Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
vealing sinew, fat and foetus. Critics say she detracts from the scenery, the artist says she
depicts truth and justice. Either way, she's drawing the crowds.
Tunnelsbeaches
( 01271-879882;
www.tunnelsbeaches.co.uk
; Bath Place; adult/child/family £2.50/1.95/8.50; 10am-5pm or
6pm Easter-Oct, to 7pm Jul & Aug)
A unique attraction: Victorian tidal swimming pools which
beautifully evoke Ilfracombe's heyday. Passageways hacked out of solid rock lead to part-
natural, part-man-made lidos and a strip of beach where you can still plunge into the sea.
Sepia photos depict the pools in the 19th century, conveying a world of woollen bathing
suits, segregated swimming and boating etiquette ('Gentlemen who cannot swim, should
never take ladies upon the water').
SWIMMING
SURFING
Nick Thorn Surf School
( 01271-871337;
www.nickthorn.com
; Woolacombe Beach; per half-/full day £30/55; 9am-5pm Apr-Sep)
Sta-
tioned at the best local surf beach, Woolacombe, which is 5 miles west of Ilfracombe.
Ilfracombe Princess
( 01271-879727;
www.ilfracombeprincess.co.uk
; The Pier; adult/child £12/6; one to four trips daily Easter-Oct)
Hop aboard this cute little yellow tub-boat for 1½ hour seal cruises along a dramatic
shore.
BOAT TOUR
Ilfracombe Aquarium
( 01271-864533;
www.ilfracombeaquarium.co.uk
; The Pier; adult/child £4.25/3.25; 10am-4.30pm, to 5.45pm
late-Jul & Aug)
This small but beautifully executed aquarium recreates aquatic environments
stretching from Exmoor to the Atlantic, via estuary, rock pool and harbour - hunt out the
fearsome lobster and graceful stingrays.
AQUARIUM
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
SHEPHERDING EXPERIENCE
For an authentic insight into the lives of those who live and work amid north Devon's extraordinarily craggy
scenery, sign up for one of these memorable two-hour
walks
( 01271-870056;
www.boroughfarm.co.uk
; Bor-
ough Farm, near Mortehoe; adult/child £10/5; 6pm Thurs Apr-Sep). Shepherd David Kennard and adorable
collie Fly steer you around the precipitous cliffs at Mortehoe, demonstrating the intricacies of safely herding their
sturdy sheep. The man-dog team-working is touching, the skill levels remarkable, and the scenery breathtaking.
Book.
