The town stretches along the coast from 'The Coastguard Cottages' in Hele Bay toward the East and 6 km along The Torrs to Lee Bay toward the West. The resort is hilly and the highest point within the town boundary is at 'Hore Down Cross', 3 km inland and 270 m (860 ft) above sea level.

A seasonal foot passenger ferry service runs from the harbour to Lundy Island and The Balmoral, The Waverley and pleasure boats ply to Porthcawl near Swansea.

The award-winning Landmark Theatre, is either loved or hated for its unusual double-conical design; it is distinctive and, with the St Nicholas's chapel on Lantern Hill, an internationally recognised feature in the town. The natural landmark of Hillsborough Hill dominates the harbour and is the site of an Iron Age Celtic fortress.

Sports

Fitness facilities for the general population are somewhat lacking, there are for example, no gym facilities. However, the largely rural and hilly nature of the local terrain provide plenty of opportunities to exercise freely. A tennis club is held at Bicclescombe Park which contains several tennis courts, bookable for a small fee by both tourists and locals.

Ilfracombe Golf Club (located just beyond Hele Bay) was founded in 1892. There is also a yacht club, a flat green bowling club and a sub-aqua club. Other facilities include: a rugby ground, cricket pitch and swimming pool in the suburb of Chambercombe.

Despite the hilly terrain, Ilfracombe is at one end of the Trans-Devon cycle trail, Sustrans route 57, which starts from the Pier (clock-in station at the Pier tavern) and ends in Plymouth. There is another coastal trail suitable for cycling which starts at the pier and heads east to Minehead (defined as 'arduous').

The South West coastal footpath connecting Minehead in Somerset to Dorset, via Land's End, passes through the town from Hele Bay to Lee Bay via Ilfracombe Harbour.

Swimming

Fun Swims are everyday from 2pm to 3pm in the school holidays and on Bank Holidays. The Croyde Surf Life Saving Club comes here once a week for their training.

Aquazone Swimming Pool
The 33.33m main pool offers a full programme of activities throughout the week including Casual Public swimming, Adults only swimming, Aquazone Swimming Lessons for Adults as well as the children, Water Aerobics Classes and Fun Sessions for the kids. It can also be booked for special events such as galas.

Children under 3 must wear suitable Aquanappies (available from the Centre) or similar. Children under the age of 4 need to be accompanied by an adult (over 16), on a one to one basis. Children under the age of 8 need to be accompanied by an adult (over 16), on a two to one basis.

Sauna
Our 6 berth sauna is situated on the poolside and you can purchase a sauna/swim ticket or you can just have a sauna on its own.

Hillsborough Road
Ilfracombe North Devon EX34 9QG
Tel:01271 864480 Fax:01271 866357