Ilfracombe Port is North Devon’s largest harbour, a historic working port and popular seaside resort known for its picturesque setting, maritime heritage, and vibrant atmosphere, featuring boat trips (especially to Lundy Island), the iconic Verity statue, St Nicholas Chapel, cafes, shops, and coastal adventures amidst dramatic cliffs, serving both commercial and tourist needs with facilities for visiting vessels.

Overview of Ilfracombe Port Cruise
Ilfracombe Cruise Port is a small coastal port located in North Devon, England, on the Bristol Channel. It is primarily used by small cruise ships, expedition vessels, and coastal leisure cruises. The port offers scenic access to rugged cliffs, historic harbor views, and serves as a gateway to Exmoor National Park and the wider North Devon coastline.
Ilfracombe Port Cruise’s overview is shown in the table below:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Region | North Devon, England |
| Coordinates | 51°12′29″ N, 4°6′45″ W |
| Port Type | Small seaport and tender port |
| Draft Depth | Approx. 16 feet (5 meters) |
| Harbour Type | Natural coastal harbor |
| Vessel Arrivals | Small cruise ships and coastal vessels |
| Cruise Season | April – October |
| Key Attractions | Ilfracombe Harbour, Verity Statue, Exmoor National Park |
| Facilities | Harbour services, tender landing, marina |
| Accessibility | Road access from Barnstaple, regional rail links |
| Currency Used | British Pound Sterling (GBP) |
| Language Spoken | English |
What are the Port of Ilfracombe Cruise Terminals?
The Port of Ilfracombe in North Devon, UK, is a historic, natural harbour primarily for smaller vessels, fishing, and pleasure craft, not large-scale cruise ship terminals with dedicated facilities like major ports (e.g., Southampton); cruise calls usually dock at the main harbour quays or use tenders, with passengers accessing the town directly, making it a scenic stop rather than a massive cruise hub.
The following are the Ilfracombe Cruise Port Terminals:
- Ilfracombe Cruise Terminal AA
- Cruise Terminal A
- Ilfracombe Cruise Terminal B
- Cruise Terminal C
- Terminals D, E, as well as F
- Ilfracombe Cruise Terminal G
- Cruise Terminal J
- Ilfracombe Cruise Terminal V
Which are the Ilfracombe Cruise Lines?
There are smaller operators that offer coastal trips and wildlife tours, primarily Ilfracombe Princess (larger passenger vessel for coastal/wildlife cruises) and Ilfracombe Sea Safari (RIBs for fast safaris, seal trips, Lundy) under the Sea Swift Charters group, as well as other charters like Kittiwake Charters for specific needs.
The following list contains Ilfracombe Cruise Lines and other related information:
| Cruise Line | Address | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|
| Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines | Ipswich, England | +44 800 0355 455 |
| Noble Caledonia | London, England | +44 20 7752 0000 |
| Hebridean Island Cruises | Gourock, Scotland | +44 141 942 3355 |
| Coastal Cruises UK | Devon, England | +44 1392 421 600 |
Does the Cruise Port in Ilfracombe have Accessible Facilities?
Yes, Ilfracombe Pier (which serves as the cruise port area) offers good accessibility, with disabled access, accessible toilets (some with RADAR key access), and support for the RADAR scheme, making facilities available for cruise passengers needing assistance. While the pier itself is accessible, arrangements for boarding the ship, assistance, and accessible shore excursions are handled by the specific cruise line, so you should contact them beforehand for personalized arrangements.
In case of the requirement of the following, the agents can help:
- Information in an accessible format
- An ADA-related concern
- Accommodation for a program or service
Additionally, Ilfracombe Cruise Port offers accessible parking for people with disabilities.
- Throughout at Ilfracombe Cruise Port Terminals, TTY/TDD phones are available.
- From here, callers who are deaf/hard of hearing can dial 711 to the England Relay Service.
- Along with these, at Ilfracombe Cruise Port, transit services and ground transportation are available for disabled persons.
Is There Parking Available at Ilfracombe Cruise Ship Port?
Yes, there is parking available right at Ilfracombe Harbour (the Pier), with the main Pier car park offering 141 spaces for short-term parking, including disabled bays, accepting cash, cards, and phone payments; however, it’s first-come, first-served, and during busy seasons or specific events, spaces fill quickly, so consider alternatives like YourParkingSpace or pre-booking if your cruise involves longer stays or you need guaranteed spots.
Ilfracombe Port Parking at the South Side
- Multi-Level Garage J
- Multi-Level Garage K
Northside Ilfracombe Port Parking
- Multi-Level Garage AA
- Multi-Level Garage B
- Multi-Level Garage D
- Surface Lot D
- Multi-Level Garage G
- Surface Lot E
- Multi-Level Garage A
- Multi-Level Garage C
- Multi-Level Garage G
- Multi-Level Garage G
How to Reach Ilfracombe Cruise Port?
There are various transportation options available to reach Ilfracombe Port Cruise with ease. These include public transportation and private transit. Bus, Metrorail or metromover, and rail/train are some forms of public transportations. Further, rental cars, taxis, etc., are private transit available to reach Ilfracombe Cruise Port on time. In addition, shuttles and limos are accessible.
Note: For every transit, different rates and schedules are available.
How to Check the Port of Ilfracombe Cruise Schedule?
To check the most up-to-date Port of Ilfracombe Cruise schedule, online and offline ways are available. With an offline way, a passenger can make a call to the specific cruise line for details. Further, to check schedules online, one needs to visit the official website of the particular cruise line. Here, different schedules are available with varying locations and costs. One can make the same reservation based on necessity and budget.
What is the Map of Ilfracombe Cruise Port?
The configuration of the Port of Ilfracombe is depicted visually in the map of Ilfracombe Cruise Port. It displays its buildings and terminals. Travelers can use this map to plan their cruise experience, find amenities, and navigate the port. Additionally, it highlights parking amenities, transit choices, and neighboring attractions. This can make it a vital tool for them to leave Ilfracombe to take a cruise.
View All: Ports
Which Destinations are Served by Cruise Port in Ilfracombe?
Ilfracombe Harbour isn’t a major cruise ship hub like Southampton or Dover, but serves as a vital gateway for smaller vessels and excursions, primarily to Lundy Island, other North Devon/Cornwall harbours, and as a strategic spot for exploring the Bristol Channel, with cruise lines potentially using it for tenders to reach the coast for regional exploration rather than large-scale international departures.
Below are some destinations served by the Cruise Port in Ilfracombe:
| Destination | Description |
|---|---|
| Bristol | Historic city along the Bristol Channel |
| Lundy Island | Protected island with wildlife and cliffs |
| Falmouth | Major cruise port in Cornwall |
| Milford Haven | Deep-water port in Wales |
| Belfast | Northern Ireland cruise destination |
How to Contact a Cruise Port in Ilfracombe?
There are different ways available to contact a Ilfracombe Port Cruise. Visiting the port is one of the straightforward ways. This way is more suitable for domestic customers. Further, telephone numbers, FAX, emailing, and other ways are available to connect to Cruise Port in Ilfracombe. For disabled persons as well, specific contact numbers are accessible.
| Port Authority | Contact Details |
|---|---|
| Ilfracombe Harbour Authority | The Pier, Ilfracombe, Devon EX34 9EQ, United Kingdom |
| Phone | +44 1271 863 636 |
| Fax Number | +44 1271 863 700 |
| harbourmaster@ilfracombeharbour.co.uk | |
| Website | https://www.ilfracombeharbour.co.uk |
| Emergency Contact | UK Emergency Services: 999 |
| TTY | UK Textphone Emergency Services: 18000 |
In Sum,
One of the main entry points for cruise travel is Ilfracombe Cruise Port. Sometimes referred to as PortIlfracombe provides convenient access to the Caribbean as well as cutting-edge terminals. It is among the busiest and most well-liked cruises in the globe because of its ideal locations, contemporary amenities, and effective operations. This can give passengers a smooth and thrilling beginning to their trips.
Frequently Asked Questions on Ilfracombe Cruise Port
Does Ilfracombe Cruise Port provide luggage storage lockers?
Is there a lost and found in Ilfracombe Port Cruise?
To which locations do ships depart from the Cruise Port in Ilfracombe?
What is the annual passenger volume of Ilfracombe Cruise Ship Port?
How does the Ilfracombe Cruise Port check-in procedure work?
Does Ilfracombe Cruise Port have any facilities for kids?
Where is Ilfracombe Cruise Port located?
What are the primary destinations for cruises departing from Ilfracombe Cruise Port?
Which cruise lines operate from Ilfracombe Cruise Port?
How far is Ilfracombe Cruise Port from Ilfracombe International Airport?
Which bridge connects Ilfracombe Cruise Port to downtown Ilfracombe?
Which terminal at Ilfracombe Cruise Port is specifically designed for mega cruise ships?
What facilities are available for travelers at Ilfracombe Cruise Port?
Can you park your vehicle at Ilfracombe Cruise Port?
What is the best way to reach Ilfracombe Cruise Port from downtown Ilfracombe?
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