|  | Sporting Ilfracombe
We have a large local swimming club, a leading table tennis club, a thriving sub-aqua diving club, yacht, bowls, golf (the course is over 110 years old), bridge, chess and tennis clubs, as well as for the young at heart several night clubs which do "garage" to "eighties".
From the harbour deep sea fishing is popular.
 | To the east, Hillsborough - "The Sleeping Elephant" - site of the Iron Age settlement |
A world champion pool player, Jason Twist plays in the local league. All sporting activities are either here or nearby at Woolacombe 2 miles hence, where there is a 4 mile long sandy beach for surfing. Two national Sustrans cycle trails start within the town.
The future? Well Fore St and the harbour area restaurants and pubs cater for every style of ethnic cooking - classic English, Mexican Tapas, Caribbean, French, Italian, Indian, Chinese; and now Damien Hirst (yes, the artist and restaurateur) has gained planning permission to open his own restaurant on the Quay.
 | St Nicholas Chapel protects the harbour |
Some other interesting people who have lived or stayed in the resort include Beatrice Potter, Peter Sellers, Joan & Jackie Collins went to school here, Henry ("Tarka the Otter") Williamson lived by the harbour for 18 years, and recently World and Olympic gold medallist athlete, Jonathon Edwards, grew up here. His father was vicar of St Phillips & St James (Pip & Jims).
Besides those, other world famous popstar faces enjoy their anonymity drinking in the 28 hostelries in the town….. Ilfracombe is back, and looking to the future.
To sum up then...why Ilfracombe?
It has everything; beautiful surroundings, a pleasant climate, the sea, an inclusive "no pseuds, take us as we are, black tie mixed with jeans society". We know how to enjoy ourselves yet not damage our environment. It's cool!
A place with a great history, a better future. Life is a sunny day sitting on the Quay with a real ale listening to live blues bands, or open mike, and jazz in the Pavilions. Convinced? Come and see for yourself.
Frank Pearson.If you live in Ilfracombe and would like to add to Frank's tour of the town or have another comment to make then click here.
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