December 2025
Christmas in Ilfracombe
HIGH STREET SHOPS ARE STAYING OPEN LATER!
FRIDAYS IN DECEMBER WITH FREE PARKING from 4pm
High Street & Ropery Road Car Parks + ALL DAY SATURDAYS
reach the end of another year, I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who makes Ilfracombe Magazine possible. Whether you’re a long-time reader, a new advertiser, or someone who has contributed a story or shared a piece of local news, you are at the heart of what we do The Ilfracombe Magazine has been a fixture in local homes, connecting neighbours and supporting the town’s businesses. It’s a privilege to play a small part in helping the community stay informed, engaged, and connected The support of our readers and advertisers allows us to keep bringing you the stories, events, and updates that matter most to Ilfracombe.
This festive season, I want to offer special thanks to all of our advertisers, local tradespeople, shop owners, restaurants, and service providers who continue to place their trust in the magazine. Your support not only helps your business reach every home in town, but also ensures that we can keep the magazine free to readers and full of useful, local content.
As we look ahead to the new year, I’d love to hear more from our readers If you’re involved in a local club, group, or event or if you know of something exciting happening in Ilfracombe, please get in touch. Your stories and updates are what bring these pages to life and help us celebrate
The more we share, the stronger our communitybecomes.
I’m always keen to make space for local voices, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have something to contribute Whether it’s a regular column, a one-off event, or simply a few lines about your group, every bit helps to keep Ilfracombe Magazine vibrant and relevant.
Thank you, once again, for your continued loyalty and support Wishing you and your loved ones a warm and joyful Christmas, and a happy, healthy New Year. With festive best wishes, Graham Harris Publisher
Do you have something you would like to tell our readers? Do you have an event? Are you raising money for charity? Has your sports team one a competition? We would like to hear from you
Please email theilfracombemagazine@outlook.com
As December arrives, Ilfracombe comes into its own, with twinkling lights, late night shopping and plenty of places to eat, drink and be merry
High Street shops will be open late on the night, then on Fridays throughout December, making it easy to pick up gifts after work. Ilfracombe Town Council are offering free parking in Ropery Road and the High Street car parks on Friday afternoons from 4pm and all day on Saturdays during December, so you can take your time and shop local. Throughout December, Pip and Jim’s will be running its annual Christmas Tree Festival in the Community Centre across the road from the church, due to ongoing renovation work It’s a lovely way to pause, wander among the decorated trees and soak up the season.
If you’re planning a Christmas meal or party, there are plenty of local venues ready to welcome you. The Carlton Hotel is offering festive party nights, afternoon teas, Christmas Day and Boxing Day dining, as well as a stylish three‑night New Year’s escape with a Gala Dinner and Dance. Monkey Puzzle Restaurant at North Devon Resort has a special Christmas menu and festive drinks, while Santiago’s on St James Place is serving a festive evening menu and can cater for groups of up to 26 friends, colleagues or family
For more information of what is happening in Ilfracombe this festive season visit: www visitilfracombe co uk/blog/christmasand-new-year/
Larkstone Cafe Bar will be serving a Sunday Christmas carvery, including a drink and Christmas crackers, on Sundays through to 21st December, and The Lime Kiln Cafe & Bar is hosting Christmas parties for groups of between 15 and 120 people, as well as a New Year’s Eve Masquerade Party with a five‑course meal and DJ until 1am With sparkling lights, community events and plenty of places to celebrate, December is a wonderful time to enjoy Christmas in Ilfracombe.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. From the ilIlfracombe Magazine team.
December can be a month of mixed emotions. For some, it brings excitement and togetherness; for others, it can feel heavy, lonely, or overwhelming. The short days and festive pressures can leave many of us feeling drained, so it’s especially important to slow down and look after our wellbeing. One gentle way to do that is by reconnecting with nature. This month, I want to highlight the great work of Goodleigh Horticultural Society, who are encouraging their community to discover the benefits of horticulture and gardening all year round Even in winter, tending to plants, spending time outdoors, or joining others in green spaces can lift our mood and reduce stress Gardening offers a sense of purpose and calm. Simple acts like planting bulbs for spring, feeding the birds, or taking a mindful walk through a garden can remind us that growth continues, even in the colder months Though the garden may seem quiet, there’s still life and fresh growth beneath the surface, a gentle reminder that rest and growth can happen side by side. For some, joining a community horticultural and gardening group brings not just fresh air but friendship, belonging, and shared achievement. Being part of something nurturing and local supports both personal well-being and the
wider community
In many ways, caring for our mental health is like caring for a garden We need patience, gentleness, and time to rest. Just as the garden lies quiet and takes a break before spring, we too can use this season to recharge and reflect. Small acts of self-care, like reaching out for support, getting outside, or simply pausing to breathe and notice what is going on with you both externally and internally, can make a big difference As the year draws to a close, take a moment to notice what’s still growing in nature, and in yourself.
Thank you to Goodleigh Horticultural Society for reminding us that even in winter, life continues to flourish when we nurture it. If you’d like more information about the society, please visit their Facebook group - Goodleigh Horticultural Society.
Wishing everyone peace, good health, and my very best wishes for the new year. Remember, nature is free to us all in many shapes and forms, so let’s embrace her, and the many ways she can support our wellbeing when we take time to connect
As the eightieth anniversary of both VE and VJ Days were commemorated this year I thought that it would be interesting to have a look at our collection of local newspapers and see what the Christmas festivities were like in that same year
Apparently the weather was cold and wet, and there were not many people about during daytimes, but the evening functions were well patronised. Several dances took place at the Victoria Pavilion The Golf Club called theirs a Ball, with admission charges of 7/6, or 5/- for HM forces in uniform The Liberal Association’s was a Dance, with admission 4/6 for two, with HM forces 1/6.
Esme Preston presented her 16th annual pantomime, Mother Goose, at the Alexandra Hall It was a sell-out, and starred Anne Waldock, Joan Rudd and Betty Huxtable amongst many others.
At the Scala Cinema Deanna Durbin was starring in “Lady on a Train,” whilst at the New Cinema Gary Cooper was in “Souls At Sea.”
Although the war was over, rationing was not, and Southcombe’s were unable to make Christmas cakes because the Ministry of Food had made cuts in the supply of fats,sugar and fruit to bakers This was because the general ration had been improved for the Christmas period only More sugar, butter, margarine and meat was available, with extra cheese for vegetarians, so Combeites would have been able to celebrate with a little more style at home
Carpentry
UPVC Windows & Doors
Composite & Wood Decking
Fencing
Painting & Decorating
Fascias & Guttering
Cladding
Extensions & Conservatories
When friends Nicole and Alix opened Magenta Fine Art in 2021, their aim was simple – to bring high-quality, contemporary art to the North Devon coast. Four years on, that shared vision has blossomed into two thriving galleries in Ilfracombe and Woolacombe, each buzzing with colour, creativity, and community spirit
Nicole, who grew up in North Devon, brings over a decade of gallery experience and an encyclopaedic knowledge of the art world. Alix, an artist herself and seasoned traveller who now calls Devon her home, combines her creativity with an instinct for connecting people with art they love Together, they’ve
Although the all-female team wasn’t by design, it’s become one of the gallery’s defining features “It just happened naturally,” says Alix. “But there’s a real energy that comes from women working together.” That doesn’t mean men aren’t welcome at Magenta; “we have some fabulous Magenta wags,” Alix continues Her husband, Drew, is the in-house photographer, while Nicole’s partner transformed the Woolacombe gallery into the contemporary space you see today. Two team members – Nicole and her sister Carly – are currently on maternity leave, enjoying time with their baby girls, who are already being celebrated as the next generation of “Magenta girls”
Running a coastal gallery isn’t without its challenges – the dramatic shifts of the tourist season test even the most dedicated business owners – yet Magenta remains
built something rare – a gallery that feels both professional and deeply personal
Inside Magenta’s bright, welcoming spaces, visitors discover a collection that rivals any big city gallery. The roster includes internationally renowned names such as Mr Brainwash, Doug Hyde, Christian Hook, Simon Kenny, and Fabian Perez, alongside a selection of emerging artists working across genres from pop art and abstracts to seascapes and street art. Magenta’s events are a highlight of the local calendar – lively evenings where artists mingle with collectors and first-time buyers alike. “We love putting on a party,” laughs Alix “It’s about breaking down barriers and making art exciting, not intimidating ”
open year-round, supported by a loyal client base and a strong local following. It has also created rare and much-valued opportunities for local people to work within the arts –something often hard to find in the South West, particularly in North Devon With its bold exhibitions, warm hospitality, and pioneering spirit, Magenta Fine Art is redefining what a contemporary gallery can be – proof that creativity, community, and collaboration make for an inspiring masterpiece.
Find us at 19 St James Place, Ilfracombe 1 Barton Road, Woolacombe
Woolacombe Surf Life Saving Club have capped off a phenomenal summer of competition, with outstanding success across all age groups from Nippers right up to Masters. After a winter of pool training, the club returned to Woolacombe Beach to sharpen their skills in the sea and on the sand, building towards the Regional and National events – and it paid off The season began in style at the Devon Ocean Championships, hosted by Saunton SLSC. Both the Nipper and Youth teams stormed to victory, setting the tone for the summer In scorching July heat, some beach events were moved to a cooler evening at Woolacombe, where the Nippers topped the leaderboard with 4,927 points, ahead of Saunton (2,612) and Croyde (1,629). This momentum carried into the National Ocean Championships in Weymouth, where both Nipper and Youth groups again took home National titles in unusually flat, shallow conditions. Across the Youth and Nippers, Hayle pushed them hard, but Woolacombe’s Nippers secured the title with a 538 point lead, and the Youth became champions again with a 418 point margin. The Masters, with one of the smallest squads, also impressed with an incredible 5th place at their Nationals, matching the leaders, Bude, for 1st place finishes.
To top it all off, the Senior team delivered a historic performance at the 2025 Open Nationals at Fistral Beach, taking the national title and beating powerhouse Portreath for the first time since 2001.
Woolacombe scored 750 points, ahead of Portreath on 602 and Pen Y Bont on 268 –ending a 19 year run of dominance and cementing Woolacombe’s place at the forefront of surf lifesaving in the UK Whether you’re a seasoned ocean swimmer or just keen to learn new skills, Woolacombe Surf Life Saving Club welcomes new members of all ages, fitness levels, and experience.
To find out more or join the club, please visit: https://woolacombesurflifesavingclub org
