Ilfracombe Coast u3a
covering Woolacombe, Mortehoe, Lee Bay, Ilfracombe, Berrynarbor, Combe Martin and beyond
Useful Links
u3a Main Website
The u3a is made up of over 1000 charities working under the umbrella of the main organisation. Ilfracombe Coast is one of those offering semi-retired and retired people the chance to make new friends, discover new hobbies and have fun with like-minded people.
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One Ilfracombe
One Ilfracombe was set up in 2013 to improve health, economic prosperity and foster a higher quality living environment for the people of Ilfracombe. By doing this, the partners involved with the organisation are working towards increasing life expectancy and helping the older generation to remain independent for longer. They hope to improve the town's image and thus make residents feel proud of their town.
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Where to find a local Defibrillator
Go to Defib Finder and type in your town or postcode, to then be shown a map of the local defibrillators.
How to perform CPR: Go to https://youtu.be/aBy-MjjPtbs?si=oq1KPje6Aq707B_Z to watch an NHS video.
How to use a public defibrillator: Go to https://www.londonambulance.nhs.uk/calling-us/emergency-heart-care/cardiac-arrest/video-use-defibrillator/ for instructions from London Ambulance Service.
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Avoid being Scammed
Age UK have produced an excellent booklet on how to avoid being scammed (PDF, 2.1MB). The chances are by now that most of us have experienced being scammed. It makes one feel embarrassed and even guilty that one got caught. This is so wrong. The booklet makes you more aware of the scams that are out there and how they trick you into doing what they want and costing you money.
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North Devon UNESCO Biosphere
The North Devon Biosphere Reserve covers the coastal strip and hinterland from Lynmouth through Ilfracombe, Lee and Woolacombe and on down to the county border between Devon and Cornwall. It also includes Lundy Island. Many of our outings with our outdoors interest groups enjoy this area.
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North Devon Coast AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty)
The North Devon AONB covers the coastal strip from Combe Martin to Welcombe Mouth on the Devon/Cornwall county border. An AONB is a similar designation to a National Park, but does not have a planning department, but does have an input into planning decisions affecting the AONB. It does not include settlements such as Combe Martin, Ilfracombe, Braunton and Bideford.
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Braunton Countryside Centre
The Braunton Countryside Centre offers walks and talks about the North Devon Biosphere Reserve and in particular about the nearby Braunton Burrows with its very varied flora and fauna.
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Exmoor's Dark Sky Reserve
Exmoor National Park was the first to be designated an International Dark Sky Reserve in Europe in 2011. The best place locally to experience our dark skies is at Holdstone Down, above Combe Martin, or Wistlandpound Reservoir. A professional telescope can be hired from the National Park Centre at Lynmouth. The Dark Skies Festival takes place usually the second half of October each year.
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Our local towns and villages
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If you are new to this area, or even if not, these 'Visit' local websites give an excellent insight into things you can do in each of these places.
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Places of interest to visit in North Devon
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Exmoor Zoo
Exmoor Zoo is a conservation centre in Exmoor, at Bratton Fleming. The zoo started as Exmoor Bird Gardens in 1982. The current owners took over in 1993, and have enlarged and developed the zoo, now specialising in the conservation of smaller animals.
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RHS Rosemoor Gardens
RHS Garden Rosemoor is a public display garden run by the Royal Horticultural Society in north Devon, England. Rosemoor is about 1 mile south of Great Torrington on the A3124 road to Exeter. It is surrounded by over 100 acres of woodland with the River Torridge running along the western border
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Broomhill Sculpture Gardens
The sculpture exhibition has been active for over 25 years and showcases about 150 pieces throughout the gardens.
It supports contemporary artists, celebrating both traditional and modern crafts, engineering and thinking.
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Arlington Court, NT
Arlington Court is a Regency house which is full of collections. The Victorian Gardens include a large conservatory growing plants from across the globe. It is also home to the National Trust Carriage Museum.
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Clovelly Court Gardens
The walled kitchen gardens have Victorian lean-to glasshouses, twelve-foot-high walls with fruit trees planted against them. A selection of tender fruits and vegetables as well as pelargoniums grow in the glasshouses.
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Hartland Abbey and Gardens
Hartland Abbey is on the site of a 12th century Augustinian Abbey. It has been in the same family since it was given to the family by Henry VIII. The Abbey and gardens are in a valley going down to the sea at Blackpool Mill.
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Marwood Hill Gardens
These gardens were started by Dr Smart in 1950 and covers 20 acres with three lakes with National Collections of Astilbes, Tulbaghia and Japanese Iris. There is a charming tea rooms, making for a pleasant day out.
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Castle Hill Gardens
Castle Hill’s landscaped gardens were created by Lord Fortescue in the 18th century. The millennium garden, designed by Xa Tollemache, features a water sculpture by Giles Rayner with clipped Quercus ilex standards and lavender and box hedging enclosing herbaceous plants.
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Local Museums
Ilfracombe Museum
Housed in the original laundry of the old and grand Ilfracombe Hotel, where the Landmark Theatre now stands, is a fascinating museum telling the story of Victorian Ilfracombe and many other interesting stories and discoveries.
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Combe Martin Museum
Discover the maritime history of Combe Martin as well as the silver mining history that made the village wealthy. See the 'Obby 'Orse and learn about the Earl of Rone, among may other fascinating facts.