Ilfracombe in North Devon isn’t just a picturesque seaside town; it’s a place packed with unique experiences that appeal to a broad range of travelers. Whether you’re drawn to its haunted streets or craving an adrenaline rush along its rugged coast, this town offers something for all. We particularly enjoy the Ilfracombe Harbour Ghost Tour, for its combination of spooky stories and fascinating local history, and the Coasteering Hele Bay Adrenaline Adventure for those looking for a thrill. Both tours showcase the town’s character—one through its supernatural past, the other through its stunning natural scenery.
Ilfracombe’s diverse tour options make it a perfect base for exploring North Devon. Its coastal charm, combined with opportunities for spooky storytelling and thrill-seeking activities, ensures there’s a memorable experience for every traveler. Whether you’re interested in ghost stories, high-energy adventures, or historic tales, you’ll find something that fits your style here.
Quick Overview of the Best Tours in Ilfracombe
Our list covers a range of experiences designed to suit different interests and energy levels. For fans of ghostly tales and spooky history, try the Ilfracombe Harbour Ghost Tour, which combines local legends with a hauntingly good walk. If you’re after a high-adrenaline adventure, the Coasteering Hele Bay Adrenaline Adventure offers jumps and swimming along North Devon’s dramatic coast. For those seeking a mix of ghostly exploration and hearty food, the Ilfracombe: Ghost Walk, Local Tavern Meal & Fireside Tales combines storytelling with a cozy tavern dinner. Families and thrill-seekers can also enjoy the spooky Halloween Scare Event at Watermouth Castle, while history enthusiasts may want to try the Haunted Heritage Night Event, exploring a Victorian mansion with ghost-hunting equipment.
Now, let’s explore each of these tours in detail, so you can decide which fits your interests best.
1. Ilfracombe Harbour: Ghost Tour
This ghost tour takes you on a spine-tingling walk through Ilfracombe’s haunted streets and harbor area. For just $18.86 per person, you’ll spend about 1.5 hours uncovering local ghost stories and supernatural mysteries. The tour begins at the famous George & Dragon Pub—a spot with its own ghostly reputation—and ends at The Pier Brewery Tap & Grill, making it easy to continue your evening with a drink or meal.
What makes this tour stand out is the expert storytelling that brings Ilfracombe’s haunted past to life. The guide shares chilling tales of spirits lingering in the town, including the famous Lady who reportedly sits inside the George & Dragon. The tour also covers stories of smuggling and other historic events that give context to the ghostly sightings. Reviewers praise the engaging guide and the blend of history and paranormal tales, with all giving a perfect 5-star rating. One noted, “Mark was very knowledgeable and confident in his storytelling, making the night truly memorable.”
Bottom Line: If you’re intrigued by ghost stories and want a relaxed but spooky experience, this tour offers excellent value and an authentic slice of Ilfracombe’s supernatural side.
2. Coasteering Hele Bay Adrenaline Adventure
For those craving adventure and adrenaline, the Coasteering Hele Bay Adrenaline Adventure is a 3-hour tour packed with jumps, swimming, and rock scrambling along North Devon’s rugged coast. Priced at $60.61, it’s a bit of a splurge but offers truly unforgettable scenery and thrills.
Based at Hele Bay, this tour features jumps from 3 to 33 feet, so it’s suited for physically active travelers comfortable with heights and water. As you leap into the surf, you’ll swim through wave-washed gullies and explore boulder-strewn rock faces that stretch along the cliff’s base. The views are spectacular—stretching across to Wales on clear days—and the experience is designed to push your limits while keeping safety a priority, with expert instructors leading the way.
What makes this tour special is the combination of adventure sports and scenic beauty—you’ll get to experience the coast’s raw power up close, making it perfect for thrill-seekers or anyone wanting an active day by the sea. It’s best suited for those in good health and comfortable in water, but even beginners can often participate with guidance.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush and love the outdoors, this coasteering adventure offers excellent value and a true sense of freedom along North Devon’s dramatic coastline.
$60.61 per person
3. Ilfracombe: Ghost Walk, Local Tavern Meal & Fireside Tales
This tour combines ghostly exploration with a hearty meal, making for a cozy evening. Priced at $54 and lasting 4 hours, it’s ideal for those who want a mix of storytelling, local flavor, and a relaxed atmosphere. It begins with a guided walk through Ilfracombe’s haunted streets, followed by a meal in a traditional tavern that’s steeped in its own spooky history.
The highlight is the fireside tales that reveal local legends, spirits, and supernatural occurrences in a friendly, storytelling environment. The dinner offers a good opportunity to sample local fare in a setting that complements the spooky theme. The tour is perfect for history lovers who want to absorb Ilfracombe’s haunted side while enjoying good food and conversation in a tavern setting.
While reviews are not provided, the combination of ghost stories, a traditional meal, and fireside storytelling makes this a memorable experience. It appeals especially to travelers who enjoy culture and storytelling over a drink and a hearty meal.
Bottom Line: If you like ghost stories but prefer a more relaxed, social evening with dinner included, this tour offers a warm, engaging experience for a reasonable price.
$54 per person
4. Ilfracombe: Halloween Scare Event Entry Ticket
For a truly spooky Halloween experience, the Watermouth Castle scare event is a 1-hour thrill ride through themed scare zones. Priced at $41, it’s perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone who loves a good scare.
The event features live actors in costumes and elaborate sets, with zones like Bad Barnyard and The Z Factor designed to test your bravery. The eerie castle grounds come alive after dark, with actors jumping out unexpectedly and making sure your heart races. It’s a lively, laughter-filled fright, suitable for all ages who enjoy scares without anything too terrifying.
This event is highly recommended if you want a quick, intense, and fun Halloween-themed outing. Its accessible duration and immersive environment make it ideal for a short but memorable spooky experience.
Bottom Line: For a quick, fun scare that’s perfect around Halloween, this attraction offers excitement and laughs in a creepy castle setting.
$41 per person
5. The Devonian’s Haunted Heritage Paranormal Night Event
The Haunted Heritage Paranormal Night Event offers a deep dive into paranormal investigation, lasting about 5 hours for $47. It’s ideal for those genuinely interested in ghost hunting and the supernatural.
You’ll explore the Devonian Guest House, a Victorian mansion reputed to be haunted by spirits. The tour includes paranormal training, allowing you to learn professional techniques for detecting spirits, and an exclusive house tour where you can roam freely or with your team. Snacks and drinks are available during the night, adding to the comfort of this spooky experience.
Most impressive is the opportunity for free-roaming investigation—you can explore different parts of the house independently, which makes it a hands-on, immersive adventure. Guests have reported feeling a strong sense of the supernatural, and the detailed history of the house enriches the experience.
Bottom Line: If ghost hunting excites you and you want a comprehensive, hands-on paranormal experience, this event offers excellent value and depth.
$47 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Tour in Ilfracombe
Picking the right experience depends on your interests and energy level. If ghost stories fascinate you, the Ilfracombe Harbour Ghost Tour is a classic choice. For adrenaline junkies, the Coasteering Hele Bay offers a day of jumping and swimming in spectacular surroundings. History fans should consider the Paranormal Night Event, which combines ghost hunting with exploration.
Consider your budget and how much time you have. The ghost walks and Halloween event are shorter and more affordable, while the paranormal night and coasteering require a bigger time commitment and a higher price tag but deliver more immersive or intense experiences.
Booking early is advisable—especially for popular tours like coasteering or Halloween scare nights—to ensure availability during peak seasons.
To sum it up, Ilfracombe’s range of tours makes it easy to tailor your visit to your interests. From spooky ghost walks to heart-pumping coasteering, there’s something for every curiosity or thrill seeker. For a relaxed evening, the ghost walk combined with a hearty tavern meal offers a cozy, memorable experience. If you’re after adrenaline, don’t miss the coasteering adventure along North Devon’s stunning coast. And for those fascinated by the supernatural, the paranormal night tour provides a fascinating, hands-on ghost hunting experience.
Whatever you choose, these tours highlight Ilfracombe’s unique charm and character. Be sure to book early, especially during busy seasons, to secure your spot on these unforgettable adventures.