Best Ilfracombe Beach: Characteristics, Surroundings, and Activities.

Best Ilfracombe Beach: Characteristics, Surroundings, and Activities

You can always splurge on plane tickets to the Maldives or other exotic locations around the world, but the reality is that you can find some of the world’s most unique and beautiful beaches right here in the UK. Only 4 hours drive (364km) away from London, lies the picturesque Ilfracombe, a hidden gem and home to some of the best beaches in the UK.

The town of Ilfracombe is nestled close to the sea cliffs of Exmoor National park and is a perfect base for visiting a variety of other north Devon attractions (see some of them here), Easily accessible by plane (Cardiff Airport – only 60km / Exeter Airport – only 73km), road, or by rail.

What comes to your mind when you think about beaches? Walking on sand or rocks, listening to the sound of waves, or enjoying scenic views. Are these the only characteristics people look up to when deciding on the ultimate beach destination?

Our team dived deep into research and found some of the most common questions people ask when deciding which beach to visit:

Why Ilfracombe Holiday Park?

It’s important to notice that our park, Ilfracombe Holiday Park, is very close to all the best beaches and located in a favorite spot among tourists (see our location).

Deciding which Ilfracombe beach to visit

Our team dived deep into research and found some of the most common questions people ask when deciding which beach to visit:

How to get there and is it far away?
Is it clean and good for swimming?
What type of beach is it?
Is it quiet, or is it crowded?
Is it a family-friendly beach?
What activities and sports are preferred there?
Is it a dog-friendly beach?
Are there places to eat and drink?
Tell me more about the surroundings?

Now let’s analyze 3 of the best beaches in Ilfracombe and North Devon and answer the questions above!

Ilfracombe beach: Tunnels Beach

Four great coastal tunnels, hand-crafted by Welsh miners in 1820s. With exceptional views and a tidal pool, it is a historical masterpiece. The tidal pool is very good place for swimming, and there are toilets, information center, and a small shop snack bar.

1. How to get there and is it far away?

Close to our park, approximately 4 min drive (1.9km). Reachable even by walking, around 24min.

The ground throughout the tunnels themselves is either paved or concrete, access is good with only a gentle slope leading to the main beach.

2. Is it clean and good for swimming?

The ‘Tidal Pool’ is very good for swimming, one of a kind in Ilfracombe.

3. What type of beach is it?

The natural coastline is NOT GOLDEN SAND!! It’s rocky and dramatic.

4. Is it quiet, or is it crowded?

At the peak season beach is usually filled with tourist.

5. Is it a family-friendly beach?

Yes, the beach feels family-friendly, safe and secluded, almost like a hidden gem, as if no other tourists had been to Tunnels Beaches before you.

6. What activities and sports are preferred there?

Tunnels beach has been rated as the 3rd best beach for rock pooling in the UK by BBC Wildlife Magazine. Kids can play safely in the tidal pool or explore fantastic rock pools.

7. Is it a dog-friendly beach?

Dogs are allowed through the tunnels on a lead but not on to the beaches. If you are visiting with your dog you can still read all the history information and admire the views.

8. Are there places to eat and drink?

There is a little food and drink shop but you can also take your own. It’s worth allowing a lunch stop for your visit as the views are magical.

9. Tell me more about the surroundings?

Parking is available but be aware to arrive early. There is usually parking on the public roads nearby, alternatively, there are a few car parks within the town/seafront. There are also toilets, an information center, and a small shop snack bar.

Ilfracombe beach: Hele Beach

Hele Bay is a small cove on the edge of Ilfracombe. The beach is sand with lots of rock pools and there is easy access to the beach. Located adjacent to Hillsborough Nature Reserve, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the beach has been awarded the Blue Flag award for its safe clean waters.

1. How to get there and is it far away?

Reachable by car 18 min (13 km)

Located on Devon’s north coast, between Ilfracombe and Croyde.

2. Is it clean and good for swimming?

Woolacombe Beach is a surfer’s paradise. Beginners and experts come from all over the country. Lifeguards ensure safe family swimming during the summer months too, with clean water and great waves

3. What type of beach is it?

Woolacombe Beach is frequently named the best in Britain. This comes as no surprise to anyone in the know; miles of golden sand, rolling waves and soft sand dunes.

4. Is it quiet, or is it crowded?

On a sunny day in the middle of summer, the beach attracts thousands, it does get busy but you can always find some space.

5. Is it a family-friendly beach?

Life guards ensure safe family swimming during the summer and surfers come from all over the country to enjoy the great waves and clean water.

6. What activities and sports are preferred there?

Woolacombe beach is popular for kayaking, walking, swimming and kitesurfing as well as surfing.

7. Is it a dog-friendly beach?

Dogs are welcome on the beach year round, with some restrictions in the summer months.

8. Are there places to eat and drink?

Lots of shops and places to get food, ice cream, buckets, spades and more!

9. Tell me more about the surroundings?

The village of Woolacombe lies at the northern end of the beach, and has plenty of seaside shops, cafes, restaurants and B&B’s.

Stay tuned to see more about other great beaches in Ilfracombe in the next edition…

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