There’s no question that Ilfracombe is a beautiful state, home to stunning beaches and coastal towns. If you’re looking for the perfect beach to relax on this summer, you’ll want to check out our list of the top 12 best beaches in Ilfracombe. Based on ratings and reviews from various sources, these beaches offer something for everyone, from swimming and sunbathing to fishing and kayaking. So pack your sunscreen and head on down to one of these amazing seaside havens!
Best Beach in Ilfracombe
Ilfracombe Harbour Devon
- Address: 10A The Quay, Ilfracombe EX34 9EQ, United Kingdom
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (7972)
- Phone: +44 1271 862108
- Website: Link
5 Replies to The 12 Best Beaches in Ilfracombe
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Top 12 Most Beautiful Beaches in Ilfracombe
Tunnels Beaches
- Address: Bath Pl, Ilfracombe EX34 8AN, United Kingdom
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (1358)
- Phone: +44 1271 879882
- Website: Link
- Reviews:
Amazing location that mustn’t be missed if you enjoy wild swimming! £3 entry is worth the experience. Changing and toilets available. Small coffee/gift shop. Check tide times for the best time to go. Highly recommendedBy Martin Gallaher (3 months ago)Been to the tunnels beaches a few times and it never disappoints. The water is lovely and there are places to explore around the rocks. Even when it’s busy we have always managed to find somewhere nice to sit and relax.By Chris Humphries (3 months ago)This hidden gem built in the 1820’s .. is a series of three tunnels that lead to an 8’ ft sea swimming pool. A £3 entrance fee gets you in for the day. It closes at 6PM so go early and spend the day. A beautiful natural pool looks amazing surrounded by the cliffsBy Graham Short (4 months ago)Really cool & unique location…. we swam here in the main pool and explored the cliffs/beaches. Some cool history and unlike anywhere we’d been before. The rock pool is a bit rocky (duh) and slippery from seaweed so i’d recommend swim shoes, although you’d get away without… theres a. cafe/souvenir shop on site and for £3pp it’s not to be missed on a trip to Ilfracombe!By Thomas James Badger (4 months ago)Our wedding venue of dreams!
From the moment we saw Tunnels we knew it was the perfect balance of sophistication and laid back chilled vibes we wanted for our special day. The venue alone won us over with its jaw dropping views but once we started interacting with the staff in preparation (particularly Catherine who would respond within the hour to all my questions in the lead up and Naomi who made us feel so at ease when we visited the venue and she was an absolute dream to have with us on the day as well) it just cemented the fact that this was the venue for us.
Thank you Tunnels!By Harriet Gibney (3 months ago)
Beach Cove Coastal Retreat
- Address: Hele Bay, Ilfracombe EX34 9QZ, United Kingdom
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (326)
- Phone: +44 1271 863006
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PMTuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PMWednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PMThursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PMFriday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PMSaturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PMSunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Reviews:
Great Location, the Lodges are very well appointed and have all you need for your holiday. The service from everyone on site is superb they deal with any mishaps in the lodge as soon as possible. The views from the site of the sea, beach and surrounding hills are stunning and a fabulous sunset on a sunny day.By Jeff Walton (5 months ago)Short midweek break. Compact but had what you needed. Would be rather cramped for a longer stay. There are larger cabins though, some with hot tubs, ours was probably the smallest and you get what you pay for.By Dave Matthewman (a month ago)We absolutely love this place, we have been twice now. The place is spotless and the beach huts although quite small have everything you need for a decent stay.
The wifi both times was poor though there was a phone signal.
Just before our second visit, we had a call to say our hut wasn’t going to be available, as we had booked a larger , there was an issue with some subsidence. Hoseasons (who we booked with) tried to charge us extra to downgrade. (£500 extra) After some calls and stress, we eventually got downgraded at no cost.
We won’t be returning again. I left a review on another site, and Beach Cove got in touch, but nothing became of the conversation. Hoseasons are ultimately the looser, as I won’t trust them with my money. Hoseasons literally just want as much profit as they can strangle from you.
It’s a shame, as we really love the place.
The hot tub is also a must have.By Jason Peacock (3 months ago)Beautiful seaside stay! Views from the lodge were stunning, close to the beach, clear and well kept grounds.By Luke Williams (3 weeks ago)Beautiful place. The accommodation is very well kept and the beach below is lovely.By Iain Bateman (4 months ago)
Broadsands Beach
- Address: Broadsands Beach, Nr Napps Caravan Site, Old Coast Road, Berrynarbor, Ilfracombe EX34 9SW, United Kingdom
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (258)
- Opening hours:
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
- Reviews:
Really beautiful spot. Perfect sheltered bay for a swim. Water was gorgeous. There is nothing here, so bring what you need. Lovely rare natural unspoilt cove.
Access is via about 200 very steep steps down/up. Also need to be mindful of tide, as at high tide the steps and beach may become cut off.
We were staying at Watermouth Valley campsite and were able to walk up to meet the main footpath from there.
By Nichola Hill (4 months ago)Amazing little beach to come to if you are fit enough to go down by using steep 246 steps and go up again.Great place to take dogs too. They will love it!
There are some caves to explore there too!
Make sure to wear very comfortable shoes.
Very picturesque place, so if you like fotography you can take great shots there.
There are no toilets or cafe there, so make sure to bring some packed lunch with you.
Be aware of the adders too!
Also, remember to check tide times!
By Irina Springate (8 months ago)Very pretty beach!
It is a bit of a treck down to it (lots of steep steps) but worth it in the end.
It was surprisingly busy when we went but it was Easter weekend.
Something to consider if you are visiting is to check the tide. If the tide is in there really isn’t much beach to explore so best to plan to go when the tide is out.By Rose Scott (8 months ago)Steps are very steep, so beware if struggling on steep and long hills. Quite a shaded area so the sea does stay pretty chilly.
However, views are amazing and worth the trip down.By Jack Boswell (3 months ago)A fabulous hidden cove.It’s a stony beach, but very flat shingle which is easy to walk on. Quite small, but plenty of places to explore, and the sea doesn’t get deep quickly, so good for young children as well as adults.
It’s dog friendly, so there were plenty of dogs on the beach and in the sea, as well as paddle boarders and jet skis, although there was enough space for all.
You need to be reasonably fit to get down to the beach and more importantly back up the cliff which is a real thigh burner, but not difficult as there are good steps.
By Thomas Coombs (a year ago)
Lee Beach
- Address: Ilfracombe EX34 8LR, United Kingdom
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (189)
- Opening hours:
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
- Reviews:
Amazing little beach hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the tourists, some fun little roads getting in there and free car park very small but worth a visit as paddle boarding around the bays over the rocks is amazingBy Sean Newman (4 months ago)OK. It was a lovely day. But boy did I have a good day. Gorgeous little place. Then did a Gorgeous little walk up to the light house. Every dip down is followed by a rise and u turn around and see an even better view. Cut in land and came back via some lovely footpaths. There’s a tea shop/ gallery in the village and a van doing coffees out of it on the front. But not alot else. And better for it! U want ice creams. Go to combe martin. Go Lee Bay cus it’s damn beautifulBy James Bill (4 months ago)Wow ,The drive down to the ( beach )is a little daring, parking a little bit little but the walk from the carpark to the shale beach is quite an adventure via costal path cut through the sea cliff If the tide is out (check tide times )good luck on the drive back ,,,,,By Andrew Pollard-Vearnals (3 months ago)Quiet and relaxing beach an hour’s walk from Ilfracombe the coastline. It’s mostly rocky with some sand.
There is parking nearby but we prefer to walk along the coastal path and stop there for a picnic.By Antony Socrates (a year ago)An interesting small cove with lots of rock pools to investigate, a small free car park and a map board suggesting walks around the area.By Linda Haylock (8 months ago)
Rockham Beach
- Address: Rockham Beach, Mortehoe, Woolacombe EX34 7EG, United Kingdom
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (113)
Ilfracombe Beach.
- Address: Ilfracombe Beach., Ilfracombe EX34 8AS, United Kingdom
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (108)
Lee Bay Beaches
- Address: Lee Bay Beaches, United Kingdom
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (57)
Hele Beach
- Address: Hele Beach, Ilfracombe, United Kingdom
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (52)
Wildersmouth Beach
- Address: Wildersmouth Beach, United Kingdom
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (38)
Tunnels Beaches
- Address: Tunnels Beaches, United Kingdom
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (37)
Sandy Cove
- Address: S W Coast Path, Woolacombe, Ilfracombe EX34 8LR, United Kingdom
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (33)
Rapparee Cove
- Address: Rapparee Cove, Ilfracombe, United Kingdom
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (14)
That’s it for our list of the best beaches in Ilfracombe! If you have any arguments or additional information, please leave a comment. We love to hear from our readers. And don’t forget to check out some of the other posts on our blog for more travel inspiration. Happy beachcombing!
Fantastic harbour with all the souvenir shops, fish and chip shops, and pubs you would expect at the seaside. There’s lots of seating which is good for watching the boats, and at low tide, a small beach appears which is ideal for dogs and kids to have a play. There’s plenty of parking available but be warned that the roads are very narrow around the harbour.
Revisiting lovely Ilfracombe for the first time in a while. Quite a while in fact as Verity Statue was being built on last visit I think!?! Lovely scenic harbour with tiny Chapel lighthouse on hill. Lots of shops galleries eateries and ice creams around harbour.
Just STUNNING.
I swear I forgot I was in the UK. With everything from Damians Hursts Statue called Verity the fantastic views and the blue green water, this is one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited to date.
Definitely coming back here ASAP
So pretty. Parking was cheep. There was lovely shops and food places. We spent time watching the rnli doing a practice which was very cool. Verity a Damien Hurst statue stands proudly looking over the harbour.
The tides make this harbour so different. Low tide and the harbour is a bed of muddy sand. High tide and the boats which were sitting on the mud now float happily. The locals and tourists fish off the outward harbour wall. The boat to Lundy sails from here. Lots of day tripper boats, whether it’s fishing or seeing the rocks and seals, all are catered for here. A lovely place to sit and take in the scenery and the atmosphere.