Ilfracombe Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Ilfracombe Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Ilfracombe packs a surprising amount into a small seaside town. The harbour area forms the heart of the town, where fishing boats still land their daily catch. I recommend starting at Tunnels Beaches (EX34 8AN, open 10am-5pm April-September), a network of hand-carved tunnels leading to sheltered Victorian bathing pools. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and the £3.50 entry fee is worth every penny.

Verity, Damien Hirst's 20-metre bronze statue, stands guard at the harbour entrance. Love it or hate it, you can't miss it! The Landmark Theatre (EX34 9BZ) with its distinctive double-conical roof hosts shows year-round, while the Ilfracombe Museum (EX34 8AF, open 10am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday) houses an eccentric collection of local curiosities.

Watermouth Castle (EX34 9SL, open 10am-5pm daily March-October) sits 3 miles east of town. It's part theme park, part castle with dungeons to explore and gardens overlooking the harbour. TripAdvisor gives it 4/5 stars. The South West Coast Path runs through Ilfracombe, offering spectacular walks in both directions - perfect before returning to your hot tub!

Pet Friendly

We've found Ilfracombe extremely welcoming for four-legged visitors. Wildersmouth Beach allows dogs year-round, while nearby Hele Bay (EX34 9QZ) is another good option. The Tunnels Beaches are the only ones with restrictions.

The Quay restaurant (EX34 9EQ) welcomes dogs in their outdoor seating area with water bowls provided. The Ship & Pilot pub (EX34 9EE) is properly dog-friendly inside and out, with treats behind the bar. For supplies, Pets at Home (EX31 3FZ) is a 20-minute drive in Barnstaple.

Many walking routes start right from town. The path to Lee Bay (4 miles) offers stunning coastal views and ends at the dog-friendly Grampus Inn. If your dog needs a wash after beach adventures, The Dog Wash (EX34 8EL) provides self-service dog washing facilities - much easier than wrestling a sandy dog in your cottage bathroom!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Ilfracombe

Tunnels Beaches tops my list. These hand-carved tunnels were created in the 1820s to access secluded beaches. Victorian bathing pools remain and the tidal pool is perfect for safer swimming. Kids love exploring the rock pools and the views across the Bristol Channel are spectacular. One visitor called it "a hidden gem with fascinating history" on TripAdvisor.

Ilfracombe Harbour is the town's beating heart. Watch fishing boats unload their catch, take a wildlife cruise to Lundy Island, or simply enjoy fresh seafood at one of the harbourside restaurants. The small aquarium (EX34 9EQ, open 10am-5pm daily) showcases local marine life with feeding demonstrations. A recent visitor commented: "Small but perfectly formed - the kids were fascinated for hours."

Chambercombe Manor (EX34 9RJ, open Tuesday-Thursday, 11am-4pm April-October) sits in a wooded valley just outside town. This 11th-century manor house is reportedly one of Britain's most haunted buildings. The guided tour explains its fascinating history and the story of the skeleton found behind a sealed wall. Even skeptics find the place atmospheric! One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: "The history is fascinating whether you believe in ghosts or not."

Is Ilfracombe good for families?

Absolutely! Tunnels Beaches offers safe swimming, Watermouth Castle combines history with play areas and boat trips from the harbour are exciting for all ages. Many cottages with hot tubs are family-friendly with enclosed gardens. The town is compact enough for little legs to explore.

When is the best time to visit Ilfracombe?

June to September offers the warmest weather (average 18-21°C). May and October are quieter but still pleasant. The annual Sea Ilfracombe Festival in September celebrates the town's maritime heritage with food stalls, music and boat displays.

Can I get around Ilfracombe without a car?

Yes, the town centre is walkable and buses connect to nearby beaches and villages. The 21 Stagecoach service runs to Barnstaple for wider connections. For Exmoor, you'll find the 309/310 services useful. Taxis are available but book ahead in summer.

Where can I buy groceries in Ilfracombe?

The town has a Lidl (EX34 8BS) and Co-op (EX34 9ND). For local produce, visit Ilfracombe Farmers' Market (Town Hall, High Street) on Saturdays from 10am-12pm. S&P Fish Shop on the harbour sells the day's catch - perfect for a BBQ back at your hot tub cottage.

What's the best beach near Ilfracombe?

Woolacombe Beach (15 minutes' drive) consistently ranks among Britain's best beaches with three miles of golden sand. Closer options include Hele Bay (walking distance) and Tunnels Beaches in town. For rock pooling, try Lee Bay (4 miles west).

Are there any good walks from Ilfracombe?

The South West Coast Path offers stunning walks in both directions. The route to Combe Martin (6 miles) includes dramatic cliffs and hidden coves. Inland, the Tarka Trail provides flatter walking and cycling on converted railway lines.

Some helpful links:

1. Visit Ilfracombe Official Tourism Site
2. North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
3. South West Coast Path Information