Ilfracombe, Coastal town and civil parish in North Devon, England
Ilfracombe is a coastal town and civil parish in North Devon, England, set on steep cliffs around a natural harbor. Pastel-colored houses stretch along the waterfront and climb green hillsides, while narrow lanes lead down to the harbor pier.
The settlement began in the Middle Ages as a fishing harbor and trading post on the Bristol Channel. During the 19th century it transformed into a seaside resort when steamships from Wales brought wealthy visitors to its beaches.
The name comes from Old English and means valley of the river Yeo, a stream that still runs through the town today. At the harbor, visitors watch fishermen at work and tour boats departing for seal and bird-watching trips.
The town is reached by steep, winding roads that descend through wooded hills, making the drive slow but scenic. Coastal walking paths lead to neighboring coves and offer views of the Welsh coast on clear days.
At Tunnels Beach, hand-carved tunnels from the 1820s cut through rock to four separate coves with tidal pools. Local swimmers use the sheltered pools year-round, even in winter when the sea outside is rough.
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