Holiday rentals and lettings in Ilfracombe

Table of Contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday letting in Ilfracombe?
• Holiday rentals and lettings in Ilfracombe: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Ilfracombe: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Ilfracombe?

• Ilfracombe is a characterful Victorian harbour town on the rugged North Devon coast, on the edge of Exmoor and the South West Coast Path.
• Self-catering holiday lettings range from harbourside apartments and terraced cottages to spacious homes with sea views and gardens.
• The town is a natural base for beach days at Tunnels Beaches, clifftop walks and easy trips to Woolacombe and Exmoor National Park.
• Peak season runs through the summer school holidays, so booking well ahead secures the best-value properties and locations.
• Many lettings are pet-friendly and well set up for families, walkers and couples looking for a quieter coastal escape.

Ilfracombe offers a wonderful mix of self-catering accommodation to suit every kind of trip. Traditional holiday cottages sit shoulder to shoulder in the old town, while larger holiday homes with gardens and sea views are dotted across the surrounding hillsides. For something more rustic, cosy cabins make a characterful base close to the coast path.

• Wi-Fi for staying connected and comfortable working days
• Private gardens or terraces for relaxed alfresco meals
• Balconies and windows framing harbour or sea views
• Well-equipped kitchens for self-catering breaks
• Pet-friendly options so the whole family can travel together

If North Devon is fully booked for your dates, it is worth comparing nearby options such as camping in Devon or heading further south to explore cottages in Cornwall.

What are the best areas to stay in Ilfracombe?

Ilfracombe is compact but varied, so the right neighbourhood depends on whether you are after harbour dining, easy beach access or peaceful clifftop walks. The table below sums up the character of each area to help you choose.

What do our guests say?

Guests consistently praise the warm welcome, the comfort of their accommodation and how easy it is to reach the beaches and coast path on foot. Many highlight thoughtful touches from attentive hosts, spotless kitchens and the joy of waking up to sea views. Reviewers often mention returning year after year, a reliable sign of a destination that delivers a relaxing and memorable coastal holiday.

Ilfracombe, a characterful Victorian harbour town on the rugged North Devon coast, on the edge of Exmoor and the South West Coast Path, blends seaside heritage with dramatic scenery. Steep streets tumble down to a working harbour watched over by Damien Hirst's striking statue, while sheltered beaches, clifftop trails and lively cafes give every day a different flavour. It is an ideal base for couples, families and walkers who want both coastline and countryside within easy reach.

✈️What is the best way to get to Ilfracombe?

Ilfracombe sits at the northern edge of Devon, so most visitors arrive by road, but public transport connections through Barnstaple make a car-free trip perfectly possible.

• By car: Follow the M5 south to junction 27, then take the A361 North Devon Link Road towards Barnstaple and on to Ilfracombe; the final stretch offers glimpses of the coast as you approach the town.
• By train and bus: Take the train to Barnstaple on the Tarka Line, then continue by regular local bus for the scenic half-hour ride north to Ilfracombe.

🥗Where to eat in Ilfracombe?

According to Google Maps reviews, Giovanni & Luca is one of the best rated restaurants in Ilfracombe. Below is a table showing top highly-rated spots hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest traveller Charlotte rates Santiago's, a cosy little spot near the harbour: a friendly place for beautifully cooked food and a cocktail after an afternoon exploring the seafront. She loved the relaxed atmosphere and the genuinely warm service, and suggests booking ahead on summer evenings when the tables fill quickly.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

Ilfracombe is a year-round destination, but each season has its own appeal. Summer brings buzzing beaches, spring and autumn offer quieter trails, and winter rewards visitors with wild, dramatic seascapes.

Summer (June–August)

• Warm weather ideal for swimming at Tunnels Beaches and nearby Woolacombe
• The harbour and seafront at their liveliest, with events and festivals
• Long daylight hours perfect for clifftop walks and boat trips

Spring & Autumn (April–May, September–October)

• Milder temperatures and fewer crowds on the coast path
• Wildflowers in spring and rich colours across Exmoor in autumn
• Great value in holiday lettings outside the peak weeks

Winter (November–March)

• Dramatic storm-watching and crisp, invigorating coastal walks
• Cosy pubs and restaurants with a welcoming local atmosphere
• A peaceful base for exploring Exmoor's quiet moorland

⭐Our Hosts' recommendation: Our hosts suggest starting the day early with a walk up to Hillsborough for sunrise over the bay before the town wakes, then rounding it off with fish and chips by the harbour as the boats come in.

1. Explore the harbour and see Verity
2. Swim at Tunnels Beaches
3. Walk the South West Coast Path (Hillsborough)
4. Enjoy the Landmark Theatre and seafront
5. Day-trip to Woolacombe and Exmoor

1. Explore the harbour and see Verity

   Ilfracombe's working harbour is the heart of the town, lined with pastel houses, fishing boats and seafood restaurants. Standing guard at the pier is Damien Hirst's 20-metre bronze statue "Verity", one of Britain's most striking pieces of public art. Wander the quayside, browse the galleries and small shops, then climb to the chapel of St Nicholas on Lantern Hill for a sweeping view over the bay and the Bristol Channel beyond.

2. Swim at Tunnels Beaches

   Reached through atmospheric tunnels hand-carved into the cliffs by Victorian miners in the 1820s, Tunnels Beaches is one of Ilfracombe's most memorable spots. The sheltered coves reveal rock pools at low tide and a historic tidal bathing pool that is perfect for families. It is a wonderful place to swim, snorkel and explore, with a cafe and plenty of information about the site's fascinating Victorian bathing heritage.

3. Walk the South West Coast Path (Hillsborough)

   The stretch of the South West Coast Path around Ilfracombe delivers some of North Devon's finest clifftop scenery. Climb Hillsborough, the grassy headland east of the harbour, for panoramic views back over the town and out across the sea. Keep an eye out for seabirds and grazing sheep, and follow the trail further to discover hidden coves, wildflower slopes and quiet vantage points away from the crowds.

4. Enjoy the Landmark Theatre and seafront

   The distinctive twin-coned Landmark Theatre is a focal point of Ilfracombe's seafront, hosting shows, concerts and exhibitions throughout the year. The surrounding promenade is ideal for a relaxed stroll, with gardens, cafes and the Capstone Hill headland close by. It is a lovely area to unwind on a warm evening, watching the sun set over the water before heading into town for dinner.

5. Day-trip to Woolacombe and Exmoor

   Ilfracombe makes a brilliant base for wider North Devon adventures. A short drive west brings you to Woolacombe, whose vast golden sands are consistently rated among Britain's best beaches and are a magnet for surfers and families. Inland lies Exmoor National Park, with its wild moorland, wooded valleys and roaming ponies, offering a complete contrast of scenery within easy reach of the coast.