Ilfracombe and North Devon

Attractions and Places to Eat and Drink.

Looking for the best places to eat during your stay at The Elmfield? We’ve personally sampled these superb restaurants, cafés, and takeaways (all in the name of research, of course!). From fine dining to family-friendly favourites, here are our top picks:

Fine Dining & Special Occasion Restaurants

• The Antidote, Ilfracombe – Michelin Bib Gourmand award-winner, a stylish wine bar with superb food.
• Kentisbury Grange (Coach House Restaurant) – Elegant dining for special occasions at surprisingly reasonable prices.
• Levain, Ilfracombe – Modern European cuisine and an exciting new addition to the high street.
• Maiden Arch by Robert Bryant, Barnstaple – Gourmet British cuisine, ideal for very special occasions.
• New Coast Kitchen – Seasonal menus with a focus on fresh flavours and top-quality ingredients.
• Noel Corston, Woolacombe – Exclusive fine dining (advance booking essential).
• Roku, Croyde – The latest fine dining hotspot in the area.
• 71, Ilfracombe – Tasty, modern European dishes at great value.

International Cuisine

• The Empress – A favourite for authentic Chinese food.
• Giovanni & Luca's – Large, family-run Italian restaurant near the seafront.
• Siam Bistro – Excellent Thai food, just 15 minutes by car.
• Spice Lounge, Ilfracombe – Highly rated Indian restaurant and takeaway, featured in Britain’s Top 100 Curry Guide.
• Tandoori Nights, Ilfracombe – Our favourite local Indian dining spot.
• SQ, Braunton – Elegant restaurant with a superb bar and traditional flavours.

Seafood & Local Favourites

• The Dolphin, Ilfracombe – The best fish and chips with harbour views. Eat in or takeaway, great Gluten Free options.
• Squires , Braunton – Legendary fish and chip restaurant, a favourite of Damien Hirst and John Major.

Cafés & Casual Dining

• Blue Groove - Great Bistro menu situated in the surf town of Croyde.
• The Lime Kiln Cafe, Ilfracombe Harbour – Great breakfasts, evening meals, and harbour views.
• The Porthole, Woolacombe – Fantastic sea views with fresh sandwiches, salads, and cakes.
• Slice of Devon, Ilfracombe Quay – Freshly made takeaway pizza, because you can never have enough pizza!
• Waterside Coffee house, Barnstaple (Tarka Trail) – A hidden gem with lovely views, perfect for a walking stop.
• Chocolate Emporium , Ilfracombe – Bespoke handmade chocolates, a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Explore the vibrant art scene in Ilfracombe and North Devon:

• Magenta Fine Art Gallery
• The Pier Gallery
• Echo Beach Gallery

Plan your visit around these exciting annual events in and around Ilfracombe:

North Devon Show – A showcase of rural life, food, and entertainment.

Ilfracombe Art Trail – Celebrating local artists across town.

Sea ilfracombe Festival – Family-friendly food and maritime fun.

Ilfracombe Street Food Festival – Street food and live entertainment.

Round Lundy Yacht Race – A thrilling sailing event off the North Devon coast.

Outdoor Adventure & Sports

• Coasteering with H2Outdoor & Nick Thorne – Experience cliff jumps, sea swims, and traversing around the North Devon coast.
• Sea Kayaking at Lundy – A must-do adventure exploring Lundy Island’s dramatic coastline.
• Ilfracombe Watersports Hub – Home to the Gig Club, sailing, and kayaking.
• Ilfracombe Sea Safari – Fast-paced boat trips combining fun, wildlife, and coastal views.
• Ilfracombe Princess – Scenic coastal cruises for the whole family.
• Keypitts Stables and Quads - This is where we learned to ride horses, they have lessons and rides for all levels.
• Kittiwake Charters – Friendly local guides offering seal swimming and dolphin-watching trips.
• South West Shooting School – Try your hand at clay pigeon shooting.
• Survival Combat Games – An energetic full-day adventure about 35 minutes away.
• North Devon Wake Park – Wakeboarding lessons and fun on a stunning lake setting.
• Rock and Rapid Climbing Wall – Indoor climbing for beginners and enthusiasts.

Active & Fitness

• Air Xtreme Trampoline Park – Bounce and burn energy indoors.
• Tarka Leisure Centre – Modern facilities with pools, sports, and fitness.
• Gyms – Studio 20 Gym (Ilfracombe) and Physique Factory Gym (Mullacott).
• Ilfracombe Tennis Club – Located in Bicclescombe Park.
• North Devon Bike Hire – Perfect for exploring the Tarka Trail.
• Tarka Trail Bike Hire – Family-friendly, mainly flat cycling route.
• Race Mode – Motorsport simulator, great for F1 fans.

Golf & Alternative Golf

• Coombes Golf Park – Try foot golf, disc golf, and a brand-new Toptracer range.
• Portmore Golf Park – Fantastic facilities with a Toptracer range and traditional golf.
• Golf in North Devon – The area is renowned for its superb courses.

Wildlife & Nature

• Exmoor National Park Walks – Free GPS trails for some of the UK’s best hiking.
• Torrs Walk to Lee – Beautiful cliff-top and coastal routes starting right from our door.
• Blakewell Fish Farm – Feed the fish, buy smoked trout, and explore local produce.
• Exmoor Zoo – A fantastic collection of animals for all ages.
• Ilfracombe Aquarium – Packed with displays and info on local sea life.
• North Devon Fishing – A guide to local fishing opportunities.
• Watermouth Castle & Family Theme Park – A fun-filled day out with rides and history.

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

• Ilfracombe Embassy Cinema – Watch the latest blockbusters.
• Woolacombe Neo Cinema – Stylish seaside cinema experience.
• Dragon Records – Treasure trove of vinyl, books, and comics on Ilfracombe High Street.
• Witch & Wardrobe – Retro and festival clothing store on the High Street.

Relaxation & Wellness

• Kin Wellness Centre – Acupuncture, massage, counselling, nutrition, and more with expert therapists.
• Secret Sauna – A mobile wood-fired barrel sauna at scenic local spots.

North Devon is home to some of the UK’s most breathtaking landscapes, from golden sandy beaches to dramatic moorland and unique nature reserves. Here are some must-see destinations near Ilfracombe and Woolacombe:

Beaches & Coastal Spots

• Tunnels Beaches, Ilfracombe – A family favourite, especially with younger children.
• Woolacombe Beach – Award-winning golden sands and a popular choice for beach days.
• Croyde – North Devon’s best surf beach, perfect for beginners and pros alike.

Countryside & National Parks

• Exmoor National Park – Famous for its wild ponies, rolling hills, and stunning scenery. Ideal for hiking, cycling, and wildlife watching.

Islands & Day Trips

• Lundy Island – A must-do day trip by boat from Ilfracombe Harbour, offering rugged beauty, seabirds, seals, and historic sites.

Gardens & Nature Reserves

• RHS Garden Rosemoor – Nestled in a Devon valley, this garden blends formal and informal plantings to magical effect.
• North Devon’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – Explore and learn about this internationally recognised landscape of coast, estuary, and countryside.

North Devon is one of the UK’s top surfing destinations, with beaches that cater to complete beginners, keen intermediates, and seasoned professionals. Whether you’re chasing your first wave or looking for world-class surf, you’ll find the perfect spot nearby.

Top Surf Beaches

• Woolacombe – Award-winning golden sands and consistent waves.
• Combesgate – A quieter option next to Woolacombe, great for intermediate surfers.
• Croyde – Famous for powerful waves and surf competitions — ideal for confident surfers.
• Saunton Sands – Long, gentle waves, perfect for beginners and longboarders.
• Putsborough – Sheltered from southwesterly winds, a reliable surf spot.
• Westward Ho! – A long beach with great conditions for all levels.

Learn to Surf

• Nick Thorn Surf School (Putsborough)
• Run by a Level 4 Master Surf Coach.
• Lessons available for beginners through to advanced surfers.
• Fun and safe sessions for ages 6–80.
• Also offers:
• Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
• Coasteering
• Junior Lifeguard training
• Lifeguard certification courses

Surf Forecasts & Conditions

• Magic Seaweed Woolacombe Website – Check live surf reports, swell charts, and tide times before you hit the waves.

Looking for fun things to do with kids (and big kids!) during your stay in Ilfracombe? North Devon is packed with family attractions, from thrilling rides to quirky theme parks.

• Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park – An action-packed day out with exotic animals, life-sized dinosaurs, and adventure play areas. Perfect for families who love both wildlife and prehistoric fun!
• The Milky Way Adventure Park – A fantastic family theme park with exciting rides, indoor play areas, and plenty of space to run around. Great for all ages.
• The Big Sheep – The UK’s only theme park dedicated to sheep! Expect hilarious live shows, farm fun, rides, and activities that kids (and adults) will love.

From live theatre and music to fascinating museums and world-famous attractions, North Devon offers plenty for culture lovers. Here are some highlights near The Elmfield:

Local Theatres & Arts

• Landmark Theatre (Ilfracombe) – Our local theatre, just a short walk away, hosting plays, comedy, live music, and more.
• Queen’s Theatre (Barnstaple) – A vibrant venue in the heart of Barnstaple offering a full programme of drama, musicals, concerts, and touring West End productions.
• Pleasuredome Theatre Company (Valley of the Rocks, Lynton) – Unique open-air theatre set against dramatic coastal scenery.
• Plough Arts Centre (Torrington) – A hub for music, cinema, drama, and community arts events.

Museums & Local History

• Ilfracombe Museum – Bringing local history to life with fascinating collections and exhibitions.

Day Trips for Culture Lovers

• Minack Theatre (Cornwall) – World-famous cliffside open-air theatre with breathtaking views over the sea.
• Eden Project (Cornwall) – Iconic biomes showcasing global plant life, sustainability projects, and regular art and music events.

The Elmfield is the perfect venue for wedding accommodation in Ilfracombe, North Devon. By hiring the whole house, you and your guests enjoy exclusive use of the property, giving you complete flexibility and freedom to celebrate your special day your way.

Whether you’d like full self-catering or help with planning, we’re here to support you. We can recommend trusted local suppliers or simply give you the space to create your dream wedding experience.

Why Choose The Elmfield for Your Wedding Stay?

Exclusive use of the entire house for you and your guests

• Eight beautifully styled ensuite bedrooms, sleeping up to 21 people
• Complete flexibility in catering and event planning
• Perfect location close to Ilfracombe’s stunning coastline and wedding venues
• Recommended Wedding Suppliers

We’ve worked with many talented local suppliers who have helped make our couples’ days unforgettable:

Florists

Dejeuny Flowers – Jane Fulton’s stunning floral designs are a favourite with our brides.

Sweet William Flowers, Ilfracombe – Beautiful arrangements with a local touch.

Photographers

Indigo Perspective (Jon Malyn) – The photographer behind many of our own website images.

Twisty Focus (Mike Atkinson, Barnstaple) – Creative wedding photography capturing natural moments.

Local Wedding Venue Highlight

Tunnels Beaches, Ilfracombe – A unique and unforgettable coastal wedding venue, often featured on TV. This spectacular location truly has to be seen to be believed.

Whether you’re after the perfect flat white, a traditional Devon cream tea, or a slice of something indulgent, North Devon has a fantastic choice of cafés and tearooms. Here are some of our favourites:

Ilfracombe Cafés & Tearooms

• Adele’s Café – Serving breakfasts, lunches, cakes, and cream teas to eat in or takeaway. Dog-friendly.
• Annie and the Flint – Wonderful coffee and especially good for gluten-free (and non-gluten-free) treats.
• Dolly’s Café – A seafront favourite offering superb cream teas with a view.
• 51 Degrees North – A fresh addition to town with fantastic coffee, takeaway options, fresh-baked bread, and an exciting menu.
• Johnny C’s Bistro & Diner – High street café known for great coffee and hearty food.
• Stacc – High-end cakes, patisserie, and coffee made with fresh local ingredients. Eat in, takeaway, or place special orders.

Unique Tea Rooms & Experiences

• Hele Cornmill & Tearoom (Hele) – A working water mill and museum, award-winning cream teas, and bags of character.
• Storm in a Teacup (Watermouth Harbour) – A quirky café set in a boat, serving sandwiches, cakes, and classic cuppas in a beautiful harbour setting.

Coffee with a View

• The Porthole (Woolacombe) – A beachside National Trust café with stunning sea views and fabulous food.
• The Quay Wine Bar (Ilfracombe Harbour) – Perfect spot for coffee, cakes, or wine and nibbles while soaking up harbour views.

North Devon is full of characterful pubs, family-friendly bars, and great spots for food and drink. Here’s our guide to the best places near The Elmfield:

Pubs & Bars with Sea Views

Admiral Collingwood (Wetherspoons), Ilfracombe – Award-winning design with a spectacular sea-view terrace, excellent value, and family-friendly dining.

Bar Electric, Woolacombe – Independent café, bar, and restaurant with fantastic views of Woolacombe’s beaches. Relaxed atmosphere with funky décor, great music, and surf films on loop.

The Barn, Woolacombe – Surf-inspired bar with superb sea views and a simple, crowd-pleasing menu.

Traditional Village & Gastro Pubs

The Depot - Mullacott Cross, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, Tacos, Burgers and wonerful wood fired Pizzas

The Rock Inn, Georgeham – Superb gastro pub just 15 minutes’ drive from Ilfracombe.

The Kings Arms, Georgeham – Revived community favourite serving quality food, drinks, and warm hospitality at the heart of the village.

The Pyne Arms, East Down – A cosy country pub, highly recommended for its Sunday roasts.

The Thatched Inn, Ilfracombe – A charming local pub serving great food and Sunday dinners, with a lovely summer garden and terrace.

Ilfracombe Town Pubs

The Crown Duels Bar-Cade - Battle bar with air hockey, video games, Darts, pool and multiple screens showing sport.

George and Dragon, Fore Street – Traditional pub with hearty pub food and a popular Tuesday quiz night.

The St. George – Excellent value, showing live football on TV and offering pool tables.

The Ship and Pilot – Lively local pub with a wide selection of beers, including gluten-free and low-alcohol options.

Scenic Countryside Walk Pubs

The Grampus, Lee Bay – A cliff-top walk from The Elmfield leads to this unique pub, known for live music and open mic nights.

Hunters Inn, Exmoor National Park – A must-visit after a walk through the stunning Exmoor countryside, serving a hearty pub menu.

We have some wonderful caterers in town who can handle parties of any size and who have great feedback from previous guests.

Seadog - North Devon produce with a world flavour. Wedding, Event and Bespoke dining in Devon and beyond

Tommy g - With over 15 years experience in the catering trade, Tommy G's Catering & Events offers bespoke menu design for all Weddings, parties, functions & Events.

Bar Supplies

GT Ales - Superb ales either by the bottle or in the barrel, delivered to your very own bar

Take Away Delivery

Lyn Bay Fish and Chips, 01271866850

Slice of Devon, 01271862348

Tandoori Nights, 01271866453

Groceries

Asda Offer Delieveries

Bassetts Butchers 01271863643

Combe Martin Farm Shop - Fabulous local meats and produce

The Dinki Deli - A Deli specialising in amazing local North Devon produce

Ivan Clarke Butchers (Delivery) 01271866151

Lidl Ilfracombe

S & P Fish 07533168343

Sainsburys Offer Deliveries

Tesco Ilfracombe Offer Deliveries

Pampering

Saunton Sands Source Spa a truly stunning setting for a superb spa experience.

• A Taste of the West – A brilliant website for foodie adventurers, showcasing award-winning local producers, restaurants, and food festivals across the South West.
• Food Magazine – Your go-to source for the latest foodie news, restaurant reviews, and culinary events in Devon and beyond.
• Sharpham Wines & Cheese – Producers of outstanding English wines and artisanal cheeses, made on the banks of the River Dart in South Devon.