excellent place to begin to plan your local dog walks when you visit us here in Ilfracombe.

The Carlton Hotel is a dog friendly hotel which welcomes well behaved humans and their four legged friends. Our aim is to make your break as pleasurable for your dog as it is for you. Inform us when you book and we will endeavour to ensure all your needs are met, including bowls and dog beds in your room. We look forward to welcoming you and your dog to The Carlton Hotel.