Photographs from this trail

Ilfracombe, North Devon 9–10 May 2026

We look forward
to welcoming you

9–10 May 2026 101 open venues 3 zones Free to visit
What is the art trail?

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 in its 9th 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.

Browse trail venues
Making art accessible to all

Making art accessible to all

Now celebrating its 11th year, the art trail continues to grow, welcoming an increasing number of artists and visitors each year. 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.

More about this

Find your way around

The trail is split into zones. Open one to see who is taking part there.

Meet a few makers

A taste of who you will find along the trail

See all 101
  • Ted Child artwork

    14

    Studio or Gallery

    Ted Child

    DrawingMixed MediaPainting

    “My name is Ted. I am 13 years old and I like making paintings inspired by the sea.”

    Not wheelchair accessible. There is no toilet, no view from the pavement and nothing to eat or drink. Ring ahead to ask what is possible.

    The Hill
  • Laura Maughan artwork

    14

    Studio or Gallery

    Laura Maughan

    DrawingMixed MediaPainting+2

    “For this year’s Art Trail I will be show-casing a selection of drawings, paintings and cyanotypes.”

    Not wheelchair accessible. There is no toilet, no view from the pavement and nothing to eat or drink. Ring ahead to ask what is possible.

    The Hill
  • Loretta Wall artwork

    13

    Studio or Gallery

    Loretta Wall

    Mixed Media

    “I studied fine art painting at Winchester school of art. My work has evolved using everything from traditional oil on canvas through to mixed media, which is sometimes sculptural.”

    Not wheelchair accessible. There is no toilet, no view from the pavement and nothing to eat or drink. Ring ahead to ask what is possible.

    Meldon House
  • Sam Cousins artwork

    14

    Studio or Gallery

    Sam Cousins

    CeramicsDrawingMixed Media+1

    “For me, periods of creativity come in phases, finding an avenue of ideas to explore and play with without preconceptions or a destination point. It’s somewhat like mining; finding a vein or seam to excavate, then digging away to see what you find until the lode runs out. It’s a good analogy; it’s hard but absorbing work in a little space all of its own and you never quite know what you are going to discover. Starting points can come from anywhere; a process, a technique, a colour, a song lyric, a conversation, a concept, a contradiction, music, a feeling. Anything that suggests an unresolved question or prompts curiosity about how we live and interpret the world. Humans are the most consequential, contradictory and contrary species; the most brilliant and the most imbecilic, the most rational and irrational, both creative and the most destructive. Consequently, I find the richest themes come from people and the work that results is usually figurative.”

    Not wheelchair accessible. There is no toilet, no view from the pavement and nothing to eat or drink. Ring ahead to ask what is possible.

    The Hill

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Exhibit on the trail