Ilfracombe Harbour
A charming North Devon coastal town with a picturesque working harbour, pastel houses, and the iconic Verity statue.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Ilfracombe Harbour
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming North Devon coastal town with a picturesque working harbour, pastel houses, and the iconic Verity statue.
"A beautiful picturesque holiday town with a nice little harbour and very clear sea's."
🚗 Parking Tips
Arrive early, especially in summer. Parking machines take cards, and it's reasonably priced for the location.
🚤 Book Boat Trips Ahead
Popular boat trips, especially sea safaris, can book up quickly. Pre-booking is recommended.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ilfracombe Harbour
The heart of the town
A picturesque working harbour with pastel houses, fishing boats, and a lively atmosphere. Perfect for strolls and soaking in coastal vibes.
Verity Statue
Pier end
Damien Hirst's iconic sculpture, a giant bronze mermaid, offers a striking modern contrast to the historic harbour.
Lantern Hill & Chapel
Overlooking the harbour
A historic 14th-century chapel offering panoramic views of the harbour and coastline. A peaceful spot for reflection.
Boat Trips & Sea Safaris
Harbour departures
Explore the stunning North Devon coast from the water, with options for wildlife spotting and thrilling sea safaris.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Ilfracombe Harbour
Embrace the Coastal Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Tips
Arrive early, especially in summer. Parking machines take cards, and it's reasonably priced for the location.
🚤 Book Boat Trips Ahead
Popular boat trips, especially sea safaris, can book up quickly. Pre-booking is recommended.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Harbour
Wander through pastel-colored houses and discover coastal walking paths for stunning views.
🐟 Fresh Seafood Delights
Seek out restaurants offering fresh seafood; many are located around the harbour.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tips
Arrive early, especially in summer. Parking machines take cards, and it's reasonably priced for the location.
🚤 Book Boat Trips Ahead
Popular boat trips, especially sea safaris, can book up quickly. Pre-booking is recommended.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Harbour
Wander through pastel-colored houses and discover coastal walking paths for stunning views.
🐟 Fresh Seafood Delights
Seek out restaurants offering fresh seafood; many are located around the harbour.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls
Ilfracombe Harbour is a great spot for dog walks, with plenty of scenic routes. +1
📸 Capture the Verity Statue
Don't miss Damien Hirst's striking Verity statue at the end of the pier for unique photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Ilfracombe Harbour for its picturesque beauty, friendly atmosphere, and vibrant community feel. The clear seas, charming harbour, and array of food options are frequently highlighted as positives. While generally well-received, the harbour can become very busy during peak times, leading to parking challenges.
"Not a place I was bothered about visiting.... how wrong could I be? A beautiful picturesque holiday town. Nice little harbour and very clear sea's. Grab yourself a nice little boat trip while your there. Went on a lovely 2hr coastal trip on the yellow catamaran boat. Plenty of food places to eat. Call in and see the life boat while you're there. Very friendly staff and crewmen, had a laugh and nice chat with them. Don't forget to pop some money in their box... all in a good cause."
David Craig
"Absolutely stunning!! Everyone, both locals and tourist, were ever so friendly. There was a wonderful community feel! Lots to explore, wonderful food and glorious weather."
Ria Walker
"Lovely area to visit, shops for souvenirs, food and drinks and boat trips, gets very busy so although lots of parking, arrive in plenty of time to find it wait for a space. Car parking machine takes cards and reasonable considering the location. Lovely and quaint area to visit"
May Vickers
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ilfracombe Harbour is accessible by car, with parking available nearby. The nearest train station is Barnstaple, from which you can take a bus service to Ilfracombe.
Yes, there are several parking areas around Ilfracombe Harbour. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season, as it can get busy. Parking machines accept card payments.
If you are staying in Ilfracombe, walking to the harbour is very feasible and a pleasant way to explore the town.
Regular bus services connect Ilfracombe to surrounding towns and cities. From Barnstaple train station, you can catch a bus directly to Ilfracombe.
The harbour area is generally flat and accessible, though some of the surrounding coastal paths may be more challenging.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ilfracombe Harbour itself is a public area and does not require an entry ticket. However, specific attractions or boat trips departing from the harbour will have their own ticketing requirements. +1
The harbour is always accessible. Shops, restaurants, and attractions around the harbour will have their own operating hours, which can vary seasonally.
The Verity statue is located on the pier and is free to view. There are no entrance fees to see the sculpture itself.
Prices for boat trips vary depending on the duration and type of trip. It's best to check directly with the boat tour operators for current pricing. +1
Visiting the RNLI lifeboat station is generally free, but donations are highly appreciated to support their vital work.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy strolls along the harbour, take boat trips, visit the Verity statue, explore the historic chapel on Lantern Hill, and dine at local eateries.
Yes, there are numerous restaurants and cafes around the harbour offering a range of options, including fresh seafood. +1
While some visitors enjoy fishing, it's primarily a working harbour. For dedicated fishing trips, consider booking a charter. +1
Yes, families can enjoy boat trips, ice cream, and exploring the harbour. The clear sea is also a draw for visitors.
The harbour itself, the Verity statue, Lantern Hill, and the pastel-colored houses offer excellent photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset. 
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light for capturing the harbour's charm.
Popular subjects include the working harbour, fishing boats, pastel-colored houses, the Verity statue, and coastal views.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the harbour master before flying a drone.
A versatile lens for landscapes and details, and a wide-angle lens for capturing the harbour's expanse would be beneficial.
Climbing Lantern Hill or exploring the coastal paths above the harbour provides excellent vantage points for panoramic shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
🎣 Anglers and Fishermen
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Ilfracombe Harbour by Sea
+2These excursions often take you along the dramatic cliffs, past hidden coves, and sometimes even to nearby islands like Lundy Island, known for its birdlife. The yellow catamaran boat is a popular choice for a more relaxed coastal tour, providing a comfortable way to enjoy the scenery and learn about the local area from the crew.
Beyond organized trips, the harbour is home to fishing boats and pleasure craft. You might witness the Oldenburg departing for Lundy Island, a significant vessel for local tourism and transport.
A Taste of Ilfracombe: Dining and Local Flavors
It's advisable to book ahead for popular restaurants to avoid long waits. For those seeking a more refined dining experience, the harbour area boasts restaurants that serve freshly caught seafood, reflecting the town's connection to the sea. Reddit users often seek recommendations for places with excellent seafood, highlighting this as a key attraction.
The 11 the Quay wine bar is noted for its local gin and cocktails, adding a sophisticated option for evening drinks with a view of the harbour.
Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Ilfracombe Harbour provides a satisfying gastronomic experience, with many places offering lovely views to complement your food. Capturing Ilfracombe's Charm: Photography Guide
Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times, casting a warm glow over the water and boats, offering stunning opportunities for landscape photography. +1A key photographic subject is Damien Hirst's Verity statue, a colossal bronze mermaid that stands proudly at the end of the pier. Its modern form provides a striking contrast to the historic harbour, making for compelling and unique shots.
For elevated perspectives, a climb up Lantern Hill to the 14th-century chapel offers breathtaking panoramic views of the entire harbour, the town, and the expansive coastline. Don't forget to capture the bustling activity of the harbour itself – the fishing boats, the seagulls, and the people enjoying the seaside atmosphere. Drone photography can offer spectacular aerial views, showcasing the harbour's layout and its integration with the surrounding cliffs, though it's essential to be aware of and adhere to any local regulations regarding drone usage.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit