$A Self-Guided Walk of Ilfracombe’s History and Ghostly Highlights$

Devon , England

A Self-Guided Walk of Ilfracombe’s History and Ghostly Highlights

Active

(1 reviews)

45m - 1h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Journey through Ilfracombe’s fascinating history on this immersive 45-minute self-guided walking tour. Starting at the High Street, you’ll journey through the town’s oldest areas, hear spine-tingling ghost stories, and delve into tales of wreckers, smugglers, and Victorian holidaymakers. Wander through Fore Street, where your final stop is the George & Dragon, a pub dating back to the 1300s. Along the way, you’ll see a variety of architectural styles spanning from the 1200s to the present, including Georgian, Regency, and Victorian buildings. Learn about the people who once occupied these historic structures, some of whom still haunt them. Along the way, learn about Titanic survivor Alice Francis Louisa Philips, Victorian policing, and myths surrounding local murders. From the Queens Hotel to Fore Street’s historic charm, this tour offers a deeper appreciation of Ilfracombe’s rich past, unique stories, and architectural heritage.

Available options

A Self-Guided Walk of Ilfracombe’s History and Ghostly Highlights

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

App for Android and iOS

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

Stroll along Ilfracombe’s historic High Street, where the past meets the present in its bustling shops and charming facades. You’ll hear stories of the town’s evolution and uncover secrets from its Iron Age origins to its role in the Victorian holiday boom.

Marvel at the George & Dragon, one of Devon’s oldest pubs, dating back to the 1300s. You’ll step into a place steeped in history, where tales of smugglers, wreckers, and ghostly encounters come to life.

Walk through the atmospheric lanes of Fore Street, a historic thoroughfare lined with centuries-old buildings. You’ll feel the echoes of past residents and discover why this area was central to the town’s bustling activity.

Take in the art deco design of the Embassy Cinema, a nod to Ilfracombe’s mid-20th-century vibrancy. You’ll learn about its significance in the community and how it became a hub for entertainment and social gatherings.

Admire the timeless charm of the Wellington Arms, a quintessential British pub. You’ll uncover its role in local life and the intriguing stories of patrons from centuries past.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour

Food and drink

Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

While strollers might navigate some areas, the historic streets and buildings may present challenges, such as cobblestones or steps.

Meeting point

The tour starts at Christian Fellowship Church 74 High St. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Devon

Devon, located in the South West of England, is a county known for its stunning coastal scenery, rolling hills, and rich history. It's a perfect blend of rugged coastlines, charming villages, and vibrant cities, offering a diverse range of experiences for travelers.

Top Attractions

Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor National Park is a vast, rugged landscape of moorland, granite tors, and ancient woodlands. It's a paradise for hikers, cyclists, and wildlife enthusiasts.

Nature Full day or overnight Free to explore, some attractions may have entry fees

Exeter Cathedral

Exeter Cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, with a rich history dating back to the 11th century. The cathedral's tower offers panoramic views of the city.

Historical 1-2 hours Free entry, tower climb £8

The Eden Project

The Eden Project is a unique and innovative attraction featuring giant biomes housing diverse plant species from around the world. It's a fascinating place to learn about the environment and sustainability.

Nature Half day to full day £28-£32 for adults, discounts for children and families

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cream Tea

A traditional Devon cream tea consists of scones, clotted cream, jam, and a pot of tea. The order of spreading cream and jam is a subject of friendly debate!

Snack Vegetarian, can be made vegan with dairy-free alternatives.

Devon Cider

Devon is famous for its cider, made from locally grown apples. The county has a rich cider-making tradition, and there are many cider farms to visit.

Drink Contains alcohol, not suitable for those avoiding alcohol.

Fish and Chips

Freshly caught fish, typically haddock or cod, coated in crispy batter and served with thick-cut chips. A must-try for seafood lovers.

Lunch/Dinner Contains gluten and fish, may contain allergens.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Dartmoor National Park Coasteering in Dartmouth Kayaking on the River Dart Beach lounging in Torquay Spa day at a luxury hotel Afternoon tea in a historic setting Visiting Exeter Cathedral Exploring the Royal Albert Memorial Museum

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest time of the year with long daylight hours, perfect for outdoor activities and beach trips. However, it's also the busiest season with higher tourist volumes.

15°C to 22°C 59°F to 72°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Devon is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
• Avoid isolated areas at night

Getting there

By air

Exeter International Airport • 7 miles (11 km) from Exeter city center
Newquay Cornwall Airport • 60 miles (97 km) from Devon

By train

Exeter St Davids, Plymouth

By bus

Exeter Bus Station, Plymouth Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary form of public transport in Devon. Services can be frequent in urban areas but may be limited in rural locations.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Exeter City Centre Plymouth Barbican Dartmouth

Day trips

Torquay

20 miles (32 km) from Exeter • Half day to full day

Torquay is a popular seaside resort with a vibrant atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and a range of attractions.

Dartmoor National Park

Various entry points, approximately 30-60 minutes from Exeter and Plymouth • Full day or overnight

Dartmoor National Park offers a vast, rugged landscape with hiking trails, wild ponies, and ancient ruins.

Salcombe

30 miles (48 km) from Exeter • Full day

Salcombe is a picturesque coastal town known for its stunning views, sailing, and upscale shops and restaurants.

Festivals

Devon County Show • Late May Dartmouth Food Festival • Late October Plymouth Seafood Festival • Mid-September

Pro tips

Visit during the shoulder season (April-May or September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds
Explore the county's diverse landscapes, from coastal cliffs to rolling hills and ancient woodlands
Try traditional Devon dishes, such as cream tea and cider, and support local businesses and producers
Consider hiring a car for flexibility and access to remote locations, but be prepared for narrow roads and steep hills in some areas
Pack layers and be prepared for changeable weather, particularly in coastal and rural areas