BELLA MERE LODGE
Guest guide

📍 Ilfracombe Harbour

Ilfracombe Harbour is the heart of this charming seaside town and a must-visit during your stay, combining a working harbour with a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Lined with cafés, pubs, shops, and galleries, it’s a great place to wander, enjoy fresh seafood or fish and chips, and take in the views.

The harbour is also home to the striking Verity statue overlooking the entrance and offers boat trips along the coast or to Lundy Island. With a lively yet laid-back feel, it’s perfect for both daytime exploring and evening visits—especially at sunset. Located just 5 minutes from Bella Mere Lodge, it’s an easy and essential stop during your stay.

📍 Lundy Island

Lundy Island is a unique and unspoilt island located in the Bristol Channel, offering a truly memorable day trip from Ilfracombe. Known for its rugged cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and incredible wildlife, it feels a world away from the mainland. Visitors can explore scenic walking routes, spot seals, seabirds, and seasonal puffins, and enjoy the peaceful, untouched landscape. The island also has a small village, historic landmarks, and a welcoming pub for refreshments.

Accessible by boat from Ilfracombe Harbour, Lundy offers a perfect mix of adventure, nature, and tranquillity—making it a standout experience during your stay.

📍 Lynton & Lymouth Cliff Railway

The Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway is a unique Victorian water-powered railway connecting the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth. Set against a backdrop of dramatic cliffs and coastal views, it offers a short but memorable journey between the harbour below and the clifftop above. Visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views across the coastline, explore the charming streets, shops, and cafés in both towns, and combine the trip with walks in nearby Exmoor.

Easily accessible and suitable for all ages, it’s a simple yet unforgettable experience and a great addition to a day out in this beautiful part of North Devon.

📍 Clovelly Village

Clovelly is one of North Devon’s most picturesque and unique villages, famous for its steep cobbled streets, whitewashed cottages, and stunning coastal views. With no cars allowed, the village has a timeless feel, where goods are still transported by sledges and donkeys.

Visitors can wander down the narrow streets lined with shops, galleries, and tea rooms, before reaching the beautiful historic harbour at the bottom.

With its charm, character, and breathtaking scenery, Clovelly offers a truly memorable day out and a glimpse into a slower pace of coastal life.

📍 Valley of the Rocks

The Valley of the Rocks is one of North Devon’s most dramatic natural landmarks, located near Lynton on the edge of Exmoor National Park. Known for its striking rock formations, wild goats, and breathtaking coastal views, it offers a unique landscape that feels both rugged and peaceful.

Visitors can enjoy scenic walks through the valley and along the cliffs, take in panoramic views across the Bristol Channel, and experience the area’s unspoilt beauty.

Perfect for nature lovers and photographers, it’s a memorable and tranquil spot to explore during your stay.

📍 Exmoor National Park

Exmoor National Park is a breathtaking area of natural beauty just a short drive from Bella Mere Lodge, known for its rolling hills, dramatic coastline, and unspoilt countryside. Home to wild ponies, red deer, and diverse wildlife, it offers endless opportunities for walking, scenic drives, and exploring peaceful valleys and rivers. Visitors can enjoy stunning viewpoints, traditional villages, and some of the darkest skies in the UK, perfect for stargazing. Whether you’re looking for adventure or tranquillity, Exmoor provides a truly memorable escape into nature.