Ilfracombe may well congratulate itself on its convenient position in a district so attractive to visitors. The “deeps and hollows,” from which the county derives its name, are on all sides of the town, as well as high cliffs and hills. 

The Torrs to the west, and Hilisborough, nearly 450 feet high, to the east are connected by a lofty ridge of downs on the south, the whole forming a natural screen which protects and encloses the town and helps to give it the Continental effect that strikes one on seeing it first. The numerous hotels and boarding-houses testify to the appreciation of Ilfracombe by health-seekers and holiday-makers, and every year the popularity of the town increases.

 Smaller places at which hotels will be

 found are Combe Martin, Lee, Woolacombe, Mortehoe, Appledore, Westward Ho Clovelly, and Hartland Quay. Inland there are numerous villages, but only three towns of importance—Barnstaple, Bideford, and Great Torrington.

 

Ilfracombe beach

Ilfracombe beach. 

The beach is of medium sized stretch of gently shelving coarse sand with a lot of pebbles and rocks. There is a promenade just above the beach and good sheltered corners. The Harbour shops and amusements are nearby.

Ilfracombe beach (Rapparee Cove). There is a short path until you reach the fifty or so steps down to the beach. This a small cove of coarse sand and shingle, gently shelving and well sheltered.