Walk - Runnymede Gardens, Ilfracombe

0.1 miles (0.2 km)

Runnymede Gardens Runnymede Gardens

Easy - There is a gradient along the footpath of approximately 6.5% (1:15) down to the gardens entrance. The gardens have one stepped entrance in Wilder Road and one level entrance opposite the Theatre. The gardens are mainly level with a small stream running through the middle. There is a meandering footpath round the gardens with narrow footpaths criss-crossing the gardens with small stone bridges over the stream. The footpaths are all good surfaces in tarmacadam although in places only 900mm wide.

Runnymede gardens is a small enclosed garden close to the Landmark Theatre and sea front in Ilfracombe, North Devon. It is an easy access route with links to other nearby easy access routes. The gardens are mainly level with a small stream running through the middle. There is a meandering footpath round the gardens with narrow footpaths criss-crossing the gardens and small stone bridges over the stream.

There are a range of wonderful places to lay your head near the Coast Path for a well-earned sleep. From large and luxurious hotels, to small and personable B&B's, as well as self-catering options and campsites. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Little Meadow Campsite

Small, uncommercial campsite situated above Watermouth Harbour just a few minutes walk from the Coast path. Beautiful views, hot showers and baked pastries every morning.

Ocean Backpackers

Quality independent hostel with large self catering kitchen, communal lounge and dining room. Private en-suite rooms and dorms. Open from April to November.

White Pebbles Backpackers

Budget backpacker camping right on the Path with toilet facilities. Fantastic views set within a beautiful long garden. Card or Cash payment accepted

Seacroft Ilfracombe

Elegant Grade 2 listed town house in quiet area 0.2 miles from Coast Path. Sleeps 6 in 3 double rooms. Comfy beds. All mod cons. Patio garden with BBQ. Close to shops.

Avoncourt Lodge

Simple light and airy B&B with full breakfast, ensuite baths, honesty bar and drying room on SW Coastal Pathway, Ilfracombe. Dog friendly

The Devonian Guest House

The Devonian was built as a Gentleman's Victorian Residence in 1883 and is situated in its own acre of woodland and gardens.

Lundy House Hotel

Set on the cliffs of the North Devon coast between Mortehoe and Woolacombe we are a dog friendly BnB, offering 8 ensuite rooms and self catering options for longer stays.

High Ways Guest House

Coastal & Countryside Views, caters for any dietary requirements. Bus stop outside

Varley House

An Edwardian Guest House with 7 en-suite rooms, built originally as a Rest Home for officers recuperating from the Boer war, hence the grandeur of our building

Lee Bay Bothy

A traditional Devon Stone building adjoined to SWCP, 300 meters. a Bothy with a few added comforts.

Watermouth Cove Cottages

Watermouth Cove Cottages are ideally situated on the beautiful North Devon coast between the golden surfing beaches of Woolacombe and Croyde and the Exmoor National Park

Sunnymead Farm Camping & Touring Site

Small friendly family run site, 4 AA Pennant, stunning views, dogs welcome FOC, hot showers, EHU's, large level pitches, play area, bus stop

Lee Meadow Farm Camping

Traditional campsite set in lovely countryside beside the Coast Path. Free hot showers, farm shop on site and bike hire. .

Sandaway Beach Holiday Park

Situated on a cliff's edge with breathtaking sea views. There's a stepped path to the private 'Mermaid's Cove' beach, perfect for fishing & dolphin spotting. Relax and eat at Smuggler's Bar and take in the incredible views. Just 1 mile from the Path.

Warcombe Farm Camping Park

Warcombe is a family run campsite with direct access to the SW Coast Path we have excellent facilities and secluded pitches. We're dog friendly too!

Beach Cottage

Beach Cottage sits directly on the North Devon Coast Path. A beautiful property that sleeps 6 and dogs welcome. Opposite cottage is as dog friendly beach.

Newberry Beach Lodge

A pebbles throw from the award winning Newberry & Combe Martin beaches, local pubs and cafes. Enjoy a soak in a roll-top bath after a day's walking!

Channel Vista Guest House

This friendly, hikers' haven is open Feb-Nov. By SWCP, beaches & amenities. Free Wifi & Parking; Conservatory Bar; Laundry & Drying

Combe Martin Beach Holiday Park

Combe Martin Beach Holiday Park offers a haven of peace in a picturesque valley, including a woodland walk and natural surroundings for children to roam free and the best sea views in North Devon. Clubhouse with restaurant and bar on-site.

North Morte Farm Caravan & Camping Park

Family run Caravan and Camping Park, set in beautiful, unspoilt countryside with direct access to the South West Coastal Park. 5 minute walk from the village of Mortehoe

Sea Stone

Sea Stone - Premium Bed and Breakfast accommodation in Combe Martin, offering spacious rooms with superb sea views.

Woolacombe Sands Holiday Park

Accommodation and Camping in Woolacombe with a footpath to Woolacombe and the beach

The Buttery and Cromlech House

A family holiday home on North Devon's beautiful SWCP, in the heart of an amazing village with 3 great pubs. The Buttery (5 bedrooms) and Cromlech House (4 bedrooms).

Seascape Hideaways at Mortehoe

Park Cottage is your ultimate coastal escape and idyllic base from which to explore the Path and rugged Atlantic coast and beaches including Morte Point, Woolacombe and Putsborough.

Little Roadway Farm Camping Park, Woolacombe

Family-friendly campsite nestled on the edge of the beautiful North Devon coast. Glamping Pods, Caravans & Self Cottages also available. Shop

Pack O Cards

Grade2**listed ancient monument offering comfortable, modern accommodation. King size beds, enduite showers.. Varied menu.

Byron Woolacombe Holidays

Byron Woolacombe Holidays: Chic self-catering apartments, a stones throw from Woolacombe Beach and the South West Coast Path. Perfect for families, couples, and pets!

The Porthole

Cafe and take away kiosk, indoor & outdoor seating with panoramic beach views. Incredible food, coffee, drinks & ice cream. Open year round, check website for times.

Lion House Bed & Breakfast

A former Public House/Inn built in 1890, Lion House offers Bed and Breakfast accommodation with four light and spacious rooms providing our guests with the highest levels

Silver View Campsite

Silver View offers traditional camping adjacent to Exmoor National Park

You'll be spoilt for choice for where to eat and drink along the Path. With lots of local seasonal food on offer, fresh from the farm, field and waters. Try our local ales, ciders, wines and spirits, increasing in variety by the year, as you sit in a cosy pub, fine dining restaurant or chilled café on the beach. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

The Sawmills

Situated between Ilfracombe and Combe Martin, Sawmills provides the perfect stop off for great food, atmosphere and stay in one of 4 thoughtfully designed rooms. Experience the best of North Devon's coast, cuisine and hospitality.

Ilfracombe Aquarium

Consisting of Local Aquatic Exhibits, Pier Cafe & Gift Shop. Ilfracombe Aquarium prides itself on it's established reputation, quality of products & service.

The Old Schoolroom Craft Gallery

Contemporary Local Arts and crafts. Maps, books, art supplies, Ice cream, freshly ground coffee and delicious treats to takeaway, limited outdoor seating
What is on your list of things to do when you visit the Path? From walking companies, to help you tailor your visit, with itineraries and experts to enhance your visit, to baggage transfer companies and visitor attractions there are lots to people and places to help you decide what you'd like to do. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Ilfracombe Tourist Information Centre

Drop in to find all the information you need on things to do and places to visit in Ilfracombe.

Mortehoe Museum

The Museum is housed in a former cart linhay barn. Much of the of the Parish’s rich heritage is recorded in the gallery upstairs where there are displays covering

Woolacombe Tourist Information

Check out all the information you need for enjoying the Woolacombe & Morthoe area at this award winning TIC.

Ezee Cabs of Woolacombe

Friendly, family run taxi company getting you around North Devon and beyond to help in your Path journey. Can also transport larger groups (up to 24).

Interactive Elevation

Route Description

This walk is one of a series of walks to be found at www.phototrails.org The website aims "to help everyone discover and enjoy access to the countryside, tailored to their own needs and preferences." It is run by the Fieldfare Trust who work with people with disabilities and countryside managers to improve access to the countryside for everyone.

Runnymede gardens is a small enclosed garden close to the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe Museum and the sea front in Ilfracombe. There is a car park adjacent and there are 7 accessible parking spaces close by although not in the car park itself. All users have to pay for parking.

  1. The gardens have one stepped entrance in Wilder Road and one level entrance opposite the Theatre.

The gardens are mainly level with a small stream running through the middle. There is a meandering footpath round the gardens with narrow footpaths criss-crossing the gardens with small stone bridges over the stream. In the centre of the gardens is a bandstand which has 6 steps up to the seating area. There are low walls either side of the steps but no handrails. The gardens are used annually during a Victorian week event. The stream running through the gardens has stone edging all along it which give some indication to visually impaired people but there are no upstands or any other tactile warning of the stream. The flow at the time of the survey was low so there was no sound to help identify its location. The gardens currently have a line of timber hoarding along the western boundary where there used to be a building that has now been demolished. Two of the footpaths terminate at the hoarding.

Although now North Devon's largest holiday town, Ilfracombe has its origins in Saxon times and is mentioned in the Domesday Book. During the medieval period it had two centres, around the church and around the harbour. It was important as a fishing harbour and commercial port and there was a quay here in the Middle Ages.

Ilfracombe began to develop as a holiday resort in the early 1800s, although it was the coming of the railway in the 1870s which really marked the beginning of the town's large-scale expansion. As a result of this it is now one of Devon's best examples of a town dominated by Victorian architecture.

Public transport

Local bus service round Ilfracombe and from Barnstaple. 3/21A/30/31/32/35/300 & 302. The local buses from Barnstaple stop in Wilder Road just opposite the gardens.

Parking

There is a car park adjacent with spaces for 51 cars. There are 7 accessible parking spaces close by  although not in the car park itself. All users have to pay for parking.

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