Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
NORTH DEVON
Intensely rugged and in places utterly remote, north Devon has a coast to inspire. Drastic-
ally concertinaed cliffs frame atmospheric fishing villages while long sandy beaches stretch
out alongside. It offers a smorgasbord of delights, from surfing lessons at cool Croyde to
Damien Hirst's artistry in Ilfracombe. Here, swimming experiences range from snorkelling
safaris to Victorian-style bathing while sleep spots encompass safari-style tents and vintage
Romany caravans. Then there's Braunton's immense sand dunes, impossibly pretty Clov-
elly, Hartland's phenomenal rock formations, and (sitting on the horizon 10 miles out to
sea) Lundy Island - a truly get-away-from-it-all escape.
The twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth fall within Devon, but are also in Exmoor
National Park; for clarity we cover them in that section.
Information
Visit North Devon
(
www.northdevon.com
)
TOP OF CHAPTER
Ilfracombe
POP 19,150
Ilfracombe's geology is startling. Precipitous headlands plunge down to pint-sized beaches;
waterfront walkways cling to the sides of sheer cliffs. It seems at first a classic, well-worn
Victorian watering hole. Steep streets slope to a historic harbour lined by touristy shops;
formal gardens and ropes of twinkling lights line the prom. But the resort also has a snazzi-
er side, as evidenced by a string of smart eateries and places to sleep, a surprising Damien
Hirst connection and an utterly unusual heritage swim spot.
Sights & Activities
LANDMARK
Verity
(The Pier)
Pregnant, naked and holding aloft a huge spear, Verity, Damien Hirst's 20m statue,
towers above Ilfracombe's harbour mouth. On the seaward side her skin is peeled back, re-
