St Nicholas Chapel
Historic chapel and lighthouse offering stunning coastal views over Ilfracombe Harbour. A free, rewarding climb.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Chapel is open for visits
St Nicholas Chapel
Best Time
Chapel is open for visits
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic chapel and lighthouse offering stunning coastal views over Ilfracombe Harbour. A free, rewarding climb.
"Steep climb rewarded with stunning views from the old sailors chapel."
🚶♀️ Steep Climb Ahead!
Wear comfortable shoes for the uphill walk to the chapel. The views are worth it!
💖 Support a Good Cause
Donations are welcomed to help maintain this historic site.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Coastal Views
Top of Lantern Hill
Breathtaking vistas of Ilfracombe Harbour and the rugged North Devon coastline await.
Historic Sailor's Chapel
Inside St Nicholas Chapel
Explore the ancient granite chapel, a former place of worship and lighthouse keeper's home.
The Oldest Working Lighthouse
St Nicholas Chapel exterior
Witness the country's oldest working lighthouse, still shining after centuries.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Steep Climb, Stunning Rewards
A Glimpse into History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Steep Climb Ahead!
Wear comfortable shoes for the uphill walk to the chapel. The views are worth it!
💖 Support a Good Cause
Donations are welcomed to help maintain this historic site.
🗣️ Chat with Volunteers
Engage with the friendly volunteers for fascinating history and local stories.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning photo opportunities of the coast and harbour.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Steep Climb Ahead!
Wear comfortable shoes for the uphill walk to the chapel. The views are worth it!
💖 Support a Good Cause
Donations are welcomed to help maintain this historic site.
🗣️ Chat with Volunteers
Engage with the friendly volunteers for fascinating history and local stories.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning photo opportunities of the coast and harbour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St. Nicholas Chapel for its breathtaking panoramic views and rich history. The welcoming volunteers and the free entry are frequently highlighted as major positives, making it a highly recommended stop in Ilfracombe. Some note the steep climb, but agree the reward is well worth the effort.
"A great place to visit when you are at the harbour in Ilfracombe. It's a steep climb up but you are rewarded with stunning views from the old sailors chapel. The volunteer was also excellent and talked us through the fascinating history of the chapel. Free to visit."
Cymru Jon
"Great little chapel, the lady working inside is very welcoming has a lot of stories to tell. Great views of the area."
Raymond Lee
"Such a beautiful church x gave my donation gladly x gift shop.x lovely lady x a very peaceful place x the history on display fascinating x please visit x highly recommended"
Nicola Tranter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Nicholas Chapel is located at the top of Lantern Hill, overlooking Ilfracombe Harbour. The most direct way is to walk up the hill from the harbour. Be prepared for a steep climb.
There is parking available in Ilfracombe Harbour, and from there you can walk up to the chapel.
Ilfracombe is accessible by bus. From the town centre, you can walk to the harbour and then ascend Lantern Hill to reach the chapel.
The most scenic approach is walking up Lantern Hill from Ilfracombe Harbour. This offers increasingly impressive views as you ascend.
The path up Lantern Hill is steep and may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to St. Nicholas Chapel is free, though donations are gratefully accepted to support its upkeep.
St. Nicholas Chapel is typically open from Easter to October. It's best to check local listings or inquire upon arrival for specific daily hours.
No, booking tickets is not required as entry is free. Donations are appreciated.
There are no age restrictions for visiting St. Nicholas Chapel. It's a family-friendly historical site.
The chapel is generally open from Easter to October. Visiting outside these months may mean it's closed.
📸 📸 Photography
The top of Lantern Hill offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline and harbour, perfect for landscape photography. The chapel itself also makes for picturesque shots.
Photography is generally allowed inside St. Nicholas Chapel, but it's always respectful to be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage.
Golden hour, around sunrise or sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for photos of the chapel and the surrounding scenery.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone near the chapel or harbour.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views, while a standard zoom lens is versatile for details within the chapel.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic chapel, learn about its past as a place of worship and lighthouse keeper's home, and enjoy spectacular views of the coast and harbour.
Yes, there is a small gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and support the chapel.
Allow at least 30-60 minutes to explore the chapel, enjoy the views, and chat with volunteers.
Restroom facilities may be limited directly at the chapel. It's advisable to use facilities in Ilfracombe Harbour before ascending.
Dating back to 1321, it's one of the oldest working lighthouses in the country and has served as a place of worship and a home for lighthouse keepers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to look for boats in the harbour and imagine life as a lighthouse keeper. The small gift shop also offers a chance for a small souvenir. Remember to keep a close eye on children, especially near the cliff edges.
💰 Budget Travelers
The spectacular views alone are worth the visit, providing incredible photo opportunities without any admission fee. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy with the scenic backdrop, making it a cost-effective and memorable experience.
💖 Couples & Romantics
+1It's also a popular spot for surprise proposals, adding to its romantic allure. The peaceful atmosphere inside the chapel offers a quiet moment for reflection together.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enduring Beacon: St Nicholas Chapel's Lighthouse History
Visitors can learn about the lives of the lighthouse keepers who resided in the chapel with their families, often in challenging conditions. The stories shared by volunteers bring this history to life, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of maritime life. The simple, functional design of the lighthouse mechanism, still in place, is a fascinating piece of engineering history.
The continuous operation of the lighthouse underscores the dedication to maritime safety and the historical significance of St. Nicholas Chapel as a vital landmark on the coast. It's a powerful reminder of the connection between faith, community, and the sea.
Views That Inspire: Photography at St Nicholas Chapel
+1Inside the chapel, the historical architecture and artifacts provide unique photographic subjects. The intimate setting, combined with the stories of its past, can lead to evocative and meaningful shots. Many visitors find the combination of historical interiors and breathtaking exteriors a compelling photographic challenge.
Pro tip: Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the sweeping panoramas and a prime lens for detailed shots within the chapel. Early morning or late afternoon light often yields the most dramatic and atmospheric images.
A Community Hub: The Role of Volunteers and Visitors
Visitors, in turn, contribute to the chapel's preservation through their donations and by sharing their positive experiences. The reviews consistently highlight the friendly reception and the fascinating historical displays. This symbiotic relationship ensures that St. Nicholas Chapel remains a cherished local landmark and a welcoming destination for tourists.
The chapel's free entry policy, coupled with the option to donate, makes it an accessible attraction for all. This community-driven approach fosters a sense of shared ownership and pride in this historic site.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit