Ocean Backpackers
Ocean Backpackers, 29 St James Place, Ilfracombe, Devon, EX34 9BJ
Call Alex on 07775 501878 or 01271 867835
Self catering, group accommodation in Ilfracombe
This cool, clean and friendly hostel offers excellent facilities for groups, families and solo travellers. The hostel welcomes guests on a budget who enjoy the social aspect of a Backpackers and have a love of the great outdoors!
There is storage for bikes, boards and Kayaks on request, plenty of books and games and USB ports. A well equipped communal, self-catering kitchen and a spacious living room with plenty of seating and free WiFi, which makes it a real home form home.
Ideal for walkers, cyclists, surfers, divers as well as families, schools and activity groups. Other facilities include a boot and coat drying room and a place to wash and hang wetsuits.
Nestled in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Ilfracombe has many shops, galleries, pubs and restaurants and is the start of the Route 27 Coast to Coast ride to Plymouth. The South West Coast Path runs through Ilfracombe and provides wonderful walks with stunning scenery that will take your breath away!
It is just a short drive to the sandy surf beaches of Woolacombe and Croyde and the spectacular Exmoor National Park.
Dog friendly rooms available on request depending on the season. The whole hostel can be hired for exclusive use but you would need to contact the hostel direct to arrange that.
This cool, clean and friendly hostel offers excellent facilities for groups, families and solo travellers. The hostel welcomes guests on a budget who enjoy the social aspect of a Backpackers and have a love of the great outdoors!
There is storage for bikes, boards and Kayaks on request, plenty of books and games and USB ports. A well equipped communal, self-catering kitchen and a spacious living room with plenty of seating and free WiFi, which makes it a real home form home.
Ideal for walkers, cyclists, surfers, divers as well as families, schools and activity groups. Other facilities include a boot and coat drying room and a place to wash and hang wetsuits.
Nestled in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Ilfracombe has many shops, galleries, pubs and restaurants and is the start of the Route 27 Coast to Coast ride to Plymouth. The South West Coast Path runs through Ilfracombe and provides wonderful walks with stunning scenery that will take your breath away!
It is just a short drive to the sandy surf beaches of Woolacombe and Croyde and the spectacular Exmoor National Park.
Dog friendly rooms available on request depending on the season. The whole hostel can be hired for exclusive use but you would need to contact the hostel direct to arrange that.
This accommodation is featured on our map of Devon, Cornwall and the West Country and here is its own website.
Details
Beds & Rooms:
38: mix of dorms / family roomsOpen:
All year (exclusive hire only from Nov-Easter inclusive). Check in 4pm to 7pm.Price per night:
Dorms from £25pp. Double/twin rooms from £66 a room for bookings made via our website. Contact by email/phone for group bookings.Booking:
For bookings that fall between April & October please book via our website. Group bookings (8+) cannot be made online. Please e-mail via our website contact page or telephone directly for these.Directions:
Ocean Backpackers is on St James Place (a one way street which leads down to the Harbour.) For more detailed directions go to the website and click on directions.Public Transport :
Direct coaches from London Victoria / Heathrow / Plymouth / Exeter. By train take the Tarka line to Barnstaple from Exeter then bus to Ilfracombe.Walks :
Long Distance Walks South West Coast Path Hostels on the Tarka Trail
University Groups Family Friendly National Landscape North Devon Coast National Landscape By the Sea Close to a Pub Mini Breaks with Activities Individuals welcome Urban Hostels School Groups Accommodation for Cyclists IHUK Community Biker Friendly Hostels near to dive sites Valantines Day Dartmoor & Exmoor
Facilities
Map
News & Offers from Ocean Backpackers
Feel-good getaways for groups on a budget.
April 13th 2025
Treat yourself to a great value break. Ocean Backpackers have teamed up with Solonda Studios to offer feel-good getaways for groups on a budget. From £95pp for two nights accommodation and two hours of rstroative movement. With the flexibility to dine out or cook for yourselves in our fabulously equipped hostel kitchen. In addition to this, we can offer you loads of discounts on other optional activities or creative pursuits, to add to your package
So, skip the expensive retreat. Head to Ilfracombe, gather your people, book a stay at Ocean Backpackers Independent self-catering hostel, and do wellbeing your way—with joy, movement, real food, and maybe even a cheeky glass of wine.
We are offering a choice of 3, two-night packages including self-catering accommodation and 2 hours of Pilates, stretching & mediation, and/or yoga, line dancing or a surf lesson. Also available are great discounts on additional sporting and creative activities to enhance your trip, so there is something for everyone.

Spend Easter exploring the natural landscapes of the North Devon coast!
February 24th 2025
Ocean Backpackers in Ilfracombe, Devon is a quality hostel suitable for solo traveler’s, couples, families and groups of all ages. With lovely communal spaces and a really well equipped self-catering Kitchen, At Ocean Backpackers we believe that affordable accommodation can still be quality accommodation and we promote the idea of meeting new people, sharing stories and having a good time.
After a long winter it can often feel like you’d be lucky to see the sun again. But fortunately spring is just right around the corner. Ocean Backpackers provides a quality hostel experience right in the harbour area of Ilfracombe. Dorms and private rooms are available for any type of traveler, whether you’re backpacking or just off for a weekend away. There’s plenty to see and do in Ilfracombe, and the surrounding area. The town itself is home to Damian Hirsts’ statue of Verity and has its own burgeoning arts scene, with 8 galleries. It is also home to Tunnels beaches, and an amazing victorian tidal pool. If walking is your thing, the South West Coastal Path runs through Ilfracombe and the walks in both directions to stunning. The Hostel is also the perfect place to start (or finish) the Coast to Coast cycle route to/from Plymouth. It’s also a short drive to 3 outstanding surf beaches, Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton sands. North Devon is a designated world surf reserve. With Exmoor National Park also on the doorstep, we really do have something for everyone. Why not try something a bit different this Spring and stay with us.

Latest Blog about Ocean Backpackers
Wellbeing Without the Woo-Woo : Why You Don’t Need a Pricey Retreat to Feel Good
April 16th 2025
Let’s talk about wellness retreats. You know the ones—set in picture-perfect locations, priced like a small car, and offering a week of detox juices, organic cotton tote bags, and absolutely no wine. There’s nothing bad about taking time for yourself. But somewhere along the way, wellbeing became a luxury brand, whereas the truth is, you don’t need to spend a fortune just to feel good.
Read More

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