Sadly, I think you may well find it disappointing now. It is a pretty run-down town these days, faded Victorian splendour.

It has improved slightly in recent years (cleaned up, less hypodermic syringes about...) but it does not have a lot to do, particularly nice pubs or the like.

However, I hear it is the new 'it' place and Lily Allen is keen to buy there, so watch this space.

Yes, i agree. Its probably worth a day visit if you are keen to go back there,but there are many nicer places to stay in N.Devon. My mother who is quite elderly,went there recently and didn't think much of it either compared to the other resorts on the old people coach trail.

Ilfracombe is a great little town, fantastic scenery and a good base for a holiday in North Devon. I think you should give it a go. There are plenty of decent restaurants, some old world pubs, a great harbour and a superb little museum. The coastal path is just breath taking at any time of the year. Staying in Banstaple would be more of a dissapointment as it is a very average town with very little going on - and besides why stay in a town when you could stay in some rather nice boutique hotels for not alot of money?

I have to say that it is not a bad thing that the coach brigade are not keen on Ilfracombe, and that is probably because the general feel in Ilfracombe is now younger with some cool places openeing up - like Damien Hirsts - The Quay, La Gendarnerie, The Capstone (My personal favourite), The Espresso bar, Dollys - lovely door step sandwiches. Go on, live a little...

Hi has anyone stayed at hidden valley caravan and camping park they say they have won all these awards but we have just come back early because of waste water running under our tent the stench was unbearable and the flies, when we complained they said it was the mud because it hadf been raining.

I think you need to give Ilfracombe a go!....have been here 3 years and am still loving it! Yes it is an old Town- yes it is Victorian- cannot change that as that is it's history and gives the place a natural charm. There are many new and exciting places opening in Ilfracombe giving a new london feel to some of the restaurants. The town actually looks far better than some popular city's & Towns as the shop closure have faired reasonably well compared to other counterparts and makes the high street look better than most nowadays.Prada you will not get?....but quaint local businesses trying to make an honest living.

So yes you should come to Ilfracombe and embrace it's natural beauty,history and up and coming funky places. Go on give it a go....what are you waiting for?

Have just returned from a fab 6 night coaching holiday based in Ilfracombe.Read westcountrysu's reply,I totally agree with her,but do try a coaching holiday as they include your return journey,day trips,hotel,hotel entertainment and meals,and they work out far cheaper than if you were to arrange your own travel and accomodation.I paid less than £40 a day which included all the above.On a coach you get the advantage of being higher up than cars for the scenic views which are spectacular as Ilfracombe is on the doorstep of Exmoor.Must also mention a lot of the hotels welcome non residents in their bars and I was really surprised at some of the pubs cheap prices.For any more info don't hesitate to contact me. Regards Pip

Personally, I wouldn't bother. We too hadn't been for neary 28 years, and have just come back after cutting our planned two night visit short.

It is badly in need of a lot of TLC, an injection of cash and some imagination.

Whoever granted planning permission for the Landmark theatre should be shot, it looks like two cooling towers stuck on a cliff. Ilfracombe is full of grimy cafes, tacky gift shops and run down amusement arcades, it is such a shame, as the guest we were staying in was lovely, the only bright spot of our visit.

Until last year I hadn't been back to Ilfacombe for many years. Shock horror it really has gone to the wall. My wife had never been there & we were staying beyond Woolacombe. So I suggested we had a look. It has change so much for the worst. We definetly will not be going back. As for someone mentioning Banstable, well in my mind that could do with a good scrub up with aswell. Their was a programme on TV the other night & it said the Banstable has now become the drop out area for all the less unfortunate people who are down & out.

I had fond memories of both these areas & I think memories are best kept as these area's really need a good overhall.

Ilfracombe is definately worth a visit.

We moved here from Brighton 3 years ago and are still loving the area.

Great restaurants, Gendarmarie, Espresso,& 11 The Quay (Damien Hirsts restaurant). Wonderful coastal paths & a really pretty harbour. If you are looking for high street brands & starbucks then no Ilfracombe is not the place for you however, if you fancy a bit of seaside charm combined with breath taking scenery then yes you should definatley give it a go!