Article in The Times, on 21st August 2009.  Do have a look and see this up to date review of Ilfracombe.  The writer stayed at our apartment for a week in July, whilst researching & writing this piece.  I particularly like his opening lines......

Looking through the tall windows of a swish Georgian holiday apartment in Ilfracombe, I’m getting a good sense of the town’s appeal. To one side, a towering green-cloaked headland guards the far side of a little rocky bay overlooked by a 13th-century chapel. In the middle, a sheltered harbour full of yachts is framed by a busy quayside. To the west, past an impressive church steeple, a park rises above a line of cafés and restaurants to another headland. The Bristol Channel provides a sweeping blue backdrop.

Follow this link to see the complete article in The Times written by Norman Miller.

Eating out in Ilfracombe:

We have listed some of our favourite places, but have to confess that there are many more that we have yet to visit.  If you are staying for a week, you could eat out every day at Ilfracombe, and still not have sampled all of the lovely bistros that are on offer. 

Bistros within easy walking distance from Ashmour:

11 The Quay - Tel. 01271 868090   www.11thequay.com     Limited Opening         Known locally & nationally as Damien Hirst's restaurant.  There is a ground floor bar and 2 upper dining rooms, the Harbour Room & the Atlantic Room, both of which have lovely views.  Sunday lunches are very good value.

Settantanova Pizzeria - Tel. 01271 865982                            Open all year           Authentic home cooked italian pizza & pasta cooked by Omar, the chef & owner.   A family run business, which is situated in the High Street.  They are open from early evening for leisurely dining and takeaway pizzas.

A good traditional restaurant in Mortehoe is:

Rockleigh - Tel. 01271 870704

Traditional food cooked with care to a high standard, with lots of flavour.  Brilliant selection of fresh vegetables & great desserts.                        Seasonal opening

On Exmoor:

If walking in the area of Hunters Inn, you may like to stop here for refreshments.  There is also a National Trust shop (seasonal opening), car parking & a rather bleak toilet block.  We enjoyed a Sunday roast at The Hunters Inn on 1st March 2009 & would certainly go there again. 

Tel. 01598 763230                                                                          Open all year 

Local Farm Foods:

Being very keen on really fresh fruit & vegetables, as well as locally sourced meat & fish, I have located a farm box scheme which is available throughout most of North Devon.  It is run from a base in Ilfracombe, and they are very willing to deliver any orders to our guests at Ashmour.  Some of the food is organic, but not all, however, all is locally produced, and of high quality.

Tel. 01271 869191

Flowers Delivered:

Having had flowers from the various florists in Ilfracombe ourselves, we wholeheartedly recommend Goodenough Florists located at 123 High Street.  The shop is well worth a visit, as the flowers are really fresh, and last so much longer than we are used to flowers lasting!  They also specialize in Orchids, and can advise you on how to keep them flowering.  They are happy to arrange flowers & deliver them to you, and can extend this to champagne if you phone them before your holiday to organize it.

Tel. 01271 879749

Art Galleries featuring national & local artists:

Driftwood Gallery - 10 The Quay, Ilfracombe  Tel. 01271 862590

Fantastic selection of contemporary art, featuring local & national artists using a range of mediums.  Original art works & limited editions are available to purchase, as well as beautiful glassware and some fantastic jewelry.

Theatres:

There is a lot going on in North Devon, and not just during June.  The Landmark Theatre at Ilfracombe has a busy line-up, including the Folk Festival in September.  Details of the planned events for Ilfracombe & the rest of North Devon can be found on the North Devon Theatres website.  

The Landmark Theatre  Tel. 01271 324242

This is a huge annual event, with lots to choose from on a daily basis all through June, at a host of venues throughout North Devon.  There are concerts, exhibitions, sports, geology events, beach activities and even a dry stone walling class!  Have a look at the website or pick up a festival guide at the Tourist Information Office.  With over 200 events there really is something for everyone.

The best B & B in Ilfracombe - Westwood, at Torrs Park - Tel. 01271 867443.  We have stayed there many times whilst sampling the area, and have never been disappointed.  The owner, Helen, will make you very welcome.  Westwood is a boutique B & B and has had rave reviews in the national press. 

Surf Report:

Use this link to get up to date surf reports for Woolacombe, Putsborough, Saunton & Croyde.

Weather Report:

You can get a comprehensive weather report to cover your journey & a 5 day forecast for the Ilfracombe area.

Route Planner:

Route planning done for you, from wherever you are, to Ashmour - www.rac.co.uk

Providing information on beaches in North Devon, including water quality, facilities, parking, litter, dogs & life saving facilities.  You can also look at the tide times -  www.goodbeachguide.co.uk

This link allows you to view golfing facilities relating to a postcode search.  You can also check & book available time slots, and arrange hire of equipment  - www.golflinks.co.uk 

Chough:

Having seen a Chough on 16th June 2009 on Braunton Burrows, I have been finding out a bit more about them.  Use this link to see the original photo from BBC Wales website, which I have copied.  I am in the process of actively seeking permission to use this from the original photographer, via the BBC.

The RSPB are keen to hear of any sightings, so I have also linked the RSPB website.

LINKS - All of the links have been provided to assist you in the anticipation, planning & enjoyment of your holiday.  We are not responsible for the content of any of the websites listed.  They have been provided in good faith.