lfracombe offers several options for wild swimming, a unique one is Larkstone Cove. Best at high tide this is open for swimming, with a buoyed area protecting it from the working harbor. Close by on the harbour is the cool, clean and friendly Ocean Backpackers Hostel. With excellent facilities for groups, families and solo travellers, the hostel welcomes guests on a budget who enjoy a chat with like minded souls and have a love of the great outdoors!
Ilfracombe, on the rugged North Devon coast, is a hidden gem for wild swimming enthusiasts. With its sheltered coves, dramatic cliffs, and fresh sea air, the town offers fantastic opportunities to dive into the wild blue.
Tucked between Rapparee and the working harbour, Larkstone Cove is the jewel of Ilfracombe’s open-water scene. With buoy-marked swimming zones that keep you safe from fishing vessels and commercial traffic, it’s ideal for dips any time the tide allows. The Ilfracombe Watersports Hub, located right on the cove, supports activities like open-water coaching, SUP, and kayaking.
Just a short walk from Larkstone, Raperee cove is a charming pebble-and-rock cove sits beneath Hillsborough cliff. It can disappear on high tides, so timing is everything—but when it’s accessible, the calm waters and historic setting make it perfect for a peaceful swim
At the outskirts of Ilfracombe, Hele Bay is accessible via a beachside café and car park. A mix of sand, rock, and tidal pools, the bay offers sheltered sea swimming, a calm spot for snorkeling, and a pleasant view to match.
A short hike from the town leads you to White Pebble beach a secluded stony cove framed by quartz beaches. Be prepared for a decent walk back up, but once there, your reward is peaceful wild swimming and dramatic coastal views
If you are new to open water of simply wish to improve your stoke, confidence or knowledge Coastal Swim Coaching is Ilfracombe’s premier open-water swim coaching outfit. Led by Terri and Allie—both STA Level 2 open-water coaches with beach lifeguard training—they design sessions that build confidence in the water while emphasizing safety and skilled
Ilfracombe delivers a rich wild swimming experience with its sheltered coves, coaching expertise, and vibrant water-focused community. Whether you’re seeking a guided dip or training for long-distance swims, coastal coaching here will help you grow both confidence and skill—against a backdrop of North Devon’s stunning coastline.
