Ilfracombe (England)

Ilfracombe is a port town and seaside resort in North Devon (England UK), with population around 11,000. Ferries link Ilfracombe to Bristol since 1823. The town is popular as a leisure travel destination since 1873, when was inaugurated a wooden promenade pier allowing ferries and pleasure boats to dock here at all tides. The first large passenger ship (the steamer PS Waverley) visited Ilfracombe in 1887, starting a regular service on Bristol Channel. The old wooden pier was replaced with a new structure (made of reinforced concrete), redeveloped (enlarged car parking are) and inaugurated in 1952.

Currently, a seasonal passenger ferry links Ilfracombe with Lundy Island (Bristol Channel). Cruise ships (including Balmoral and Waverley) offer itineraries leaving out of Ilfracombe, with crossings to Porthcawl (south Wales).

Ilfracombe Harbour's main landmark is Hillsborough Hill (nature reserve and coastal area). Other popular tourist attractions are Holy Trinity (13th century church), St Nicholas's Chapel (lighthouse on Lantern Hill), ancient streets, hill terraces and mansions, Landmark Theatre, 17th century lighthouse (at Lantern Hill, still operational), various sporting and leisure activities (rugby, golf, cricket, football, green bowling, yachting, fishing, table tennis, cycling, running, swimming).