Ilfracombe drone photo

Ilfracombe Drone Adventure #1

Staying in Ilfracombe for 2 weeks over Easter 2019 meant that I was planning at least one Drone Adventure (3 hopefully).

Ilfracombe is a beautiful town in North Devon. A great base for us as a family holiday as it has plenty there in terms of eating and drinking, a lovely harbour and plenty to see and do, plus a good location for exploring other parts of North Devon.

Ilfracombe: A Hidden Gem of the North Devon Coast

Tucked away in the picturesque coastline of North Devon lies a charming town called Ilfracombe. With its stunning views, rich history, and vibrant community, Ilfracombe is a hidden gem that is waiting to be explored.

First and foremost, Ilfracombe is famous for its breathtaking coastline. The town's coastline is a mix of rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and hidden coves. One of the most popular attractions is the Ilfracombe Harbour, which offers beautiful views of the sea and the town's historic buildings. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the harbour, admire the Victorian architecture, and watch the fishing boats as they come and go.

If you're looking for an adventure, Ilfracombe offers a wide range of outdoor activities. From kayaking and paddleboarding to rock climbing and coasteering, there is something for everyone. For the more adventurous, a boat trip to Lundy Island is a must-do. The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including puffins, seals, and dolphins. Visitors can explore the island's rugged coastline and take in its stunning natural beauty.

But Ilfracombe is not just about the outdoors. The town has a rich history that is waiting to be discovered. One of the most interesting places to visit is the Ilfracombe Museum, which showcases the town's history through a range of exhibits. The museum is home to a fascinating collection of artefacts, including Victorian toys, fossils, and photographs. Visitors can learn about the town's past and gain a deeper understanding of its culture and heritage.

For those who love the arts, Ilfracombe has a vibrant arts scene. The town is home to a range of galleries, studios, and workshops, showcasing the work of local artists. The Ilfracombe Art Trail is a must-visit, featuring a range of public art installations throughout the town. Visitors can take a self-guided tour and discover the town's creative side.

Ilfracombe is also known for its culinary delights. The town has a range of restaurants and cafes, offering everything from traditional fish and chips to fine dining. The town's seafood is particularly famous, with fresh fish and shellfish caught daily by local fishermen.

In conclusion, Ilfracombe is a hidden gem that is waiting to be discovered. With its stunning coastline, rich history, vibrant arts scene, and delicious food, Ilfracombe is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a fun and interesting holiday. Whether you're looking for adventure, culture, or relaxation, Ilfracombe has it all. So why not plan your next holiday to this charming town on the North Devon coast?

photos of Ilfracombe

Some history of Ilfracombe

Ilfracombe is a town located on the North Devon coast of England with a long and fascinating history. The name "Ilfracombe" is thought to have come from the Anglo-Saxon "Alfreinscoma", which means "Valley of the sons of Alfred".

Ilfracombe became a significant port during the medieval period and was an important trading centre for wool, cloth and other goods. The town was granted a Royal Charter in 1156 by King Henry II, which allowed it to hold markets and fairs.

In the 19th century, Ilfracombe became a fashionable holiday destination for the wealthy. The town's natural beauty and Victorian architecture attracted many visitors, and the town's population grew rapidly. Many grand buildings were built during this period, including the landmark St Nicholas' Chapel, which was completed in 1321.

In the early 20th century, Ilfracombe continued to attract visitors, and the town's economy was largely based on tourism. However, the outbreak of World War II had a significant impact on the town, and many of its residents were evacuated. Ilfracombe played a crucial role in the war effort, with its port being used to transport troops and supplies to Europe.

After the war, Ilfracombe saw a decline in its popularity as a holiday destination, and many of its historic buildings fell into disrepair. However, in recent years, the town has undergone a significant regeneration, with many of its buildings being restored and new attractions being built.

Today, Ilfracombe is a thriving town with a rich history that is celebrated through its museums, galleries and historic buildings. Visitors can explore the town's fascinating past and learn about its role in England's history. Whether you're interested in medieval architecture, Victorian heritage or World War II history, Ilfracombe has something for everyone.

Ilfracombe is particularly well know for

  1. Ilfracombe Harbour - The town's harbour is one of its most famous landmarks. Visitors can admire the Victorian architecture, watch the fishing boats as they come and go, and take in the beautiful views of the sea.
  2. Tunnels Beaches - Ilfracombe is home to a unique attraction called Tunnels Beaches. Visitors can access the beach through a series of tunnels that were hand-carved in the 1820s. The beach itself is a secluded cove with clear blue water, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
  3. Verity statue - A 66-foot tall bronze sculpture by artist Damien Hirst, Verity stands at the entrance to Ilfracombe Harbour. The sculpture depicts a pregnant woman holding a sword and standing on a pile of law books.
  4. Ilfracombe Museum - The town's museum showcases its rich history through a range of exhibits, including fossils, Victorian toys, and photographs.
  5. The arts scene - Ilfracombe has a vibrant arts scene, with a range of galleries, studios, and workshops showcasing the work of local artists. The Ilfracombe Art Trail features a range of public art installations throughout the town.
  6. Food and drink - Ilfracombe is known for its delicious seafood, with fresh fish and shellfish caught daily by local fishermen. The town also has a range of restaurants and cafes offering everything from traditional fish and chips to fine dining.

Some famous people associated with Ilfracombe

  1. Damien Hirst - One of the most famous contemporary artists in the world, Damien Hirst has strong ties to Ilfracombe. He owns a restaurant in the town, and his famous sculpture "Verity" stands at the entrance to the harbor.
  2. Mary Shelley - The author of the classic horror novel "Frankenstein" spent time in Ilfracombe in the early 19th century. She was staying in the town when she learned of the death of her husband, the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley.
  3. George Newnes - A prolific publisher and founder of the magazine "Tit-Bits", George Newnes lived in Ilfracombe for many years. He was a major benefactor of the town, donating money for the construction of several buildings, including the town hall and the museum.
  4. Edward Capern - A poet and postman who lived in Ilfracombe in the 19th century, Edward Capern is known as the "Ilfracombe Poet". He wrote hundreds of poems during his lifetime, many of which were inspired by the town and its surroundings.
  5. Jack Russell - The founder of the Jack Russell Terrier breed, Reverend John "Jack" Russell lived in Ilfracombe for many years. He was a keen sportsman and used his dogs for hunting and ratting.

My Ilfracombe Drone Adventure video

Some things that you may not know about Ilfracombe

  1. Ilfracombe is home to one of the oldest golf clubs in England - The Ilfracombe Golf Club was founded in 1892 and is still in operation today. It offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and coastline.
  2. Ilfracombe has a long history of smuggling - During the 18th and 19th centuries, Ilfracombe was a hotbed of smuggling activity. Many local people made their living by smuggling goods such as brandy, tea, and tobacco into the town.
  3. Ilfracombe was once home to a famous circus family - The Bertram Mills Circus was a famous circus troupe in the early 20th century, and the family who owned it lived in Ilfracombe for many years. Their home, which was called "The Towers", still stands today and is a popular attraction.
  4. The town has a connection to the Titanic disaster - The town's lifeboat was called out to assist in the rescue of survivors from the Titanic disaster in 1912. The boat, which was called the "Bonnie Doon", was crewed by local men and played a crucial role in the rescue effort.
  5. Ilfracombe has a unique climate - Due to its location on the North Devon coast, Ilfracombe has a microclimate that is warmer and sunnier than many other parts of the UK. This makes it a popular destination for visitors looking to enjoy the outdoors and the beach.

More great places to visit

Take a look at some of my other favourite places