Ilfracombe Beaches

Overview

Ilfracombe, nestled on North Devon's dramatic coastline, is a charming harbour town offering a fantastic base for a varied beach holiday. It boasts its own unique collection of coves and beaches, ranging from historic sites to sheltered bays, often characterised by a mix of sand, shingle, and rocks revealed at low tide. While Ilfracombe provides intimate coastal experiences right in town, it's also just a stone's throw from some of the UK's most celebrated large, sandy beaches, giving visitors the best of both worlds.

Among the highlights is the unique Tunnels Beaches, accessed through Victorian hand-carved tunnels leading to sheltered shores and a tidal bathing pool perfect for swimming and rock pooling. A short drive away lies the expansive, award-winning Woolacombe Beach, renowned for its golden sands and excellent surfing conditions. For something different, seek out the exotic shells at Barricane Beach or escape the crowds at the picturesque and tranquil Lee Bay Beaches. Closer to town, Hele Bay offers another accessible cove ideal for exploring rock pools.

This variety caters to everyone, from families enjoying the sheltered coves and tidal pool, to couples soaking up the stunning scenery and harbour atmosphere. While Ilfracombe's immediate beaches offer character and are famed for rock pooling, those seeking vast stretches of sand for traditional beach days or serious surfing will find world-class options like Woolacombe Beach within easy reach. Swimming is possible in several coves and particularly enjoyable in the safe confines of the Tunnels Beaches tidal pool.

Beyond the immediate sands, the South West Coast Path runs through Ilfracombe, offering breathtaking walks with sea views. Whether you seek history, seclusion, family fun, or access to surf, Ilfracombe provides a memorable coastal escape. Explore our full guide to discover even more beaches, including hidden gems dotted along this beautiful stretch of coast.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Ilfracombe a good place for a beach holiday?

Yes, Ilfracombe is a popular coastal town in North Devon ideal for a holiday, offering a variety of beach experiences. It features its own unique beaches like the historic Tunnels Beaches and several coves such as Hele Bay and Rapparee Cove. Additionally, it's a short drive from large, sandy beaches like Woolacombe, Croyde, and Saunton Sands, making it a great base for exploring the wider North Devon coastline.

What kind of holidaymaker is Ilfracombe best suited for – families, couples, surfers?

Ilfracombe caters to various holiday styles. Families often enjoy the sheltered coves, rock pooling opportunities (especially at Tunnels Beaches and Hele Bay), and the tidal sea pool at Tunnels Beaches. Couples might appreciate the dramatic coastal scenery, harbour town atmosphere, and unique accommodation options like beach huts. While Ilfracombe itself isn't a primary surfing spot, it's very close (around 15-20 minutes drive) to renowned surfing beaches like Woolacombe and Croyde, making it a good base for surfers who also want Ilfracombe's amenities.

Can you swim in the sea at Ilfracombe?

Swimming is possible at several Ilfracombe beaches, such as Hele Bay, Lee Bay, and Rapparee Cove, though caution is always advised due to potential currents and the rocky nature of some coves. Tunnels Beaches offers a Victorian tidal bathing pool, providing a safer, sheltered environment for swimming, especially popular with families and wild swimmers. However, swimming is permanently advised against at Wildersmouth Beach due to poor water quality classifications related to pollution risks, particularly after heavy rainfall.

Are the beaches in Ilfracombe sandy?

Ilfracombe's beaches are typically a mix of sand, shingle, pebbles, and rocks, often revealing more sand at low tide. Wildersmouth has sand and shingle, Hele Bay has sand at high water giving way to rocks and pools, Rapparee Cove is small and sheltered with sand and rocks, and Tunnels Beaches are rugged and rocky but excellent for rock pooling. For large expanses of golden sand, the famous beaches of Woolacombe, Croyde, and Saunton Sands are just a short drive away.

Where can I find accommodation near the beach in Ilfracombe?

Ilfracombe offers a wide range of accommodation options close to the sea. You can find hotels, B&Bs (like The Rocky Cove, Avoncourt Lodge, Epchris House), and guesthouses near the town's beaches and harbour. Self-catering options include holiday cottages and apartments, some with sea views or direct beach access. There are also holiday parks in and around Ilfracombe, such as Beach Cove Coastal Retreat (with beach huts), Ilfracombe Holiday Park, and Sandaway Beach Holiday Park (with access to a private beach).

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Which beaches in Ilfracombe allow dogs?

Many beaches in and around Ilfracombe welcome dogs year-round. These include Wildersmouth Beach, Rapparee Cove, Hele Bay, Lee Bay, Sandy Cove (at Lee Bay), and Cheyne Beach by the harbour. Always check local signage, but these offer good options for walking your dog by the sea.

Wildersmouth Beach

Lee Bay Beaches

Are dogs allowed at Tunnels Beaches?

No, dogs are not permitted on the beaches themselves at Tunnels Beaches. While they are allowed on a lead through the tunnels to enjoy the views and historical information, they cannot go onto the beach areas or into the pools.

Tunnels Beaches

Do you have to pay to go on Ilfracombe beaches?

Most beaches in Ilfracombe, such as Wildersmouth, Hele Bay, and Rapparee Cove, are free to access. However, Tunnels Beaches is privately owned and requires an admission fee. This fee grants access through the historic hand-carved tunnels to the sheltered beaches and tidal pool.

Wildersmouth Beach

Hele Beach

Tunnels Beaches

People Also Ask

Is Tunnels Beaches worth the entry fee?

Many visitors find Tunnels Beaches worth the fee due to its unique history, the experience of walking through the Victorian hand-carved tunnels, the sheltered and rugged beauty of the coves, the safe tidal bathing pool (visible around low tide), and excellent rock pooling opportunities (rated highly by BBC Wildlife Magazine). It also offers facilities like toilets and a cafe/shop. However, it's worth noting it's more rocky than sandy, and access can occasionally be restricted (e.g., for private weddings or maintenance).

Tunnels Beaches

What's special about Tunnels Beaches?

Tunnels Beaches is unique due to its access via four hand-carved tunnels created in the 1820s, a legacy of Victorian tourism. These tunnels lead to sheltered, rugged coves and a tidal bathing pool, originally segregated for ladies and gentlemen. It's steeped in history, offers insights into Victorian bathing etiquette, boasts excellent rock pooling, and is known for its dramatic coastal scenery. It was also famously the site of the UK's only confirmed Hammerhead Shark sighting in 1865.

Tunnels Beaches

Are there any hidden gem or secret beaches near Ilfracombe?

Yes, Ilfracombe is surrounded by several smaller, more secluded coves often considered hidden gems. These include Rapparee Cove (accessible from the harbour), Lee Bay (a short drive away, leading to Sandy Cove at low tide), White Pebble Beach, Watermouth Cove, and potentially Wild Pear Beach (near Combe Martin, known as a naturist beach). These often require a bit more effort to reach via coastal paths or steps but offer quieter spots away from the main crowds.

Wild Pear Beach

Which Ilfracombe beaches are best for rock pooling?

Tunnels Beaches is renowned for rock pooling and has been rated one of the best in the UK by BBC Wildlife Magazine due to the abundance and variety of accessible marine life at low tide. Hele Bay and Lee Bay also offer good rock pooling opportunities when the tide goes out. Remember to check tide times beforehand for the best experience.

Tunnels Beaches

How do Ilfracombe's beaches compare to Woolacombe or Croyde?

Ilfracombe's beaches are generally smaller coves, often rocky or pebbly, offering sheltered spots, history (like Tunnels), and excellent rock pooling. Woolacombe and Croyde, a short drive away, are famous for their large, expansive golden sandy beaches, ideal for traditional beach days, sandcastle building, and surfing (especially Croyde). Ilfracombe offers variety and character close to town amenities, while Woolacombe and Croyde offer classic sandy beach experiences.

How easy is it to get to the beaches from Ilfracombe town? What about parking?

Several beaches are within walking distance of Ilfracombe town centre, including Wildersmouth Beach (next to the Landmark Theatre), Tunnels Beaches, and Rapparee Cove (near the harbour). Hele Bay and Lee Bay are a short drive or bus ride away. Parking varies: there are several pay-and-display car parks in town serving the central beaches (e.g., near the theatre, harbour, Wilder Road). Hele Bay has a dedicated car park. Parking near Tunnels Beaches is limited (Bath Place car park opposite is small, other options are nearby roads or town car parks). Always check parking restrictions and charges.

What do I need to know about tides at Ilfracombe beaches?

North Devon has one of the highest tidal ranges in the world, which significantly impacts the beaches around Ilfracombe. Many coves can get cut off or disappear entirely at high tide, so it's crucial to check tide times before visiting, especially if exploring smaller coves like Lee Bay or Rapparee. Low tide reveals rock pools and larger sandy areas on many beaches, making it the best time for rock pooling and exploring.

Lee Bay Beaches