Walking:

Just because the Southwest Coastal Path stretches over 600 miles from Minehead to Poole, doesn’t mean you’ll never have the time or the means to walk it.

Many people choose to experience this wonderful trail in sections when time and life allow. If, like me, your wild camping days are over, but you are still on a budget, Ocean Backpackers Independent Hostel is the perfect base from which to explore some magnificent sections on the North Devon coast. Spanning an area of outstanding natural beauty which is home to Exmore National Park and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, incorporating some stunning views, flora and fauna, you will definitely not be disappointed.

The Southwest Coast Path is best walked between March and October. However, July and August are very busy with tourists so if dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant rainfall on the North Devon Coast are April and September. So, dig out those walking boots and book an April or September stay at Ocean Backpackers.

From Ocean Backpackers you can walk the path to Woolacombe or Croyde or the opposite direction to Coombe Martin, Valley of The Rocks or even Lynmouth. There are regular buses to and from both Woolacombe and Coombe Martin.

Cycling:

If your preferred method of transport is two wheels, then you’ll be interested to know that the National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 27, 99-mile Devon Coast to Coast route from Ilfracombe to Plymouth, combines the beaches and estuaries of North Devon with the lush green valleys of West Country rivers. Many sections are traffic-free and flat, making them ideal for families or less experienced cyclists.

Although Exmoor is hilly, it offers cycling for all abilities. From the challenging hills and descents, on- or off-road, to less energetic routes for those willing to do a bit of advance planning and map reading. We also offer secure and dry storage for up to 25 bikes at Ocean Backpackers.

Remember there’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes and we have a coat and boot drying room at Ocean Backpackers, so even if you do get caught out, you can start your next day dry!

Swimming & Surfing:

Situated in the picturesque Harbour area of Ilfracombe, Ocean Backpackers is only a 10-minute drive from the award-winning beach of Woolacombe, which has 3 miles of golden sand.  A short 10-minute drive will take you to Croyde which has a smaller beach and a chocolate box village and to Saunton Sands, which boasts 4 miles of golden sands and the largest sand dune system in the UK.  Saunton Sands is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. All these beaches offer surf hire & lessons and in Croyde you can go coasteering.

North Devon, and particularly Woolacombe have some of the finest surfing in the UK. Strong westerly swells from the Atlantic Ocean roll into our long, gently shelving sandy beaches. There’s no doubt about it: the best time to surf is autumn. Furthermore, the sea is at its warmest during early autumn, so it’s a win-win for all sea sports including open-water swimming.

At Ocean Backpackers we have a place to wash and dry your wetsuits and secure dry storage for your boards.

For swimming you don’t have to get in your car. From Ocean Backpackers it is about a 6-minute walk to Tunnels Beaches. These tunnels were hand-carved in the 1820s, leading to a sheltered bathing area, a tidal pool and a cafe/bar. Very popular with families there is a small fee to enter and some spectacular rock pools.

Also within walking distance from the hostel is Rapparee Cove, a local swimming spot.  Hele Bay is another great bathing spot.  Hele Bay Adventures offer Kayaking and SUP hire.

Broadsands Beach in Berrynarbor and Combe Martin also offer a more sheltered sea swimming experience and can be reached from Ilfracombe by foot or bus.

Lundy & Diving:

Our location makes us very convenient for all the boat trips, including the Oldenburg which goes to Lundy from Ilfracombe twice a week.
Lundy, meaning “Puffin Island” in old Norse, is called so,  after these enduring inhabitants.   Lundy is home to a host of other seabirds such as guillemots and razorbills. It’s also surrounded by some interesting sea life such as seals and porpoises, making it very popular with diving groups.

In fact, Lundy’s Marine Protected Area is one of the prime diving sites in the British Isles with spectacularly clear waters, a diversity of marine life and many wrecks to explore. To date, over 200 ships foundering on Lundy have been recorded, ten of which are recognised dive sites. Easy Divers and Wild Frontier Charters offer guided dives.

A 2-hour boat trip from Ilfracombe Harbour will take you to this 3 mile-long and 5 mile-wide island with sheer cliffs.  It is owned by the National Trust and managed by The Landmark Trust. Its cliffs make it popular with climbing groups too.

Sea Safaris & Fishing:

Ilfracombe Sea Safaris offer exhilarating safaris for up to 12 passengers in their Humber Ribs. These safe and stable boats enable you to get up close and personal with the North Devon wildlife. The Sea Swift is a bespoke built catamaran offering wildlife & coast cruises, fishing trips. Swim with seals and much more. Bluefin Charters also offer fishing trips and wildlife adventures.

And finally…….

Things to do on a rainy day in Ilfracombe:

Ilfracombe has a multiscreen cinema that shows live theatre performances as well as popular films. The cinema has a licence and offers plenty of snacks so you can really make an evening or afternoon of it on a rainy day.

Believe it or not, Ilfracombe also has an Aquarium that has local aquatic exhibits and is an award-winning local educational attraction. It is located in the old lifeboat house on the pier in the Harbour.

If you are looking for something a bit different, Ilfracombe has its very own museum located in a historic building next to the theatre. This museum houses some unusual finds, such as a shrunken head and a collection of pickled bats. First opened in August 1932 Ilfracombe Museum has eight rooms for you to explore, with almost 28,000 items in the collection including natural history, Victoriana, taxidermy, local history and much, much more. This is a great place to take young children on a rainy day.

Another interesting fact about this picturesque seaside town is that it has its own Chocolate Emporium that produces exquisite, award-winning handmade chocolates. It is both a shop and a museum. It also offers tutorials and workshops throughout the year so could prove another welcome distraction on a rainy day!

A little bit further afield is the  Dinosaur & Wildlife Park and another great activity for younger children. A family-run park set in a Combe Martin valley, it has over 28 acres of spectacular gardens as well as wolves, sea lions, African lions, primates, and penguins to name a but few.  The Park is known for its impressive life-size animatronic dinosaurs & gigantic dinosaurus playzone!

edit