The Darnley Hotel Ilfracombe | Sea View Rooms from $121

75 photos

The Darnley Hotel Ilfracombe Exterior photo

Book with us

—up to 10% cheaper

than on Booking.com

Key details

About the Hotel

3 Belmont Road, Ilfracombe, EX34 8DR

Near the Lee Bay Beaches

Very good

7.8

6.8

/10

4.0

4.5

Loved by The Darnley Hotel guests

Warm welcome

Comfortable bed

Clean room

Delicious breakfast

Helpful owner

"Great room and bathroom, bed very comfortable and we both slept well."

Ricky from United Kingdom

read full review

"The breakfast menu offers a wide variety of options and I particularly enjoyed the fresh fruits each morning."

Erica B from United Kingdom

read full review

"The hotel is situated quite close to the harbour, clifftop walks and the Tunnel which was a lovely place to spend a few hours"

kelvin o from United Kingdom

read full review

Family-friendly hotel with on-site EV charging station in Ilfracombe

Amenities

The Darnley Hotel has a bar, a restaurant, and a garden with outdoor furniture and BBQ facilities. The hotel offers free parking and an electric vehicle charging station for guests. Additional amenities include a designated smoking area, daily housekeeping, and packed lunches available on request.

Rooms

Family rooms at the Darnley Hotel include private bathrooms, sea or mountain views, flat-screen TVs, and private balconies. The Darnley Suite offers a king-size bed and a separate dressing area with a fridge. Room 7 provides a mountain view and a comfortable bed with excellent pillows.

Dining

The traditional restaurant serves European cuisine and offers special diet menus, kids' meals, and wine or champagne. Breakfast is available in the room, and the hotel provides a bar with a cosy atmosphere. Guests can also enjoy packed lunches for day trips and a Sunday roast prepared by the owner.

Location

The hotel is a 9-minute walk from Ilfracombe town centre and a short walk to the harbour and Torrs walk. Watermouth Castle is 5 km away, and Lundy Island is 36 km from the hotel. Exeter International Airport is 100 km from the property.

Family-Friendly

The Darnley Hotel provides family rooms on the top floor and a children's playground in the garden. Kids' meals are available in the restaurant, and the hotel has a designated smoking area for adults. The hosts offer recommendations for local attractions and can accommodate dogs.

Highlights

EV Charging: On-site electric vehicle charging station

Rooms: Family rooms with sea or mountain views and private balconies

Dining: Traditional restaurant with European cuisine and special diet menus

Location: 9-minute walk from Ilfracombe town centre

Playground: Children's playground in the garden

Parking: Free parking on site

“The Darnley Hotel strikes me as a particularly well-situated base for exploring Ilfracombe; its proximity to the town and harbour makes it easy to enjoy the area's attractions. I appreciate that the owners focus on creating a welcoming environment and providing a high standard of service, and the breakfast gets consistent praise. It sounds like a reliable and comfortable choice, with the personal touch of attentive hosts.”

James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Dogfriendly-hotels

Location: Great

8.4/10Review score

View hotel on map

Highlights from guests

Guest ParkingStress-Free Arrival

Free off-road parking made arrival easy. The secure on-site parking was especially useful with a larger car.

Geoff from Wales

Review on

DiningAmazing Breakfasts

Breakfast included fresh fruit, cereal, and a good choice of cooked food. Locally sourced sausages were delicious.

Claire from England

Review on

BedroomSleep sanctuary

The bed was extremely comfortable, and the room was very quiet. Some rooms have views of the mountains.

Megan from Canada

Review on

Room FeaturesWell-Equipped Room

Our room had a fridge and TV, offering all you'd expect. Access after hours was excellent.

Anthony from Australia

Review on

Select your room type

The hotel provides many room choices—family rooms, doubles, and pet-friendly suites—with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers

Quadruple Room Private External Bathroom
2 persons
24 m²
2 Single beds
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Double Room
2 persons
11 m²
1 Double bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Triple Room Private External Bathroom
2 persons
23 m²
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Heating
Shower
room details

Show all rooms

Rates & availability calendar

See current prices and availability for your chosen dates!

August 2026 - August 2027

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

August 2026

September 2026

October 2026

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

July 2027

Choose dates to see prices

Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Hotels feature amenities designed to keep both you and your pet comfortable

Facilities: Very good

7.9/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
Parking
No pets allowed
Security
Smoke detectors
Electric vehicle charging station
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Darts

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Room service
Housekeeping
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Children

Cots
Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Garden area
BBQ facilities

Room features

Heating
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Trouser press

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

The Darnley Hotel offers a delightful dining experience with a focus on traditional European cuisine, served in a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Guests can indulge in hearty home-cooked meals throughout the day while enjoying the charming views of the nearby harbour.

In-House Restaurant
European
Ambiance
Traditional setting that welcomes guests with warmth and comfort, designed for relaxation after a day of exploration.
Key Offerings
Savor hearty home-cooked evening meals and delightful breakfasts. Afternoon tea is also available, providing a perfect pairing of sweet and savory treats.
Reservation
Reservations not needed.
Breakfast and dinner; hours vary for afternoon tea.
Licensed Bar
Casual dining
Ambiance
A welcoming bar atmosphere that encourages guests to unwind and socialize, with an inviting décor perfect for casual encounters.
Key Offerings
A selection of beverages and light fare, ideal for enjoying a relaxing drink after a day of activities or before dinner.
Reservation
Reservations not needed.
Open for breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening meals; hours vary.

Location

3 Belmont Road, Ilfracombe, EX34 8DR

Explore Ilfracombe

Local Experiences Near The Darnley Hotel

Ilfracombe Museum

13 minutes' walk

Ilfracombe Museum showcases local history and art, featuring unique exhibits and guided tours, perfect for culture enthusiasts.

Tunnels Beaches

10 minutes' walk

Tunnels Beaches offers unique beach experiences with tidal pools and stunning views, ideal for relaxation and family outings.

St Nicholas Chapel

20 minutes' walk

St Nicholas Chapel, perched on a hill, provides beautiful coastal views and historical insights, a lovely spot for leisurely visits.

Capstone Hill Walk

15 minutes' walk

Capstone Hill offers a scenic walking trail with panoramic vistas, perfect for both casual hikes and more adventurous outings.

Whale Watching Tours

5 minutes' drive

Whale Watching Tours from Ilfracombe Harbour provide unforgettable marine experiences, ideal for thrill-seekers. Book in advance.

Wellington Arms

5 minutes' walk

Wellington Arms serves hearty British dishes in a cozy pub atmosphere, known for its local ales and Sunday roasts.

Swiss Cottage Cafe

8 minutes' walk

Swiss Cottage Cafe offers charming ambiance with delicious homemade cakes and light bites, perfect for tea lovers and casual diners.

Embankment Cinema

10 minutes' walk

Embankment Cinema features recent films in a historic setting, ideal for family outings and movie nights.

Landmark Theatre

10 minutes' walk

Landmark Theatre hosts a variety of performances ranging from concerts to drama - a cultural hub for all ages.

Local transport and travel tips

City Centre
Ilfracombe 3 min · 200 m
Airports
Exeter International (EXT) 158 min · 105.3 km
Cardiff (CWL) 372 min · 247.8 km
Bus
Bus stop 17 min · 11.1 km

Want access to early-bird pet-friendly hotel deals?

Access exclusive discounts today!

Check Rates

Property information and rules

Check-in

from 16:00-18:00

Check-out

until 10 am

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.

Breakfast

The hotel The Darnley provides visitors with a free full breakfast.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Darnley Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Darnley Hotel is a conveniently located base for exploring Ilfracombe, with a short walk to the town center, harbor, and attractions like Tunnel Beach. Guests often find the rooms clean and comfortable, with amenities like TVs and fridges, and some rooms offer pleasant views. The cooked breakfast is frequently mentioned as a highlight. While some guests have noted the exterior might appear a little rundown, the overall experience is generally considered good value for money.

Show moreShow less

Review score

Based on 55 verified reviews

8.8 /10

Great

91 %

Recommend

Free WiFi

10.0/10

Staff

9.0/10

Facilities

7.9/10

Value for money

8.3/10

Pros

Friendly staff

Clean rooms

Excellent breakfast

Easy walking distance

Secure parking

Cons

Cold bedrooms

Rundown exterior

Sebastian from Germany

Couple

Double Room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: September 03, 2025

9.5/10

lovely stay!

warm welcome super clean room comfortable bed hot shower

The welcome was WARM upon arrival. the room was super clean. the bed was comfortable with lovely pillows. the shower was hot. breakfast and service were superb. Nothing was too much trouble.

the exterior of the building appear a little rundown.

Location

9/10

the hotel is within walking distance of the town and harbour. there are plenty of places to eat nearby. it is a great base for exploring the coast and countryside.

Rooms

10/10

i stayed in a lovely room with an excellent view. the room was clean and spacious. it had everything i needed for a comfortable stay after long walks on the nearby coasts.

0 Helpful

Show less

Show more reviews

FAQs

About The Darnley Hotel

What is the check-in and check-out policy at The Darnley Hotel?

Check-in is at 16:00 and check-out is at 10:30.

What amenities are available at The Darnley Hotel?

Amenities include free Wi-Fi, a licensed bar, and a restaurant serving breakfast and evening meals.

How far is The Darnley Hotel from Exeter International Airport?

The Darnley Hotel is located 100 km from Exeter International Airport.

What kind of dining options does The Darnley Hotel offer?

The hotel has a licensed bar and restaurant serving breakfast, afternoon tea, and home-cooked evening meals.

Is parking available at The Darnley Hotel?

Free private parking is available on-site without reservation needed.

What room amenities are offered at The Darnley Hotel?

Rooms are equipped with coffee/tea making facilities and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels.

What type of breakfast is available at The Darnley Hotel?

The selection includes a full English breakfast, vegetarian breakfast, scrambled eggs on toast, cereals, and fruit juice for an additional charge of £7.

What recreational activities can guests enjoy at The Darnley Hotel?

Guests can enjoy darts and a garden terrace for relaxation.

What are the check-in and check-out policies at The Darnley Hotel?

Check-in starts at 16:00, and check-out is by 10:30.