A great gourmet spot off the coast of Ilfracombe

Ilfracombe in the north Devon can be a useful anchorage on your way to Bristol bay or the last stop on the way to Lands end... It is a major port for both fishing boats and yachts, however it gets shallow at low tide, so this region is more suitable double keel yachts... Keel yachts can stay logged at the quay wall, if, of course, there is space, or anchor outside the harbor. This is especially true in summer, when the harbor is often overcrowded.

There are two possibilities for anchorage... One is located right at the entrance next to the rocks on the eastern side, here you need to be very careful and careful when choosing a place - you need to take into account the place for the ferry to pass to Landy and fishermen. Just make sure you are east of the leading lights at the entrance and can safely anchor.

An alternative option is to walk a little east, into the bay Hel (Hele Bay)where you will be slightly better protected from the westerly winds and will definitely be quieter. There you can get up at a depth of 5 meters, 300 meters from the shore. There is also a slipway and a tuzik dock. However, despite all the tranquility of this place, there is absolutely nowhere to hide from the northern winds.

None of the places provides good protection against westerly winds of more than 5 points, but it protects well from southwesterly and, of course, from southerly winds. The high cliffs provide good protection from waves and wind, and the sandy bottom provides an excellent grip. White House at the top of the cape to the east Hel bays serves as an excellent guide for entry.

Pub The Hele Bay located next to the slip, they have good food and a huge selection of beers. Ilfracombe is just a kilometer away from here, and there you will be dazzled by the number of pubs and restaurants. I recommend Lynbay Fish and Chip in the port, but true gourmets are better off heading straight to Thomas Carr at the Olive, which is considered the best place in the city. Don't forget to visit S&P Fish Shop on the south waterfront is the best place to serve a crab or lobster sandwich at lunchtime.

Ilfracombe is undergoing a transformation from an ordinary seaside town to a true gourmet destination not to be missed if the winds are favorable. It is worth noting that at the entrance to the harbor, you will be greeted by a magnificent statue of a pregnant woman with a height of more than 20 meters - the original by Damien Hirst.

Translation: Timur Mazur

10.03.2020