Photographs from this trail
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
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
31
Studio or Gallery
Fiona Bates
Ceramics“My journey with clay began 6 million years ago shortly after life had evolved on earth.”
Step-free access throughout. There is no toilet, no view from the pavement and nothing to eat or drink.
The Pier GalleryWheelchair accessible: yes
16
Studio or Gallery
Ilf. Art & Craft Society
CeramicsDrawingJewellery+4“Inside the art & craft centre you will find a large selection of original paintings created by talented local artists. From animals, flowers, local seascapes and harbour scenes to studies of beautiful North Devon and Exmoor there’s something to suit every ones taste. The craft work selection is just as varied. On show there’s stained glass work, hand created glass sculptures and jewellery items, pottery, woodturning, handmade cards, felted, sewn and knitted creations. So whether you are looking for a large picture for that special place in your home, a small present for a friend or even fancy spoiling yourself with a reminder of your visit to Ilfracombe, you’ll be sure to find something suitable in our art & craft centre… and you can be assured that whatever you buy will have been produced locally and that a part of the cost your purchase will be donated to a local charity.”
Step-free access throughout. There is no toilet, no view from the pavement and nothing to eat or drink.
9/10Wheelchair accessible: yes
51
Studio or Gallery
David Jones
Wood“During the course of my 30 years as a furniture maker, I have tried to express my artistic side through the manufacture of making mainly utilitarian items for others in timber but also gaining insight in the recreation/ repair of period pieces. This has allowed me to create new pieces in different styles as well as my own.”
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 Gallery
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