Shepherd's huts 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.