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
  • Fiona Bates artwork

    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
  • Nik Sanders artwork

    37

    Studio or Gallery

    Nik Sanders

    Stained glass

    “I have been making leaded stained glass for over ten years. A few years ago I set up Hepzibar.Button to sell stained glass panels and hangings.”

    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
  • Chris Swailes artwork

    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
  • Jane Baker artwork

    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

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Exhibit on the trail