Discover the top things to do in Ilfracombe near Smytham Holiday Park, including family attractions, coastal walks, and sightseeing in North Devon.
The aquarium is an award winning, all weather, educational, family attraction. It is located on the pier inside the Old Lifeboat House and is surrounded by Ilfracombe’s historic harbour which is home to Damien Hirst’s Verity Sculpture and St Nicholas Chapel. It is home to up to 75 different species including fish, crabs and an octopus! There are quiz trails, animal encounters and feeding demonstrations. Well behaved dogs are allowed and the whole aquarium is wheelchair friendly. If you wish for a snack stop there is the pier café, which is reasonably priced and has a sun deck you can enjoy the views from or takeaway is available. Towards the exit of the aquarium there is the Funky Fish Gift Shop which has aquatic themed gifts and souvenirs.
Dating back to 1321 this chapel, perched on Lantern Hill overlooking the historic harbour is over 650 years old. It is believed to be the oldest working lighthouse in England and is still used to guide ships today. It is open to the public from Easter until the end of September and free to look around but they ask for donations, with proceeds going to local charity groups. The chapel is accessed by a steep sloping path, it is accessible by wheelchair but the ascent and descent can be strenuous.
stnicholaschapelilfracombe.co.uk
At 66 foot stands a stainless steel and bronze sculpture named Verity, created by world famous artist Damien Hirst. She stands on the pier at the entrance to the harbour looking out over the Bristol Channel. The sculpture depicts a pregnant woman holding a sword while carrying the scales of justice and standing on a pile of law books. Half of the sculpture shows the internal anatomy of the pregnant woman with the foetus clearly visible.
This is a family theme park and castle for all ages, with many attractions on site, mainly outdoor. Pan for gold in Gnome Land, play a 9-hole round of crazy golf or relax on the river boat ride. Take a walk into the Dungeon Labyrinths where you will find the hall of mirrors, smugglers dungeon and vintage arcade machines. Dating back to 1825, built by the Bassets, a historical family recorded in the Domesday book, this castle has many historical artifacts and antiques. 60% of the park Is wheelchair accessible as there are some steep inclines. Well behaved dogs are welcome but are restricted from certain areas. There are picnic areas if you wish to bring your own food. Otherwise, there is the Merry Go Land café (outdoor seating only) and the Courtyard Café which both offer a variety of food and drink to eat in or takeaway.
At this beautiful park there are many varieties of animals! Meerkats, wolves, lions, wallaby, zebras and more, all with daily talks. Sit back and watch the sea lion presentation everyday at 2pm where they perform tricks. Around the park, hidden in bushes, cages or not hidden at all you will find many animatronic dinosaurs that move and roar but are harmless fun. Visit the dinosaur museum full of real and replica fossils. Take a ride around the park on the dino express train, visit the Tomb of the Pharaohs, walk through the Critter Cavern or stroll through the botanical gardens. Inside along with the gift shop full of dinosaur and wildlife themed gifts, you will find a dinosaur playzone for children, with a designated zone for under 2’s. There are picnic areas and a Jungle Hut Café which offers a variety of food and drink.
Also known as the big yellow boat, this boat offers 3 different types of trips ranging from 1 hour to 2 hours. Being Ilfracombe’s largest passenger vessel, it has an open deck with seating, inside seating, toilet facilities and has cold drinks available. Well behaved dogs are welcome on the lower deck. You can expect to see seals, porpoises and dolphins as well as other beautiful wildlife and scenery, leaving every day from the harbour at 11:30. The big yellow boat offers an evening drinks cruise with all tickets including a complimentary alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink whilst listening to feel good music and taking in the scenery.
The Landmark Theatre is North Devon’s newest arts and entertainment complex. It was built to replace The Pavilion Theatre which was partly destroyed by a fire in the 1980’s. Capable of seating 480 people, the theatre also has cinema screening facilities. The Rendezvous café offers tasty meals, prepared fresh by the chef. The café is open for morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea for everyone not just those watching a show so why not enjoy a break on the sunny terrace facing the Bristol Channel. All areas of the Landmark are accessible with the Café, Pavilion and foyer being on one level and access to stalls without steps.
Open since 1932 the museum contains a lot of historical artifacts including a variety of natural specimens, maritime models, technology through the ages, local tokens of nostalgia, and objects from Asia, South America and Africa. Children can have a go at a quiz, send morse code or try their hand at brass rubbing. Browse through the great value gift shop. The museum is a perfect all weather attraction and can be easily accessed by wheelchair.
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Photo credit: Visit Devon
