Ilfracombe, North Devon 9–10 May 2026
We look forward
to welcoming you

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.

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.
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

21
Studio or Gallery
Jane Baker
Mixed MediaPaintingPrint-making“Jane’s abstract mixed media works have evolved from a deep seated ideas led approach.”
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.
Above garages
17
Studio or Gallery
Louise Michelle Bird
DrawingPainting“Louise has been making artworks for all of her life. Initially she trained and worked as an illustrator and then moved into portraiture when her family came along. She has worked to commission for over twenty five years and has only recently been creating her own collection of paintings. All through her artistic life, the human figure has been the over riding subject of her work. Exploring and celebrating emotions and character, the joy and fragility of life is what she strives to depict in both her portraiture and her own pieces.”
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.
Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium
35
Studio or Gallery
Chris Swailes
Textiles“Chris has been quilting since her retirement from teaching in 2015 and is now hopelessly hooked on producing quilts, play mats, bags, wall art and other quilting related items. Chris is inspired by what she sees in books and magazines, on the internet, by friends, family and by people who have commissioned her to produce a particular piece. She then carefully selects colours, fabric and design to create the finished piece. She uses a variety of quilting techniques depending on purpose and what she wants the finished piece to look like. These include foundation piecing, trapunto, and free motion quilting. Chris mainly creates quilts as gifts for family and friends and delights in the reaction she gets when a quilt is handed over. This is Chris’s fourth Art Trail. She has new quilts to show since her last exhibition.”
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.
10 Montpelier Terrace
37
Studio or Gallery
Heather McNeilly
Glass“This started as a hobby in 1995 when I enrolled for evening classes in stained glass in Winchester. After nearly ten years of making things for friends and family I took on a workshop at a craft centre near Andover in Hampshire, where I made stained glass windows to commission. During that time I bought a small kiln and started to experiment with fusing glass.”
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.
6 Furze Hill Road
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