The Ilfracombe Art Phenomenon
lfracombe opens its doors once again for a vibrant celebration of art and creativity.
Across the town, artists and crafts people welcome visitors into their studios, galleries, homes and gardens, offering a diverse range of artwork and handmade pieces to view and purchase.
What is the art trail?
The Ilfracombe Art Trail is an independent collaboration of artists, makers, galleries and beautiful gardens, all set in and around the town of Ilfracombe. Most venues are within an easy 20-minute walk of the High Street, with a handful well worth a short drive away in nearby Berrynarbor.
Whether you dip in for an hour or spend the whole weekend exploring, the Art Trail lets you choose your own route and discover something new at every stop. From striking paintings and sculpture to jewellery, ceramics, textiles and photography, there is an exciting variety of affordable art to enjoy — often in unexpected and characterful settings.
As you follow the trail, you’ll wander through Ilfracombe’s Victorian streets, peek into hidden corners, and enjoy the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that makes the event so special. Many venues offer the chance to pause for tea and cake, and the town’s independent Artisan cafés and eateries are perfect for a break between stops.
Now celebrating its 10th year, the Ilfracombe Art Trail promises its biggest and most enjoyable event yet — a perfect opportunity to combine art, exploration and a great day out by the sea.
The Ilfracombe Art Trail is a non-profit organisation, funded primarily through participant fees, and is run by a small, dedicated committee of four members, all working together to create a lively and memorable experience for both artists and visitors alike.
Making art accessible to all
In 2026, the Ilfracombe Art Trail celebrates its 10th anniversary.
The trail showcases a rich and varied selection of affordable artwork by local artists, displayed across a wide range of venues, including galleries, studios and gardens throughout Ilfracombe.
Visitors can enjoy paintings, sculpture, photography, jewellery, printmaking, textiles, leatherwork and ceramics, alongside workshops running throughout the weekend —details of which you will find on here and in our brochure.
Using our clear and easy-to-follow map and guide, you can explore art in some delightfully unexpected locations, quite a few just a short stroll from the High Street. Experience the creativity of both local artists and those from further afield as you wander Ilfracombe’s Victorian streets and take in the diverse artistic offerings.
What is an open studio?
An open studio is a welcoming space where creativity takes centre stage, inviting visitors to meet the artist, ask questions, or simply take time to enjoy and reflect on the artwork on display.
For artists, open studios offer the pleasure of engaging with visitors, sharing ideas, and building meaningful connections.
Visitors also have the opportunity to purchase original work and learn more about upcoming exhibitions, events or courses the artists may be offering.
What is the art trail?
The Ilfracombe Art Trail is an independent collaboration of artists, makers, galleries and beautiful gardens, all set in and around the town of Ilfracombe. Most venues are within an easy 20-minute walk of the High Street, with a handful of venues well worth a short drive away in nearby Berrynarbor.
The Art Trail invites you to explore creativity at your own pace. Choose the venues that catch your eye, step inside studios and galleries, meet artists where they work, and discover the ideas, processes and inspirations behind their art. Along the way, you’ll find plenty that is new, surprising and inspiring.
Each year the Trail is widely promoted locally and regionally, and wherever possible on a national level, helping to create a lively and well-attended event. Visitors can enjoy a buzzing yet relaxed atmosphere, shaped by both the organisers and the artists themselves, who play an important role in welcoming you into their spaces.
Now celebrating our 10th year, we are delighted to welcome visitors to what promises to be our biggest and most exciting Art Trail yet.
The Ilfracombe Art Trail is a non-profit event, run by a small, dedicated committee of four members, and supported by participating artists fees and the local council — all working together to create a memorable experience for artists and visitors alike.
Making art accessible to all
2026 sees the Ilfracombe Art Trail celebrating its 10th anniversary
The trail showcases a rich and varied selection of affordable artwork by local artists, displayed across a wide range of venues, including galleries, studios and gardens throughout Ilfracombe.
Visitors can enjoy paintings, sculpture, photography, jewellery, printmaking, textiles, leatherwork and ceramics, alongside workshops running throughout the weekend — and plenty more besides.
Using our clear and easy-to-follow map and guide, you can explore art in some delightfully unexpected locations, most just a short stroll from the High Street. Experience the creativity of local artists alongside work from further afield as you wander Ilfracombe’s Victorian streets and take in the diverse artistic offerings. Along the way, why not stop at one of the venues for tea and cake, or relax in one of the town’s excellent artisan cafés?
What is an open studio?
An open studio is a welcoming space where creativity takes centre stage, inviting visitors to meet the artist, ask questions, or simply take time to enjoy and reflect on the artwork on display.
For artists, open studios offer the pleasure of engaging with visitors, sharing ideas, and building meaningful connections.
Visitors also have the opportunity to purchase original work and learn more about upcoming exhibitions, events or courses the artists may be offering.
