Our summer holiday in Ilfracombe

A glorious week in Devon.

 

It is safe to say that when holidaying in the UK you have to plan for all weathers. We had four glorious blue sky and sunshine filled days, and even on the days when it rained we enjoyed slowing down and waiting for that inevitable break when the sun would shine. We planned for a wet week so were pleasantly surprised when we were able to spend hours and days on the beach.

It was a break that we all needed. Very much so and I’m so glad we managed to find an apartment that was so comfortable and in such a great location. The last little break we took together was the week we lost Alfie so it didn’t feel like a break at all. This week together was very much needed. A change of scenery, soaking up the seaside air for the first time this year and living off a diet of fish and chips and Roly’s fudge. You can’t visit Devon and not eat their signature sweet treat right?

I had so many questions about our accommodation, Ilracombe and our experience of holidaying with a puppy so I thought I would share our little break with you. Hopefully our experiences help you when planning a holiday to Ilfracombe and North Devon.

 

Our summer holiday in Ilfracombe

What we were looking for?

 

We always look for a central point so that we don’t have to drive too much or far. We really enjoy exploring the local area. A huge part of holidaying in the UK for us is about experiencing as much of the coast as possible. We have visited parts of Wales and Cornwall but never Devon. So when I stumbled across Apartment Twenty Eight in Ilfracombe on Insta we jumped at the chance of booking a week’s break.

Ilfracombe didn’t disappoint. We were looking for a beach, sand dunes, a harbour – because who doesn’t love a seaside harbour town? Dog friendly accommodation, dog friendly pubs and restaurants and some local view points and walks. And lastly accommodation that was homely with space as for the first time we were holidaying with Bobby our puppy. And lastly, good vibes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where we stayed

I am so excited to share the accommodation we stayed in with you. It couldn’t have been more perfect. It was like staying in the comforts of our own home yet in the middle of a seaside town. Apartment Twenty Eight is in a great spot in Ilfracombe – to the right you have the harbour and to the left is a beach. In between a whole bunch of shops, boutiques, restaurants and bars. And below is a gorgeous cafe that according to George served the best strawberry milkshake EVER. The Perfect spot.

As it was a Victorian property the features and space available were perfect. We had so much room for us all to find comfort and solitude. I particularly loved the bay window and the bedroom. The decor was just lovely, so much love has been poured into the renovation of this property. It really was a treat to stay here and I would highly recommend it to families, couples and those with fur babies.

Bobby made himself very much at home, you can certainly tell that a dog loving family own this property. Every detail has been thought of – you don’t need to bring anything other than yourselves as you’ll find everything you need in the cupboards  – even spare dog bowls and if you’re lucky a treat on arrival. Bobby enjoyed his crab shaped toy and will be a lovely reminder of our first holiday all together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where we visited

 

Gosh there’s so much to tell you. So many great towns and villages to share with you. We focused on dog friendly spots. And there was so much we didn’t get to see. So many places on our list that we didn’t make it to. Here’s a whistle stop tour with lots of photos to follow…

From Ilfracombe to Woolacombe, Combe Martin to Mortehoe, Barricane Beach to Watermouth Cove and beyond. We climbed Capstone Hill, Hillsborough, walked the Morte Point Coastal Path. Each morning we walked around the harbour at Ilfracombe before the Town woke. We grabbed coffee from Adele’s Cafe and ate homemade bacon butties on the steps down to the water.

Ilfracombe is quite a small town so we noticed how busy it can get around lunch and in the afternoon so it was lovely to see it so quiet and peaceful in the mornings. The streets of Ilfracombe have so much character, are so pretty and full of beautiful views. The sun setting over the harbour was very beautiful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where we ate and drank

 

As I mentioned earlier a lot of our planning was centred around dog friendly cafes, bars and restaurants. I’ve dedicated a whole post to our 15 favourite spots in and around Ilfracombe which you can read here. In brief our favourites in Ilfracombe were Adele’s Cafe and the No 28 The Cookery for food. And just for a drink was Open Up Wine Bar. In Woolacoombe we enjoyed visiting Bar Electric and Gobblebox as well as Stoned Baked Pizza. Which is a pizza van parked up near the beach in Woolacoombe, we grabbed a takeaway and enjoyed it sat up on the hill watching the surfers ride the waves. That was a great day.

There are so many great places to eat and drink that are dog friendly. You won’t be disappointed. I would also like to recommend the pet shop Koola Life in Woolacoombe, we visited almost daily for doggy ice cream, food and treats. You’ll find it next door to Gobblebox so perfect for a little pit stop. Two of our favourites.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And that’s our summer holiday in Ilfracombe. If you have any questions do drop me a note in the comments. I would love to help you in your planning. It really is a gorgeous harbour town with so much to see and do. So quaint. The perfect location to base yourselves, with nearby towns and villages to explore.