Food scene
I have listed here all of the nearby pubs and restaurants that I would recommend (although you may dissagree!).
They all have different opening days and times and not all will be open during winter so it's always best to book or check before you leave. Some, particularly the best/fine dining restaurants in the area, will also get booked up a long time in advance especially during the summer months. I try to keep the descriptions up to date but sometimes circumstances will change without my knowledge so please don't expect all details to be 100% correct all of the time.
I have been to many of these personally and others have been recommended to me by other locals or guests. If you find somewhere not listed here that you would recommend please let me know and I will add it to the list.
Probably the most upmarket place to dine in the imediate area and has incredible views out to sea (similar to ours being just down the road and with the same high vantage point). They have 'The Seacliff', fine dining restaurant (must be booked min 24 hours notice) and 'The Cove' Italian inspired relaxed dining to choose from and both will usually need to be booked in advance.
Its possible to walk here but you would need to take the coast path as parts of the road have no footpath.
Great starting point to walk along the coast path to Broadsands beach and beyond, a very beautiful section of the path and not too strenuous. There are very steep steps down to the beach itself.
13 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Sandy Cove Hotel
Old Coast RoadProbably the most upmarket place to dine in the imediate area and has incredible views out to sea (similar to ours being just down the road and with the same high vantage point). They have 'The Seacliff', fine dining restaurant (must be booked min 24 hours notice) and 'The Cove' Italian inspired relaxed dining to choose from and both will usually need to be booked in advance.
Its possible to walk here but you would need to take the coast path as parts of the road have no footpath.
Great starting point to walk along the coast path to Broadsands beach and beyond, a very beautiful section of the path and not too strenuous. There are very steep steps down to the beach itself.
CLOSED NOVEMBER - MARCH
CLOSED MONDAY & TUESDAY
Our closest pub/restaurant and highly recommended, definitely a good idea to book during high season. Food services stops at 8pm and they are closed for food service on a Sunday and Monday evening.
Owner chef cooks real food with quality ingredients, if you're lucky there may even be his own fresh caught fish and shellfood on the menu.
Great selection of local beer and cider.
This can be a very busy pub which caters to drinkers as well as diners and there will often be music or other events happening particularly during peak season. They also have a free pool table which is always popular and do not always open their upstairs restaurant meaning that you will often be seated in the bar area amoung all the action (in case this doesn't sound like your cup of tea!)
10 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Dolphin Inn Bar & Bistro ltd
Seaside HillCLOSED NOVEMBER - MARCH
CLOSED MONDAY & TUESDAY
Our closest pub/restaurant and highly recommended, definitely a good idea to book during high season. Food services stops at 8pm and they are closed for food service on a Sunday and Monday evening.
Owner chef cooks real food with quality ingredients, if you're lucky there may even be his own fresh caught fish and shellfood on the menu.
Great selection of local beer and cider.
This can be a very busy pub which caters to drinkers as well as diners and there will often be music or other events happening particularly during peak season. They also have a free pool table which is always popular and do not always open their upstairs restaurant meaning that you will often be seated in the bar area amoung all the action (in case this doesn't sound like your cup of tea!)
Our second closest pub/restaurant and right on Combe Martin beach, best views in the village. Food service finishes at 8pm and they are open on a Sunday and a Monday (unlike the Dolphin or the Black and White fish and chip shop). They don't take bookings, just turn up and grab a table. Perfect for a quick, no fuss meal or bar snacks. Great selection of local beer and cider.
Best of all is the sunsets from the outside terrace (or inside on a cold night). Watch the sun set over Combe Martin Bay.
The Focsle
Our second closest pub/restaurant and right on Combe Martin beach, best views in the village. Food service finishes at 8pm and they are open on a Sunday and a Monday (unlike the Dolphin or the Black and White fish and chip shop). They don't take bookings, just turn up and grab a table. Perfect for a quick, no fuss meal or bar snacks. Great selection of local beer and cider.
Best of all is the sunsets from the outside terrace (or inside on a cold night). Watch the sun set over Combe Martin Bay.
Situated further up into the village but still worth the walk in good weather 'The Pack' has great food, great beer and a huge sunny beer garden with a large play area for children. It also has a large carpark with electric vehicle charging. It does the best (in my opinion) Sunday roast in the village.
Food is served a little later than other pubs in the Combe Martin, usually up until 8.30/9pm Monday to Saturday and 8pm for Sunday lunch and booking is advisable.
Historic building built around 1690 and based on a pack of cards, they even have a room devoted to telling the story of the buildings concept and history.
19 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Pack O'Cards Inn
High StreetSituated further up into the village but still worth the walk in good weather 'The Pack' has great food, great beer and a huge sunny beer garden with a large play area for children. It also has a large carpark with electric vehicle charging. It does the best (in my opinion) Sunday roast in the village.
Food is served a little later than other pubs in the Combe Martin, usually up until 8.30/9pm Monday to Saturday and 8pm for Sunday lunch and booking is advisable.
Historic building built around 1690 and based on a pack of cards, they even have a room devoted to telling the story of the buildings concept and history.
The most 'locals' pub in the village and one of the furthest to walk from us but has a large carpark at the back.
The Castle doesn't serve food but does come with lots of character and is cosy in the colder months. It's also one of the best pubs to watch sport and has a very pretty garden.
12 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The castle inn
High StreetThe most 'locals' pub in the village and one of the furthest to walk from us but has a large carpark at the back.
The Castle doesn't serve food but does come with lots of character and is cosy in the colder months. It's also one of the best pubs to watch sport and has a very pretty garden.
Beautiful historic pub in the centre of Berrynarbor serving lovely food and drink.
It's a long walk and steep on the way back or just a few minutes drive. Due to limited parking spaces available at the pub its best to park at the village community shop and then it's just a 2 minute walk.
Ye Olde Globe Inn
Beautiful historic pub in the centre of Berrynarbor serving lovely food and drink.
It's a long walk and steep on the way back or just a few minutes drive. Due to limited parking spaces available at the pub its best to park at the village community shop and then it's just a 2 minute walk.
Best fish and chips for miles! Great takeaway to have on Combe Martin beach.
The black and White shuts at 8pm are they are closed on Sunday and Monday.
11 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Black & White
Borough RoadBest fish and chips for miles! Great takeaway to have on Combe Martin beach.
The black and White shuts at 8pm are they are closed on Sunday and Monday.
Takeaway fish and chips on the harbour in Ilfracombe, highly recommended.
15 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Lynbay Fish & Chips Shop Restaurant & Takeaway
6 The QuayTakeaway fish and chips on the harbour in Ilfracombe, highly recommended.
Best local Indian food restaurant!
Booking is not normally needed for small groups and they are usually open for late night dining.
Find them on the main high street, Ilfracombe, there is a handy taxi rank opposite to get you back to Berrynarbor.
6 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Tandoori Night
High StreetBest local Indian food restaurant!
Booking is not normally needed for small groups and they are usually open for late night dining.
Find them on the main high street, Ilfracombe, there is a handy taxi rank opposite to get you back to Berrynarbor.
Its a Weatherspoon's so very good value and definitely the largest pub we have locally right on the seafront in Ilfracombe.
They also have a very popular roof terrace which is perfect on a sunny day.
15 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Admiral Collingwood
Wilder RoadIts a Weatherspoon's so very good value and definitely the largest pub we have locally right on the seafront in Ilfracombe.
They also have a very popular roof terrace which is perfect on a sunny day.
This bar and restaurant is on the main road to Ilfracombe and just a short drive from here. It is stylish and comfortable and great for families. Their food is excellent, fresh and modern with fish and other exciting dishes on their specials board. They also serve an amazing Sunday lunch followed by their regular menu in the evenings. They are also open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week.
There is a stream running along the outside patio area which is lovely when the sun is out and a big log burning fire in the winter to keep warm and cosy.
18 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Sawmills Inn Watermouth
This bar and restaurant is on the main road to Ilfracombe and just a short drive from here. It is stylish and comfortable and great for families. Their food is excellent, fresh and modern with fish and other exciting dishes on their specials board. They also serve an amazing Sunday lunch followed by their regular menu in the evenings. They are also open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week.
There is a stream running along the outside patio area which is lovely when the sun is out and a big log burning fire in the winter to keep warm and cosy.
CLOSED NOV-MARCH
Located right at the heart of National Trust Heddon Valley, Exmoor this old hunting lodge offers light lunches and evening meals. Its the perfect starting or end point for walking in the valley and is a lovely secluded spot in a beautiful house to dine at night.
14 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Hunters Inn
Jose's LaneCLOSED NOV-MARCH
Located right at the heart of National Trust Heddon Valley, Exmoor this old hunting lodge offers light lunches and evening meals. Its the perfect starting or end point for walking in the valley and is a lovely secluded spot in a beautiful house to dine at night.
There are just a few tables in this small but stylish Michelin guide restaurant and we enjoyed a really wonderful 3 course meal here for a relatively inexpensive price. Booking is essential and will need to be made well in advance.
13 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Antidote restaurant & boutique accommodation
20 St James PlThere are just a few tables in this small but stylish Michelin guide restaurant and we enjoyed a really wonderful 3 course meal here for a relatively inexpensive price. Booking is essential and will need to be made well in advance.
Dating from 1360 The George and Dragon is a traditional and historic pub found in Fore Street near the harbour in Ilfracombe (not to be confused with the George and Dragon in Combe Martin)
23 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
George & Dragon
Fore StreetDating from 1360 The George and Dragon is a traditional and historic pub found in Fore Street near the harbour in Ilfracombe (not to be confused with the George and Dragon in Combe Martin)
Lovely pub restaurant in Hele, Ilfracombe right by Hele bay.
10 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Hele Bay Pub
38 Beach RdLovely pub restaurant in Hele, Ilfracombe right by Hele bay.
Very pretty thatched pub and restaurant in Hele, Ilfracombe.
65 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Thatched Inn
Hillsborough RoadVery pretty thatched pub and restaurant in Hele, Ilfracombe.
Great place to have fish and chips inside The Ilfracombe Fryer is on the sea front promenade, Ilfracombe with great sea views.
The Ilfracombe Fryer
7-8 Wilder RdGreat place to have fish and chips inside The Ilfracombe Fryer is on the sea front promenade, Ilfracombe with great sea views.
CLOSED 2022 UNTILL FURTHUR NOTICE
I've not personally eaten here but I have had rave reviews about it from my guests. Booking is essential and may need to be done well in advance particularly in the summer months.
This restaurant also owns 'Slice of Devon' takeaway pizza and seafood by the harbour which is also worth a visit.
16 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Relish Bar & Bistro
10 -11 Fore StCLOSED 2022 UNTILL FURTHUR NOTICE
I've not personally eaten here but I have had rave reviews about it from my guests. Booking is essential and may need to be done well in advance particularly in the summer months.
This restaurant also owns 'Slice of Devon' takeaway pizza and seafood by the harbour which is also worth a visit.
CLOSED JANUARY
My favourite restaurant in Ilfracombe (so far) and a really wonderful, authentic experience in a great setting with amazing food and service. The restaurant is found not far from the Harbour, Fore Street and has a number of areas within the restaurant which can be booked online. Booking is essential and may need to be done well in advance particularly during the summer months.
25 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Terrace Tapas and Wine Bar
62 Fore StCLOSED JANUARY
My favourite restaurant in Ilfracombe (so far) and a really wonderful, authentic experience in a great setting with amazing food and service. The restaurant is found not far from the Harbour, Fore Street and has a number of areas within the restaurant which can be booked online. Booking is essential and may need to be done well in advance particularly during the summer months.
This place does incredible take away pizza and seafood perfect for a quick lunch on the Quay. Takeway menu also available and can be ordered ahead on their website. It is run by the owners of Relish restaurant, Ilfracombe.
6 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Slice of Devon
3 The QuayThis place does incredible take away pizza and seafood perfect for a quick lunch on the Quay. Takeway menu also available and can be ordered ahead on their website. It is run by the owners of Relish restaurant, Ilfracombe.
I've not eaten here yet, so I would love to know what you think! Booking is essential and will often need to be done well in advance.
6 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Seventy One
71 Fore StI've not eaten here yet, so I would love to know what you think! Booking is essential and will often need to be done well in advance.
Giovanni e Luca opened in Ilfracombe in 2010 and is run by Giovanni and Donatella and is the one and only truly authentic Italian Restaurant in town.
Many of my guests have dined here, and all have said how great it was. Booking is definitely recommended but can be made at shorter notice than many of the other good restaurants in Ilfracombe. They are also open on a Sunday evening, which again, many others are not.
23 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Giovanni & Luca
Wilder RoadGiovanni e Luca opened in Ilfracombe in 2010 and is run by Giovanni and Donatella and is the one and only truly authentic Italian Restaurant in town.
Many of my guests have dined here, and all have said how great it was. Booking is definitely recommended but can be made at shorter notice than many of the other good restaurants in Ilfracombe. They are also open on a Sunday evening, which again, many others are not.
Our second nearby Michelin Starred restaurant found in Fore Street, Ilfracombe. Booking is essential and needs to be booked well in advance. I've not had the opportunity to dine here yet and I would love to know what you think!
29 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Thomas Carr @ The Olive Room
63 Fore StOur second nearby Michelin Starred restaurant found in Fore Street, Ilfracombe. Booking is essential and needs to be booked well in advance. I've not had the opportunity to dine here yet and I would love to know what you think!
Wonderful farm shop and bakery recently opened in Combe Martin. They also offer a Friday night takeaway menu.
Bobbies bakes
Rectory RoadWonderful farm shop and bakery recently opened in Combe Martin. They also offer a Friday night takeaway menu.
Fish and chips and more to dine in or takeaway on the Quay, Ilfracombe. Great food and great service with fantastic views of the harbour.
The Dolphin
7 The QuayFish and chips and more to dine in or takeaway on the Quay, Ilfracombe. Great food and great service with fantastic views of the harbour.
Really cool little cafe and cocktail bar on Ilfracombe seafront. Does amazing coffee and patisserie during the day and yummy cocktails and nibbles in the evening. If you happen to be there on doughnut day don't forget to bring one back for me (jokes aside, they are to die for!)
11 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Stacc
13-14 The PromenadeReally cool little cafe and cocktail bar on Ilfracombe seafront. Does amazing coffee and patisserie during the day and yummy cocktails and nibbles in the evening. If you happen to be there on doughnut day don't forget to bring one back for me (jokes aside, they are to die for!)
Really great cafe right by the harbour in Combe Martin. Serve excellent hot or cold breakfast and lunch along with pastries, cakes and biscuits and hot and cold drinks. Perfect after a walk on the beach.
8 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Harbour Deli
3 Borough RdReally great cafe right by the harbour in Combe Martin. Serve excellent hot or cold breakfast and lunch along with pastries, cakes and biscuits and hot and cold drinks. Perfect after a walk on the beach.
Recently been revamped to a very high standard this holiday park is up on the hill next to Watermouth Castle (opposite Watermouth Harbour) and just a few drive away on the road to Ilfracombe. Open to non residents their bar and restaurant serve very good food and drinks with the added bonus of being open for lunch and dinner everyday, comfortable indoor and outdoor dining available with absolutely amazing uninterrupted views of the coast and sea. Booking definitely advisable.
Watermouth Lodges North Devon
Recently been revamped to a very high standard this holiday park is up on the hill next to Watermouth Castle (opposite Watermouth Harbour) and just a few drive away on the road to Ilfracombe. Open to non residents their bar and restaurant serve very good food and drinks with the added bonus of being open for lunch and dinner everyday, comfortable indoor and outdoor dining available with absolutely amazing uninterrupted views of the coast and sea. Booking definitely advisable.
Located a little further a field in Croyd and recommended to me by my guests but I've sadly not had the chance to go here yet. Let me know what you think!
44 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Blue Groove
2 Hobb's HillLocated a little further a field in Croyd and recommended to me by my guests but I've sadly not had the chance to go here yet. Let me know what you think!
Another restaurant in Croyd thats a little further to travel to but highly recommended to me by locals and one I definitely want to tick off my list. Let me know what you think!
66 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Thatch
14 Hobb's HillAnother restaurant in Croyd thats a little further to travel to but highly recommended to me by locals and one I definitely want to tick off my list. Let me know what you think!
Best (OK only) place I have eaten out in Woolacombe and it was great from the food, the service the atmosphere, it ticks all the boxes (for me anyway). They have a sister restaurant in Barnstaple called 'Lush' which is also excellent.
16 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Jube
South StreetBest (OK only) place I have eaten out in Woolacombe and it was great from the food, the service the atmosphere, it ticks all the boxes (for me anyway). They have a sister restaurant in Barnstaple called 'Lush' which is also excellent.
Excellent Chinese restaurant on Ilfracombe high Street to eat in or takeaway (collection only). You will probably need to reserve a table in advance to eat in and order early for a collection slot. They are only open Thursday-Saturday.
6 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Emperors Court
111 High StExcellent Chinese restaurant on Ilfracombe high Street to eat in or takeaway (collection only). You will probably need to reserve a table in advance to eat in and order early for a collection slot. They are only open Thursday-Saturday.
I've heard great things about this Mediterranean restaurant on Ilfracombe High Street but I've not had a chance to go there myself yet. Please let me know what you think!
6 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Settantanove
79 High StI've heard great things about this Mediterranean restaurant on Ilfracombe High Street but I've not had a chance to go there myself yet. Please let me know what you think!
This is just about your only option if you want a takeaway delivery (for a fee) but the good news is their pizzas are actually pretty good! They also do the usual takeaway food such as fried chicken and kebabs and serve late. They are based on Ilfracombe High Street and you can order on their website or give them a call.
Munchies
144 High StThis is just about your only option if you want a takeaway delivery (for a fee) but the good news is their pizzas are actually pretty good! They also do the usual takeaway food such as fried chicken and kebabs and serve late. They are based on Ilfracombe High Street and you can order on their website or give them a call.
Really good Chinese/Malaysian takeaway at the far end of Ilfracombe high Street. Collection only and open every day from 5pm-9.30pm except Mondays.
Millenium Chicken
80 High StreetReally good Chinese/Malaysian takeaway at the far end of Ilfracombe high Street. Collection only and open every day from 5pm-9.30pm except Mondays.
Sightseeing
I've not even touched the surface of great places to visit and activities to enjoy here on our doorstep. I'd be very grateful of any recommendations from you that I have missed in this section.
Ilfracombe Harbour
10A The QuayNewberry Beach
Combe Martin Beach Holiday Park
WoodlandsBerrynarbor
Ikhastithi ye-Watermouth
An absolutely glorious and vast sandy beach and only a 20 minute drive away so very much worth the visit on a longer stay here.
177 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Isibheshu saseWoolacombe
An absolutely glorious and vast sandy beach and only a 20 minute drive away so very much worth the visit on a longer stay here.
Lynton and Lynmouth
Lee Bay
Barnstaple is our biggest nearby town and has all the major shops and supermarkets and restaurants. It has lots of history and architectural features inuding the long bridge over the river Taw and the Pannier outdoor market. Its about a 40min drive from here.
103 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Barnstaple
Barnstaple is our biggest nearby town and has all the major shops and supermarkets and restaurants. It has lots of history and architectural features inuding the long bridge over the river Taw and the Pannier outdoor market. Its about a 40min drive from here.
Make sure thatif you visit Ilfracombe that you walk along the sea front promenade to the beach. There are other lovely walk here too as well as all the shops, cafes and restaurants.
6 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Ilfracombe Beach
Make sure thatif you visit Ilfracombe that you walk along the sea front promenade to the beach. There are other lovely walk here too as well as all the shops, cafes and restaurants.
National Trust - Baggy Point
Moor LaneLundy
To get to this beach you will need to start from Combe Martin beach carpark head into Exmoor National Park by the South West Coastal path (either walk or drive from here). You will wind your way up Little Hangman Hill to the foot of Big Hangman Hill where you will see Wild Pear Beach below. The views are amazing.
From here you can walk down to the beach, continue along the path up Great Hangman or take a right which will take you on a loop back into Combe Martin.
Wild Pear Beach is renowned to attract nudists so either be prepared or get stuck in!
7 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Wild Pear Beach
South West Coast PathTo get to this beach you will need to start from Combe Martin beach carpark head into Exmoor National Park by the South West Coastal path (either walk or drive from here). You will wind your way up Little Hangman Hill to the foot of Big Hangman Hill where you will see Wild Pear Beach below. The views are amazing.
From here you can walk down to the beach, continue along the path up Great Hangman or take a right which will take you on a loop back into Combe Martin.
Wild Pear Beach is renowned to attract nudists so either be prepared or get stuck in!
Family Day Out
I-Tunnels Beaches
Bath PlaceExmoor Zoo
Historic castle and children's amusement Park.
64 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Ikhastithi ye-Watermouth
Historic castle and children's amusement Park.
I have not been here yet so would not like to recommend or not before I do.
94 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park
I have not been here yet so would not like to recommend or not before I do.
I-RHS Garden Rosemoor
Arlington Court
Activities
We are really lucky to be within walking distance of this excellent facility right next to Combe Martin Bay. They offer SUP (stand-up paddleboard) and Kayak hire, lessons, and tours, which are really an experience not to be missed. The ideal way to explore our rugged coastline and visit secluded coves.
11 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Outdoor Shop & Kayak Centre
Borough RoadWe are really lucky to be within walking distance of this excellent facility right next to Combe Martin Bay. They offer SUP (stand-up paddleboard) and Kayak hire, lessons, and tours, which are really an experience not to be missed. The ideal way to explore our rugged coastline and visit secluded coves.
You've come to Devon because you want to have a go at axe throwing right? Maybe not but if you have, look no further than here! I've not been personally, sorry, but two young guests of mine have and they thought it was great so it went on the list!
Norse Hawk Axe Throwing
Cleave Lane EndYou've come to Devon because you want to have a go at axe throwing right? Maybe not but if you have, look no further than here! I've not been personally, sorry, but two young guests of mine have and they thought it was great so it went on the list!
What better way to enjoy the beautiful scenery of North Devon than on horse back? This local riding centre can cater for all levels of experience and can even I'm told arrange rides on the beach!
Mullacott Riding Centre
What better way to enjoy the beautiful scenery of North Devon than on horse back? This local riding centre can cater for all levels of experience and can even I'm told arrange rides on the beach!