Explore the Local Area
Pubs, Restaurants & Cafes
Set right on the vibrant quayside of Ilfracombe, with its own private entrance, the property boasts spectacular views that are truly second to none. From the front, enjoy the serenity of the picturesque harbour, while the rear reveals sweeping panoramic vistas over the rugged coastline and across the channel, stretching all the way to Wales in the distance.
11 The Quay – Wine Bar & Cafe| Ilfracombe Harbour (Downstairs!)
Located on the picturesque quayside with direct views of Ilfracombe Harbour, offering a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a carefully curated wine list and a selection of tapas-style dishes, perfect for sharing. The café also features a variety of local cheeses, served tapas-style with artisan crackers and chutney. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual drink or a leisurely bite, it’s the ideal spot to unwind and enjoy the views with a glass of wine in hand.
Lynbay Fish & Chips | Ilfracombe Harbour (1 min walk)
This family-friendly restaurant and takeaway is proud to serve locally sourced, award-winning fish and chips, offering a truly authentic taste of the coast. As an MSC Certified restaurant, they are committed to sustainable practices, ensuring every dish supports responsible fishing. Dedicated to protecting the environment, they are also fully eco-friendly and a proud participant in the Plastic Free North Devon Scheme, helping to reduce plastic waste in the community.
The Pier Brewery Tap & Grill | Ilfracombe Harbour (1 min walk)
The Pier is a vibrant pub, offering a fantastic selection of real ales from The Wizard Brewing Company, alongside a menu of locally sourced gourmet burgers, steaks, seafood, and daily specials. Located right on the harbour in Ilfracombe, this family-friendly pub features a spacious seafront beer garden with breathtaking views of the ocean and the North Devon coastline.
S&P Fish Shop & Café | Ilfracombe Harbour (4 min walk)
Locally renowned for offering the freshest sustainable fish and shellfish, all sourced directly from their own fleet of vessels, ensuring minimal food miles from sea to plate.
Stacc Patisserie | Ilfracombe Promenade (6 min walk)
Stacc is a premium bakery offering exquisite cakes, patisserie, and coffee, all made with the freshest locally sourced ingredients. Everything is baked and served in-house, ensuring every treat is as fresh and delicious as possible, every single day.
Giovanni & Luca | Ilfracombe (5 min walk)
Authentic Italian restaurant in the heart of Ilfracombe. Each dish is crafted using traditional recipes passed down through generations, ensuring a genuine Italian experience. Whether you’re stopping by for lunch or celebrating dinner, you can expect fresh, high-quality ingredients, expertly prepared with an authentic touch and accompanied by warm, Italian hospitality.
The Terrace Tapas & Wine Bar | Ilfracombe (5 min walk)
An authentic Spanish dining experience, serving freshly prepared tapas made with the finest ingredients. All dishes are crafted using carefully selected ingredients sourced and imported directly from Spain, including exquisite Iberico Bellota meats and award-winning cheeses.
The Antidote | Ilfracombe (2 min walk)
The Antidote Restaurant serves superb modern British cuisine and hand-selected wines in a sophisticated setting. The restaurant offers intimate dining and exceptional food, crafted from fresh, local, and in-season ingredients.
The Thatched Inn | Ilfracombe (12 min walk)
With a warm, cozy, and welcoming atmosphere, this authentic pub offers a true sense of local charm. The bar serves a rotating selection of cask ales, lagers, fine wines, and spirits, ensuring there’s something for every taste. The menu showcases the very best of traditional pub fare, constantly evolving to feature the finest locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce.
The Lime Kiln Café & Bar | Ilfracombe Harbour (14 min walk)
The Lime Kiln offers stunning harbour views and exceptional cuisine. Their seasonally inspired menus feature the finest local ingredients, with dishes crafted by the Head Chef to highlight the best of the region. With panoramic views of the harbour, including a prime spot to view Verity, guests can relax on the terrace, patio, or enjoy the scenery from the stylish café with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Beaches Worth Visiting
We are so lucky to be surrounded by some fantastic beaches. Hele Bay in Ilfracombe is perfect for quiet relaxation and rock pool exploration, while the golden sands of Woolacombe attract surfers and families alike. Stunning coastal walks, safe swimming areas, and breathtaking views make our local beaches ideal for both adventure and relaxation.
Hele Bay, Ilfracombe
Hele Bay, located just outside Ilfracombe, features a charming small beach that’s shingle at high tide and gradually becomes sandy as the tide recedes.
This peaceful spot is perfect for relaxing and exploring rock pools. A large car park is situated above the beach, with toilets and refreshment facilities available.
Nearby, Hele Corn Mill offers a chance to view the restored mill and enjoy a cup of tea. (Hele Bay is approx 6 minute drive from Ultimate Harbourside.)
Woolacombe Beach
Woolacombe Beach is one of North Devon’s most popular destinations, known for its golden sands and excellent surf conditions. The beach is family-friendly, offering safe swimming and plenty of space for sunbathing.
The beach has a vibrant atmosphere, especially in summer. It’s a great place to spend the day with plenty of pubs and restaurants offering a laid back, friendly atmosphere. Our favourite eateries include The Tides Inn, the Bay Brasserie, Bar Electric and Meraki Coffee Co. (Woolacombe beach is approx 20 minute drive from Ultimate Harbourside.)
Lee Bay, Ilfracombe
This peaceful and hidden beach, often described as ‘the jewel in the crown of Lee’, is located within an area of outstanding natural beauty just 2 miles west of Ilfracombe. The beach is surrounded on three sides by the rolling hills of Devon, with the Bristol Channel forming its fourth boundary.
At low tide there is a golden sandy beach, with plenty of rockpools to explore. Lee Bay beach is dog friendly year round, and there are beautiful walks to through the village to the local pub, The grampus.
(Lee Bay is approx 15 minute drive from Ultimate Harbourside.)
Croyde Beach
Due to its excellent surf, beautiful scenery and vibrant village feel, Croyde is a wonderful place to visit if you’re interested in water sports, particularly surfing.
There are plenty of fantastic pubs and restaurants too – our favourites include New Coast Kitchen for modern British cuisine, The Thatch Pub (well known for their Sunday roasts) and Blue Groove for a their classic international menu and seaside vibe.
(Croyde beach is approx 30 minute drive from Ultimate Harbourside.)
Local Activities and Attractions
We are so lucky to be surrounded by some fantastic beaches. Hele Bay in Ilfracombe is perfect for quiet relaxation and rock pool exploration, while the golden sands of Woolacombe attract surfers and families alike. Stunning coastal walks, safe swimming areas, and breathtaking views make our local beaches ideal for both adventure and relaxation.
Ilfracombe Aquarium | Ilfracombe Harbour (1 min walk)
Ilfracombe Aquarium is a popular, award-winning family attraction, offering a mix of local aquatic exhibits, a charming Pier Café, and a Gift Shop. Situated in the historic Old Lifeboat House on the pier, it provides a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages, whatever the weather.
Sea Safaris and Boat Trips | Ilfracombe Harbour (1 min walk)
Ilfracombe Sea Safari offers an exciting, adventure-filled, and educational tour along the stunning North Devon coastline. The fleet includes the SeaSwift Catamaran, three Humber RIBs—”Pioneer,” “Lundy Explorer,” and “Voyager”—designed for stability and safety, providing up-close encounters with the region’s wildlife. Enjoy a sunset safari, spot seals and dolphins and explore caves along the coastline. Suitable for all ages, with dogs welcome.
Landmark Theatre | Ilfracombe Promenade (8 min walk)
Ilfracombe’s Landmark Theatre is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a vibrant cultural experience. Nestled on the beautiful North Devon coast, this iconic venue offers a diverse range of performances, from live music and comedy to theatre productions and family-friendly events. With its stunning architecture, friendly atmosphere, and panoramic sea views, the Landmark Theatre provides a perfect setting to enjoy world-class entertainment.
Watermouth Castle | Ilfracombe (10 min drive)
Watermouth Castle, a stunning Victorian castle nestled on the North Devon coast, is a fantastic destination for families and history enthusiasts alike. Set amidst beautiful gardens and offering breathtaking sea views, the castle features interactive exhibits, a fascinating history, and themed attractions. With its charming atmosphere and variety of activities, including a family-friendly adventure park and a museum, Watermouth Castle provides a fun and educational day out for visitors of all ages.
Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park | Combe Martin (25 min drive)
Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park is an exciting and educational attraction nestled in a picturesque valley in North Devon. This family-friendly park combines wildlife encounters with a prehistoric adventure, featuring a wide variety of animals, including rare and endangered species, along with life-sized dinosaur models and interactive exhibits. Visitors can explore the animal enclosures, watch live shows, and enjoy themed attractions, making it a perfect day out for all ages. With its stunning scenery and unique blend of wildlife and dinosaurs, Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park offers a fun and memorable experience for the whole family.
The Big Sheep | Abbotsham (50 min drive)
The Big Sheep is a fantastic family-friendly attraction offering a fun-filled day of entertainment and adventure. Set on a working farm you can enjoy a variety of interactive animal experiences, thrilling rides, and exciting live shows. Visitors can meet friendly animals, enjoy sheep racing, and even participate in hands-on activities like bottle feeding. With its combination of outdoor fun, indoor play areas, and unique attractions, The Big Sheep promises an unforgettable experience for families with children of all ages.
The Milky Way Adventure Park | Bideford (1 hour drive)
Milky Way Adventure Park in North Devon is a thrilling, family-oriented destination filled with exciting rides, interactive exhibits, and plenty of fun for all ages. Set in a beautiful countryside location, the park offers a variety of attractions, from roller coasters and a roller skating rink to outdoor play areas and live entertainment. Visitors can also explore the park’s space-themed zone, where exciting activities and educational exhibits await. With something for everyone, Milky Way Adventure Park promises an unforgettable day of adventure and excitement for the whole family.