Ocean Backpackers is situated very close to Ilfracombe's picturesque harbour and Damien Hirsts' statue of Verity.
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.
Very close to the picturesque Ilfracombe Harbour, this cosy, cool, clean and friendly hostel offers fantastic facilities for groups, families and sole travellers.There is storage and a drying room for wetsuits bikes & boards. Plenty of books, games & USB ports. A well equipped self-catering kitchen and a spacious living room with free WiFi. A real home from home. Close to restaurants & bars.
Ocean Backpackers is situated very close to Ilfracombe's picturesque harbour and Damien Hirsts' statue of Verity.
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.
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.
Are you a group of Twitchers, Tree Huggers, Rock lickers, Geographomaniacs, Ramblers or Surfers looking for private hire?
October 2nd 2024
The North Devon coast is an area of significant geographical interest for several reasons including its unique landscapes, geological formations, biodiversity, and cultural history. Ocean Backpackers offers 37 beds spread over 11 rooms and is ideally located in the picturesque harbour town of Ilfracombe. Convenient for all the eateries, boats to Lundy, and the southwest coast path that runs through the town, we also have a well-equipped self-catering kitchen and great communal space.
Reasons to visit North Devon…….
1. UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
• The North Devon Biosphere Reserve is one of the UK’s first biosphere reserves designated by UNESCO. It is recognized for its blend of natural habitats and human interaction, promoting sustainable development alongside conservation. The area includes both coastal and inland environments, showcasing a diverse range of ecosystems.
2. Dramatic Coastal Landscapes
• The North Devon coastline features some of the most dramatic and rugged coastal scenery in England. Cliffs, headlands, coves, and expansive sandy beaches create a varied landscape. Sites like Hartland Point, Baggy Point, and Morte Point are examples of how the coastline shifts between towering cliffs and sweeping bays.
3. Geological Significance
• The area’s geology is a key point of interest. The coastline is primarily composed of Devonian rocks, named after Devon, itself, dating back over 400 million years. The Hartland Quay area is particularly famous for its folded rock strata, providing insights into Earth’s tectonic history.
• The cliffs along the coast exhibit complex rock formations, including fossil-rich limestone, slate, and sandstone, allowing geologists to study ancient marine environments.
4. Cliffs and Coastal Erosion
• North Devon’s high cliffs, especially around Clovelly and Lynton, are subject to significant coastal erosion. This dynamic process continues to shape the coastline, providing ongoing research opportunities in geomorphology and environmental sciences.
5. Biodiversity
• The coastline is home to an array of wildlife, both terrestrial and marine. Lundy Island, located off the coast of North Devon, is a key marine conservation zone. The island and surrounding waters are a sanctuary for marine life, including seals, dolphins, puffins, and seabirds.
• The coastal areas also have important habitats like salt marshes, dunes, and heathlands, supporting rare plant and animal species. The Braunton Burrows sand dune system is one of the largest in the UK and is recognized for its rare flora and fauna.
6. Historical and Cultural Heritage
• The North Devon coast has a rich cultural history. Towns like Ilfracombe and Clovelly have centuries-old fishing and maritime traditions. Clovelly, with its cobbled streets and car-free policy, preserves the look of an ancient fishing village, making it a popular cultural and historical destination.
• There are also remnants of Bronze Age barrows, Iron Age hillforts, and medieval settlements along the coast, adding archaeological significance to the area.
7. Outdoor Activities and Tourism
• The natural geography of the North Devon coast makes it an ideal location for outdoor activities like surfing, coasteering, hiking, and wildlife watching. Beaches such as Woolacombe, Croyde, and Saunton Sands are famous for their surf, while the Southwest Coast Path offers extensive hiking trails that provide stunning coastal views.
8. Environmental Protection and Conservation
• Due to its ecological importance, many areas along the coast are protected under various conservation designations, such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) now known as National Landscapes. These protections ensure that the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region are preserved.
The North Devon coast is of geographical interest because of its diverse geology, spectacular landscapes, rich biodiversity, historical significance, and ongoing environmental conservation efforts. Its blend of natural beauty and scientific importance makes it a key area for study and tourism alike and great choice for both educational and sporting trips.
Latest News
School & University Residentials at Ocean Backpackers, North Devon!
August 19th 2024
Ilfracombe is the ideal location for a school residential. and Ocean Backpackers, close to Ilfracombe Harbour, can be booked for exclusive use any time of year! It has 38 beds spread across dorms and leaders rooms. A local caterer can provide quality value evening meals and packed lunches and we can introduce you to activity providers. Perfect for Geography, Geology, Biology and Marine Biology field trips.
Ocean Backpackers is the perfect base for a Geography, Geology, Biology, Marine Biology or Environmental Studies field trips, with the Braunton Burrows Unesco Biosphere site and Exmoor National on our door step we are located in the Harbour area and a 2 minute walk from the boat that goes to Lundy, a marine conservation zone.
For rocky shores visit Lee Bay-ideal for rock pool exploration. If it’s an end-of-term Outdoor Adventure you are after, then Ilfracombe has fantastic qualified instructors in the local area that can arrange activities such as kayaking and coasteering. Alternatively, visit Woolacombe or Croyde beach for some surf lessons with a local surf school. How better to award students for all their hard work than a few days at the beach?
School groups, universities and colleges regularly base their school trips to North Devon at Ocean Backpackers, returning year after year for some fun-filled adventures! We can can also provide details of a local caterer/hotelier who can provide evening meals and packed lunches. Please see our website for more details facilities we offer and contact us for prices!
A combination of the wallet-friendly, super comfortable accommodation at Ocean Backpackers and the fantastic choice of activities for all ages in and around Ilfracombe make for the perfect mini-break or holiday.