Campsites near Ilfracombe

·

This quaint harbour town on the North Devon coast is a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its dramatic coastline, remote surrounds, and excellent location within reach of some of the best surf in the UK and Exmoor National Park. Try surfing, get up close with England’s famous moorland ponies, or soak up the sights deep in the Devonshire countryside, with varied accommodation options suited to all manner of Hipcampers. From tent pitches beside beaches to luxury pods in national parks, here are our top picks for your Ilfracombe adventure.

You might be the type of camper who is happy to kick back on the campsite and make the most of campsite life while it lasts: soaking up the sun (fingers crossed), cooking on the campfire or barbecue, letting the kids run wild and enjoying the idyllic scenery of North Devon’s coast and countryside. But there’s also plenty of things to do in Ilfracombe and the surroundings during a holiday in the area. In the town of Ilfracombe itself you can watch the boats coming in and out of the harbour under the watchful eye of Verity, an enormous and controversial sculpture of a pregnant woman by Damian Hirst. Stay on dry land to explore harbour heritage on the Fish Trail, hop aboard a boat for a trip to see the wildlife at Lundy Island or find out about underwater life at the Ilfracombe Aquarium.

The Ilfracombe Museum reveals the history of the town and has an eclectic mix of curiosities from around the world too and no visit to Ilfracombe would be complete without visiting Tunnels Beaches and the Victorian tidal pool. For surfing, sandcastles and family swimming in shallow waters, head for Woolacombe Sands, Saunton Beach or Croyde—all under 10 miles away. Family-friendly attractions in the near area include Watermouth Castle, the Big Sheep Farm Park and Coombe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park.

95% (1.4K) 1,652 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Ilfracombe

LEE MEADOW FARM CAMPING

1. LEE MEADOW FARM CAMPING

95%
(11)
2.7km from Ilfracombe · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Traditional camping with lovely farm shop and take away Bike hire Zip wire camping shop Camp fires allowed bell tent glamping stays available cycle trail at the end of the lane situated just off the South West Coast Path 5 min drive from award winning Woolacombe Beach set in the beautiful countryside with some amazing views some of the sea electric hookup available grass pitches free hot showers washing up facilities family bathroom plenty of room for everyone to have a lovely time
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£35
 / night
Cheglinch Farm Glamping

2. Cheglinch Farm Glamping

100%
(26)
2.9km from Ilfracombe · 3 units
Small-scale, eco-friendly glamping on a working Devon farm, and the West Country coast nearby
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from 
£115
 / night
Cheglinch Camping (Wild Camping)

3. Cheglinch Camping (Wild Camping)

100%
(20)
3.2km from Ilfracombe · 27 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Unspoiled countryside camping on the outskirts of a working Devon farm, offering far-reaching views and a relaxed atmosphere
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£16
 / night
Poole Farm

4. Poole Farm

100%
(17)
4.1km from Ilfracombe · 2 units
Pods on a farm overlooking Woolacombe Bay in Devon
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£89
 / night
Under the Milky Way

5. Under the Milky Way

100%
(20)
7.4km from Ilfracombe · 4 units
A charming glamping getaway on the North Devon Heritage Coast near some of the finest beaches in the south-west.
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£127
 / night
Girt Down Camping

6. Girt Down Camping

99%
(79)
8.7km from Ilfracombe · 23 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Set the edge of Exmoor, we have unrivalled coastal views, direct access to the South West Coast Path and Combe Martin bay is just a little walk away (perfect for paddle-boarding and dolphin spotting!). Choose your pitch, settle down by a fire pit and watch the sun set across Combe Martin bay. With pizza’s available on some weekends, breakfast baguettes for breakfast and a selection of farm produce available - we have everything you could need, we are campervan friendly too. With footpaths from the farm in all directions you can join the South West Coast Path or just ramble down to the village where there are shops, cafes and pubs a plenty. With full flushing toilets and hot showers, as well as a washing up area, there is even an old railway carriage with electric plugs to charge your phone or dry your hair, with a fridge and freezer to look after your supper too. We are a small site focusing on that quiet get-away. There is no road noise, just the farmer going about his day job, who’s more than happy to chat about the wildlife, birds and weather!
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£24
 / night
Fairlinch Camping

7. Fairlinch Camping

96%
(74)
9.8km from Ilfracombe · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Keep your eyes on the sky; buzzards, kestrels, peregrine, falcons and barn owls are all common visitors
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£14
 / night
Secret Spot Camping Saunton

8. Secret Spot Camping Saunton

99%
(140)
10km from Ilfracombe · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Finding this exclusive Devon spot is like making it on to the best VIP guest list in town
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Porte Meadows

9. Porte Meadows

90%
(10)
12km from Ilfracombe · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Set on a contractor farm is Porte Meadows. Just on the edge of Exmoor National Park, 10 miles from Woolacombe beach and 12 miles to the busy town of Barnstaple. We are back to basics off grid but with proper toilets and showers, filtered drinking water and waste points. Caravans, campers and tents welcome and there is a pub within walking distance ( just across the road). Easy to find, no narrow lanes. Storage available.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night
South Dean Camping

10. South Dean Camping

98%
(307)
13km from Ilfracombe · 70 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Clifftop camping with epic sea views, right next to Exmoor National Park.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£35
 / night
Westland Farm

11. Westland Farm

100%
(140)
15km from Ilfracombe · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Camping and glamping on a working farm, with yurts, huts with hot tubs, and simple, spacious, sociable camping pitches
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£13
 / night
Berry's Ground Lane Campsite

12. Berry's Ground Lane Campsite

100%
(18)
16km from Ilfracombe · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Wake up to sea air, wide open skies and the sound of nature at this peaceful, wild-style campsite on the North Devon coast. Set on an organic working farm, each spacious field has no more than six pitches, giving you plenty of room to relax, explore and enjoy the incredible coastal views. Campfires are very much part of the experience. We provide raised firepits to borrow, with logs available to buy on site, making evenings perfect for stargazing, sharing stories and unwinding together around the fire. The campsite is located just outside the small hamlet of Martinhoe, with direct access to the South West Coast Path for spectacular coastal walks straight from your pitch. A historic Roman beacon sits nearby, and the surrounding farmland is rich in wildlife — deer are often spotted in neighbouring fields, alongside birds of prey and songbirds. Facilities are simple and low-impact, with a compost toilet and a water point provided. There is no electricity, no showers and no Wi-Fi — a delightfully off-grid setting designed for those who value peace, space and time outdoors. Spacious, calm and family-friendly, this is an ideal place to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy a truly rural coastal escape.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£24
 / night
Livit, Glamping by the coast

13. Livit, Glamping by the coast

98%
(48)
23km from Ilfracombe · 9 units
Adventure-filled glamping with sea views to savour
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£55
 / night
Milkmaid Meadow Campsite

14. Milkmaid Meadow Campsite

100%
(18)
23km from Ilfracombe · 30 units · Tents, Motorhomes
An open, green, back-to-basics space with homely local produce for sale
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£9
 / night
Higher Waytown Farm Camping

15. Higher Waytown Farm Camping

100%
(11)
27km from Ilfracombe · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
**Now closed except for walkers and 4x4s due to access. Contact directly with Qs and before making a booking - thanks!** Nestled on the hilltops near Bucks Mills and Clovelly, 10-15min walk by footpath from the SW coast path, our 13 acre smallholding-in-progress offers rustic nearly-wild camping in our wildflower meadows. Share your space with hares, deer, foxes, owls, songbirds, field voles, bees and butterflies. The views from the fields are a well kept local secret - from your tent or van look out over Hartland, Lundy island, Saunton, Croyde, Exmoor and Dartmoor, even Pembrokeshire on a clear day! FACILITIES: In keeping with our low impact approach, the fields are just fields, but with the addition of some picnic benches! A flushing toilet, drinking water, hot shower, charging and WiFi are found by the farmhouse. BBQs and fires permitted off the ground and we have fire pits for loan and logs for sale. Please pack out all rubbish and leave NO trace. Dogs welcome under close control - please avoid meadow centres in summer to protect the nesting skylarks and ensure they do NOT chase the wildlife. ACCESS: Easily accessible by 4WD, and 2WD in summer/when dry. Be aware it's a grassy uphill track, if your vehicle is not great off-road... (but everyone so far has been fine!) The views are worth the walk though! Campervans have backup options lower down near the house. THE SITE: Nature spot, relax and stargaze across our 4 fields. We recently planted 800 trees for a new woodland, created a wildlife pond, and are establishing a traditional cider orchard. Rose looks after our vegetable garden and usually has some native breed piglets. Our apiary is managed by Jon who will happily explain about bees... and sell you a jar of honey for breakfast. Note - the area is agricultural with very occasional farm noise and odour. We are pleased to be a South West Coast Path Waymaker, and welcome walkers. We also welcome anyone enjoying the Atlantic Highway or South West 660. We like classics and have spanners! Flexible arrival/departure. If we are not around just choose a spot and we'll find you later. We are both keen adventurers and happy to provide tips on things to do and places to visit! Please contact with any questions and follow @HWF_Adventures
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Camp Couture

16. Camp Couture

100%
(17)
29km from Ilfracombe · 4 units · Tents, Glamping
We Have 10 acres, 5 of which is woodland. Each let has its own private area with seating table and fire pit some of our let’s have either a hammock or swinging chair Tent pitches are in the woodland which also have their own private area with table chairs hammock fire pit and a camp kitchen to share. We have friendly residents of Alpaca, sheep, a goat and peacocks and chickens that you are welcome to feed with the supplied food. We have a local pub you can walk to across farmers fields about a 20 minute ramble. South Molton, a 3 minute drive away, has a small artisan market voted the best in the UK
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£35
 / night
Koa Tree Camp

17. Koa Tree Camp

100%
(12)
38km from Ilfracombe · 9 units
Relaxed, eco-friendly glamping in geodomes and cabins among the wildflowers of the North Devon coast
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£130
 / night
Yurt in the Orchard

18. Yurt in the Orchard

100%
(31)
41km from Ilfracombe · 1 unit
A private, dog-friendly yurt with a hot tub overlooking a North Devon cider orchard
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£125
 / night
The Exmoor Woodland Escape

19. The Exmoor Woodland Escape

100%
(28)
42km from Ilfracombe · 2 units
A pair of charming self-contained shepherd’s huts on Exmoor – with hot tubs and views
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£135
 / night
Ivy Cottage Caravan Park

20. Ivy Cottage Caravan Park

94%
(16)
42km from Ilfracombe · 8 units
A secluded, peaceful location on the Gower Peninsula The perfect campsite base to explore Gower or simply unwind, far from the crowds in the heart of Britain’s First Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, nestled between Oxwich and the world famous Three Cliffs Bay.. Within a short drive you can access many other activities including surfing, paddle boarding, archery, falconry bird centre, Cefn Bryn is a walk up the hill, the views are breathtaking .... You can walk over to The King Arthur for a spot of lunch or supper.... The choices are endless .... NEW FOR 2024 - Modern heated shower block with toilet facilities.
Electrical hookup
Pets
from 
£37
 / night

This quaint harbour town on the North Devon coast is a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its dramatic coastline, remote surrounds, and excellent location within reach of some of the best surf in the UK and Exmoor National Park. Try surfing, get up close with England’s famous moorland ponies, or soak up the sights deep in the Devonshire countryside, with varied accommodation options suited to all manner of Hipcampers. From tent pitches beside beaches to luxury pods in national parks, here are our top picks for your Ilfracombe adventure.

You might be the type of camper who is happy to kick back on the campsite and make the most of campsite life while it lasts: soaking up the sun (fingers crossed), cooking on the campfire or barbecue, letting the kids run wild and enjoying the idyllic scenery of North Devon’s coast and countryside. But there’s also plenty of things to do in Ilfracombe and the surroundings during a holiday in the area. In the town of Ilfracombe itself you can watch the boats coming in and out of the harbour under the watchful eye of Verity, an enormous and controversial sculpture of a pregnant woman by Damian Hirst. Stay on dry land to explore harbour heritage on the Fish Trail, hop aboard a boat for a trip to see the wildlife at Lundy Island or find out about underwater life at the Ilfracombe Aquarium.

The Ilfracombe Museum reveals the history of the town and has an eclectic mix of curiosities from around the world too and no visit to Ilfracombe would be complete without visiting Tunnels Beaches and the Victorian tidal pool. For surfing, sandcastles and family swimming in shallow waters, head for Woolacombe Sands, Saunton Beach or Croyde—all under 10 miles away. Family-friendly attractions in the near area include Watermouth Castle, the Big Sheep Farm Park and Coombe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park.

95% (1.4K) 1,652 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Ilfracombe

LEE MEADOW FARM CAMPING

1. LEE MEADOW FARM CAMPING

95%
(11)
2.7km from Ilfracombe · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Traditional camping with lovely farm shop and take away Bike hire Zip wire camping shop Camp fires allowed bell tent glamping stays available cycle trail at the end of the lane situated just off the South West Coast Path 5 min drive from award winning Woolacombe Beach set in the beautiful countryside with some amazing views some of the sea electric hookup available grass pitches free hot showers washing up facilities family bathroom plenty of room for everyone to have a lovely time
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£35
 / night
Cheglinch Farm Glamping

2. Cheglinch Farm Glamping

100%
(26)
2.9km from Ilfracombe · 3 units
Small-scale, eco-friendly glamping on a working Devon farm, and the West Country coast nearby
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from 
£115
 / night
Cheglinch Camping (Wild Camping)

3. Cheglinch Camping (Wild Camping)

100%
(20)
3.2km from Ilfracombe · 27 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Unspoiled countryside camping on the outskirts of a working Devon farm, offering far-reaching views and a relaxed atmosphere
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£16
 / night
Poole Farm

4. Poole Farm

100%
(17)
4.1km from Ilfracombe · 2 units
Pods on a farm overlooking Woolacombe Bay in Devon
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£89
 / night
Under the Milky Way

5. Under the Milky Way

100%
(20)
7.4km from Ilfracombe · 4 units
A charming glamping getaway on the North Devon Heritage Coast near some of the finest beaches in the south-west.
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£127
 / night
Girt Down Camping

6. Girt Down Camping

99%
(79)
8.7km from Ilfracombe · 23 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Set the edge of Exmoor, we have unrivalled coastal views, direct access to the South West Coast Path and Combe Martin bay is just a little walk away (perfect for paddle-boarding and dolphin spotting!). Choose your pitch, settle down by a fire pit and watch the sun set across Combe Martin bay. With pizza’s available on some weekends, breakfast baguettes for breakfast and a selection of farm produce available - we have everything you could need, we are campervan friendly too. With footpaths from the farm in all directions you can join the South West Coast Path or just ramble down to the village where there are shops, cafes and pubs a plenty. With full flushing toilets and hot showers, as well as a washing up area, there is even an old railway carriage with electric plugs to charge your phone or dry your hair, with a fridge and freezer to look after your supper too. We are a small site focusing on that quiet get-away. There is no road noise, just the farmer going about his day job, who’s more than happy to chat about the wildlife, birds and weather!
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£24
 / night
Fairlinch Camping

7. Fairlinch Camping

96%
(74)
9.8km from Ilfracombe · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Keep your eyes on the sky; buzzards, kestrels, peregrine, falcons and barn owls are all common visitors
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£14
 / night
Secret Spot Camping Saunton

8. Secret Spot Camping Saunton

99%
(140)
10km from Ilfracombe · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Finding this exclusive Devon spot is like making it on to the best VIP guest list in town
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Porte Meadows

9. Porte Meadows

90%
(10)
12km from Ilfracombe · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Set on a contractor farm is Porte Meadows. Just on the edge of Exmoor National Park, 10 miles from Woolacombe beach and 12 miles to the busy town of Barnstaple. We are back to basics off grid but with proper toilets and showers, filtered drinking water and waste points. Caravans, campers and tents welcome and there is a pub within walking distance ( just across the road). Easy to find, no narrow lanes. Storage available.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night
South Dean Camping

10. South Dean Camping

98%
(307)
13km from Ilfracombe · 70 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Clifftop camping with epic sea views, right next to Exmoor National Park.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£35
 / night
Westland Farm

11. Westland Farm

100%
(140)
15km from Ilfracombe · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Camping and glamping on a working farm, with yurts, huts with hot tubs, and simple, spacious, sociable camping pitches
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£13
 / night
Berry's Ground Lane Campsite

12. Berry's Ground Lane Campsite

100%
(18)
16km from Ilfracombe · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Wake up to sea air, wide open skies and the sound of nature at this peaceful, wild-style campsite on the North Devon coast. Set on an organic working farm, each spacious field has no more than six pitches, giving you plenty of room to relax, explore and enjoy the incredible coastal views. Campfires are very much part of the experience. We provide raised firepits to borrow, with logs available to buy on site, making evenings perfect for stargazing, sharing stories and unwinding together around the fire. The campsite is located just outside the small hamlet of Martinhoe, with direct access to the South West Coast Path for spectacular coastal walks straight from your pitch. A historic Roman beacon sits nearby, and the surrounding farmland is rich in wildlife — deer are often spotted in neighbouring fields, alongside birds of prey and songbirds. Facilities are simple and low-impact, with a compost toilet and a water point provided. There is no electricity, no showers and no Wi-Fi — a delightfully off-grid setting designed for those who value peace, space and time outdoors. Spacious, calm and family-friendly, this is an ideal place to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy a truly rural coastal escape.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£24
 / night
Livit, Glamping by the coast

13. Livit, Glamping by the coast

98%
(48)
23km from Ilfracombe · 9 units
Adventure-filled glamping with sea views to savour
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£55
 / night
Milkmaid Meadow Campsite

14. Milkmaid Meadow Campsite

100%
(18)
23km from Ilfracombe · 30 units · Tents, Motorhomes
An open, green, back-to-basics space with homely local produce for sale
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£9
 / night
Higher Waytown Farm Camping

15. Higher Waytown Farm Camping

100%
(11)
27km from Ilfracombe · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
**Now closed except for walkers and 4x4s due to access. Contact directly with Qs and before making a booking - thanks!** Nestled on the hilltops near Bucks Mills and Clovelly, 10-15min walk by footpath from the SW coast path, our 13 acre smallholding-in-progress offers rustic nearly-wild camping in our wildflower meadows. Share your space with hares, deer, foxes, owls, songbirds, field voles, bees and butterflies. The views from the fields are a well kept local secret - from your tent or van look out over Hartland, Lundy island, Saunton, Croyde, Exmoor and Dartmoor, even Pembrokeshire on a clear day! FACILITIES: In keeping with our low impact approach, the fields are just fields, but with the addition of some picnic benches! A flushing toilet, drinking water, hot shower, charging and WiFi are found by the farmhouse. BBQs and fires permitted off the ground and we have fire pits for loan and logs for sale. Please pack out all rubbish and leave NO trace. Dogs welcome under close control - please avoid meadow centres in summer to protect the nesting skylarks and ensure they do NOT chase the wildlife. ACCESS: Easily accessible by 4WD, and 2WD in summer/when dry. Be aware it's a grassy uphill track, if your vehicle is not great off-road... (but everyone so far has been fine!) The views are worth the walk though! Campervans have backup options lower down near the house. THE SITE: Nature spot, relax and stargaze across our 4 fields. We recently planted 800 trees for a new woodland, created a wildlife pond, and are establishing a traditional cider orchard. Rose looks after our vegetable garden and usually has some native breed piglets. Our apiary is managed by Jon who will happily explain about bees... and sell you a jar of honey for breakfast. Note - the area is agricultural with very occasional farm noise and odour. We are pleased to be a South West Coast Path Waymaker, and welcome walkers. We also welcome anyone enjoying the Atlantic Highway or South West 660. We like classics and have spanners! Flexible arrival/departure. If we are not around just choose a spot and we'll find you later. We are both keen adventurers and happy to provide tips on things to do and places to visit! Please contact with any questions and follow @HWF_Adventures
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Camp Couture

16. Camp Couture

100%
(17)
29km from Ilfracombe · 4 units · Tents, Glamping
We Have 10 acres, 5 of which is woodland. Each let has its own private area with seating table and fire pit some of our let’s have either a hammock or swinging chair Tent pitches are in the woodland which also have their own private area with table chairs hammock fire pit and a camp kitchen to share. We have friendly residents of Alpaca, sheep, a goat and peacocks and chickens that you are welcome to feed with the supplied food. We have a local pub you can walk to across farmers fields about a 20 minute ramble. South Molton, a 3 minute drive away, has a small artisan market voted the best in the UK
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£35
 / night
Koa Tree Camp

17. Koa Tree Camp

100%
(12)
38km from Ilfracombe · 9 units
Relaxed, eco-friendly glamping in geodomes and cabins among the wildflowers of the North Devon coast
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£130
 / night
Yurt in the Orchard

18. Yurt in the Orchard

100%
(31)
41km from Ilfracombe · 1 unit
A private, dog-friendly yurt with a hot tub overlooking a North Devon cider orchard
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£125
 / night
The Exmoor Woodland Escape

19. The Exmoor Woodland Escape

100%
(28)
42km from Ilfracombe · 2 units
A pair of charming self-contained shepherd’s huts on Exmoor – with hot tubs and views
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£135
 / night
Ivy Cottage Caravan Park

20. Ivy Cottage Caravan Park

94%
(16)
42km from Ilfracombe · 8 units
A secluded, peaceful location on the Gower Peninsula The perfect campsite base to explore Gower or simply unwind, far from the crowds in the heart of Britain’s First Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, nestled between Oxwich and the world famous Three Cliffs Bay.. Within a short drive you can access many other activities including surfing, paddle boarding, archery, falconry bird centre, Cefn Bryn is a walk up the hill, the views are breathtaking .... You can walk over to The King Arthur for a spot of lunch or supper.... The choices are endless .... NEW FOR 2024 - Modern heated shower block with toilet facilities.
Electrical hookup
Pets
from 
£37
 / night

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Campsites near Ilfracombe guide

Where to go

Around Ilfracombe and the North Devon Coast

There’s no need to travel far outside of Ilfracombe in search of camping options. In fact, luxury retreats, holiday parks, glamping huts, and no-frills campsites can be found all along this stretch, plus farm sites a little way inland. Along the coast, surfing spots such as Croyde Bay boast several beach-accessible sites.

Exmoor National Park

Just east of Ilfracombe, this vast open moorland attracts wildlife lovers with its famous ponies and red deer. A haven for hikers, horse riders, and mountain bikers, as well as sea and river canoeists, there are plenty of options for overnight stays, including farmland camps, luxury yurts, and caravan parks.

Dartmoor National Park

About 45 miles (70 kilometres) south of Ilfracombe, this iconic landscape is home to its own resident ponies, plus unique boglands and tors. Climbing is particularly popular here, as is walking and wild camping—though rules are very strict, so private campsites and caravan parks can be a safer bet.

Blackdown Hills and the East Devon AONBs

Under two hours’ drive southeast of Ilfracombe, these adjoining AONBs provide a glimpse of England’s rural heritage. Woodlands, upland plateaus, ridges, and valleys provide all sorts of outdoor opportunity, while the East Devon Way delivers ramblers directly to the Dorset-Devon coast. Traditional farm camps and trendy glampsites abound in the area.

When to go

Summer is particularly popular on the Devon coast, but the region is generally less busy than its sister-seaside resorts. If you’re hoping to catch a wave or two, early autumn’s your best bet.

Know before you go

  • Ilfracombe isn’t the most easily accessed from London, requiring two trains and a bus, changing at Exeter St Davids.
  • If you plan to explore North Devon’s more secluded spots, it’s worth bringing or hiring your own vehicle.
  • Camping supplies can be picked up in nearby Barnstaple.
  • Most campsites prefer advanced booking, though some allow walk-ins in a pinch.