Wildersmouth
The main beach at Ilfracombe is more correctly called Wildersmouth Beach. It lies in the centre of Ilfracombe, directly seaward of the Landmark Theatre on the North Devon coast.
It consists of rock and coarse grey sand and is dominated by the brooding mass of the Capstone Rock. It is one of the most easily accessible beaches in North Devon and has all the usual facilities and amenities available in the adjacent town.
There is however no lifeguard cover. The beach sign states that bathers should be aware of rip currents and also that the use of inflatables is banned. Rescue equipment is located above the back of the beach.
Northwest-facing, the beach is rarely crowded as the large golden sand beaches of Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton Sands lie just a short drive away. There are excellent walks for hikers and ramblers along the South West Coast Path, west to Bull Point and Morte Point or east to Hele, Watermouth and Combe Martin.
The Damien Hirst statue 'Verity' lies nearby and is worth a look. Opinion about the 66ft tall statue continues to divide opinion, three years after its unveiling.
Facilities
✔ Sandy beach
✔ Easily accessible
✔ Cafe, shop or pub
✔ Dogs permitted
✔ Tourist information
✔ Interesting geology
✔ Parking
✔ Rescue equipment
✔ Toilets
✔ Telephone
OS Explorer Map OL9: Exmoor
This map is part of the Ordnance Survey's Explorer series designed to replace the old Pathfinder map series. At 1:25,000 scale this detailed map shows a host of attractions including gardens which are open to the public, nature reserves and country parks as well as all official footpaths, bridleways, roads and lanes. Other facilities covered include: camping and caravan sites, picnic areas and viewpoints, selected places of interest, rights of way information for England and Wales, National Trail and Recreational Path routes, and selected tourist information. The series is aimed mainly at the experienced map user but can be used by tourists and locals alike.
Local area
Holiday Parks
Stay at a nearby Holiday Park and keep the kids amused all day! Parks in the vicinity include those at:
Hotels
Plenty of hotels are available locally. Consider those in the local towns:
Caravans
In the vicinity is a choice of camping and caravan sites offering high quality, affordable holiday accommodation. Consider camps in Combe Martin, Mortehoe, Ilfracombe and Braunton.
