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The Olive Branch

3.5 star property
3.5-star Georgian B&B near Ilfracombe Harbour

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Photo gallery for The Olive Branch

Beach nearby
Individually decorated, individually furnished, soundproofing
Individually decorated, individually furnished, soundproofing
Exterior
Miscellaneous

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant

Explore the area

Map
56 Fore Street, Ilfracombe, England, EX34 9DJ
  • Ilfracombe Harbour
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Ilfracombe Beach
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Hele Bay Beach
    ‪3 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Superior Double Room, Harbor View (Open Plan Bath)

Superior Double Room, Harbor View (Open Plan Bath) | Individually decorated, individually furnished, soundproofing

Superior Double Room, Harbor View (Open Plan Bath)

  • Harbor view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Superior Double Room, Sea View

Superior Double Room, Sea View | Individually decorated, individually furnished, soundproofing

Superior Double Room, Sea View

  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Superior Room, Sea View

Superior Room, Sea View | Individually decorated, individually furnished, soundproofing

Superior Room, Sea View

  • Sea view
  • 344 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Single Room

Single Room | Individually decorated, individually furnished, soundproofing

Single Room

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Large Twin Bed

View all photos for Twin Room, Sea View

Twin Room, Sea View | Individually decorated, individually furnished, soundproofing

Twin Room, Sea View

  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Ilfracombe

Close to the beach.You'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Ilfracombe Harbour and 2 miles (3 km) of Ilfracombe Aquarium with a stay here. Also within 9 miles (15 km) are Woolacombe Beach and Barricane Beach.
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What's nearby

  • Ilfracombe Harbour - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Ilfracombe Beach - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Verity Statue - 8 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Hele Bay Beach - 3 min drive - 1.3 miles
  • Woolacombe Beach - 13 min drive - 6.7 miles

Getting around

  • Barnstaple Station - 30 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Admiral Collingwood - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Dolphin Restaurant - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Espresso Seafood Bar & Grill - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Dolly's Cafe - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪S & P Fish Shop - ‬3 min walk

About this property

The Olive Branch

3.5-star Georgian B&B near Ilfracombe Harbour
There's a restaurant on site. WiFi is free in public spaces. The Olive Branch also features express check-in and express check-out.

This Georgian Ilfracombe bed & breakfast is smoke free.

  • 1 building
  • 5 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Express check-in
  • Express check-out
  • Storage area for luggage
  • No smoking on site
  • Dining venue
The Olive Branch offers 5 accommodations with DVD players and complimentary bottled water. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Flat-screen televisions are featured in guestrooms.

Bathrooms include complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. This Ilfracombe bed & breakfast provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is offered daily and irons/ironing boards can be requested.

Languages

English

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  • Free WiFi
  • Breakfast available
  • Housekeeping
5.0 out of 5, Exceptional, 104 reviews
$118 nightly
The price is $118
May 26 - May 27
Total includes taxes and fees
The Rocky Cove Bed & Breakfast

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available
  • Offsite parking available (GBP 3.10 per day)

Food and drink

  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Archery

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • Flat-screen TV

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water

More

  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:30 AM
Contactless check-out available
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 8:30 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children 14 and younger are not allowed at this property. All guests older than 14 are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Nearby parking fee: GBP 3.10 per day

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. No onsite parking is available. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, debit cards, and cash.

We should mention

  • Children 14 years old and younger aren't allowed at this property.

Property is also known as

Olive Branch B&B Ilfracombe
Olive Branch Ilfracombe
Olive Branch B&B
The Olive Branch Ilfracombe
The Olive Branch Bed & breakfast
The Olive Branch Bed & breakfast Ilfracombe

Frequently asked questions

How close is The Olive Branch to the airport?

The Olive Branch is 211.7 mi (245-min drive) away from the Heathrow Airport (LHR) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at The Olive Branch?

As of May 24, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Olive Branch on Jun 3, 2025 start from $107.17, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does The Olive Branch have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at The Olive Branch.

How close is The Olive Branch to the beach?

This bed & breakfast is a short 5-minute walk from Wildersmouth Beach and 10-minute walk from Ilfracombe Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does The Olive Branch offer free breakfast?

The Olive Branch does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at The Olive Branch?

No, there is no casino at this bed & breakfast.

What time is check-in at The Olive Branch?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM.

Is there free parking at The Olive Branch?

Free parking is not available at this bed & breakfast.

Does The Olive Branch have a pool?

The Olive Branch does not have a pool.

Does The Olive Branch have a restaurant?

The Olive Branch is home to Olive Room, which features seafood.

Does The Olive Branch have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this bed & breakfast.

How close is The Olive Branch to downtown Ilfracombe?

The Olive Branch is 0.4 mi away from Ilfracombe.

The Olive Branch Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 88 out of 117 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 27 out of 117 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 117 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 117 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 117 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Beautiful

Beautiful guest house, delicious breakfast and very helpful staff
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Judith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Singing shantys

We had a lovely time shame it wasn't more than one night, great service and even sand Shantys with the group that meet up there every Thursday.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Parry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property is a listed building located on a hill overlooking Ilfracombe's harbour and coast. We had a top floor room affording good views (binoculars are provided). The bedroom was well furnished, bedding was spotless cotton linen. The breakfast menu was provided in advance allowing you to notify your order ready for preparation the breakfast selection and ingredients were first class. There are parts of Ilfracombe where some premises are empty and have been vandalised having a detrimental impact on the Town's appearance.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Graham

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

B&B with good accommodation and good breakfast

Lovely little B&B. Have been going there for a number of years now. Simple, friendly, and comfortable with a great breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

RICHARD

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room comfy and clean, host friendly and welcoming. Good location in the centre of the town.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A lovely warm welcome, excellent food and a great view. Thank you
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Niels

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Olive Branch is a really friendly place to stay. It delivers more than you expect from the 3 star rating. Parking in the nearby town car park is less than £10 for 24 hours and is about a minute away, so very good being so near the harbour. Definitely my first choice if I am back in Beachcomber.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

christopher

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I visited the Olive Branch before and after a trip to Lundy. When the departure had to be put back by 24 hours because of a high wind there was absolutely no difficulty in our being able to stay over for the extra unbooked night. Likewise on my return even though I was rather late I was met with the warmest of welcomes and a feeling of being part of a household. My only criticism is that some of the bedrooms are up several flights of stairs and for the elderly (like me) were easier climbed after a (very) good breakfast than when tired by a long walk on the local cliffs. . . butt that is in a way why it feels more like a house tan a hotel. I rate it highly
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sharon

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The team are just amazing ! Room 5 very comfortable with spectacular views. Breakfast superb. Shanty choir on the premises in the evening was great fun. Restaurants nearby are lovely …. Suggest booking though as very popular.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Sheryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely, well located property

The property is in an excellent location when you consider the geography of the town. It was very easy to walk down to the harbour area and the seafront. We were warmly welcomed upon arrival and advised of breakfast arrangements and local options for evening meals. The room itself (twin located on top floor) was a little quirky and you obviously have to work within the constraints of a room size and layout. That said climbing up steps into the wet room bathroom was a little odd, with just a flimsy cheap shower curtain used to limit the shower water from covering everything in the bathroom. Bedding was on the budget side (a couple of tears on seems), mattresses just about comfortable and the oddest wardrobe (which was chest high, had a shelf and was too small to hang most things in). All of that aside the room was clean tidy and provided a comfortable overnight stay. You could see the sea from the windows which was just lovely. The breakfast the following morning was excellent and that combined with the location, meant that overall we received very good value for money.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nathalie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Brilliant!

Fully recommend this place. Located in a quiet street right in the centre of Ilfracombe, with car park 5 minutes’ walk away (£9.50/24hr). Friendly pub with live music in same street as well as tasty tapas restaurant. The room was really big with a lovely view to be enjoyed from comfortable armchairs. Bed a bit soft for our liking but overall feel of the room really comfortable. Breakfast was tastefully presented, with croissants, fresh fruit and delicious yogurt/muesli cups. Good choice of hot offerings too, served by very friendly staff who couldn’t do enough for you. Bar available with occasional events (Irish singing whilst we were there!). Well done!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Geoff

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
I had the small single room. It had a very comfortable large single bed, tea making with biscuits and bottled water. Late TV and a clean bathroom. Lovely bar attached with music on Sunday night. Excellent breakfast and very friendly hosts. I would definitely go back.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
All who worked there were very friendly and helpful, thank you.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely place close to the harbour with plenty of pubs and restaurants within very easy reach. The host was very helpful and let us check in early just when we went to enquire about the parking. Great views over the sea from the room. Breakfast very good. Will definitely stay here again next time I visit Ilfracombe.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paula

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Beautiful place near the harbour.

Great welcome from Ian. The room was even better than the picture. Beautiful sea views. Great big bed and sparkling clean bathroom. Jo cooked us the best breakfast. Her poached wggs are amazing. We also had some wine and a snack in the wine bar. Perfect place. Great location.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Penny

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Fabulous stay with great room, comfortable bed and very accommodating hosts. Would definitely return.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fantastic hidden gem.

Thoroughly enjoyed my stay. Lovely building. Great bar lounge and food set up. Breakfast fantastic. I had researched the sharing platters served at night. Music in bar lounge was lovely. Owners fantastic. Clearly know what they are doing.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

8/10 Good

Bryan

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Unique property. Shame we didn’t stay longer , breakfast area turns into a small music venue/ bar on Thursday evening & Sunday afternoon. Would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone wanting to stay in Ilfracombe. Would stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Jo-Anne

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alison

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent little find!

The Olive Branch is a little gem of a place to stay in Ilfracombe. Its based in the historic part of the town in Fore street so close to the harbour. The bar and restaurant has the ambiance of a wine bar. The beds are super comfortable and the breakfast is excellent. The hosts are very friendly and accommodating. Will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brad

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely comfortable room.With fantastic views.Breakfast was excellent.Thank you
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Superb in every possible way!

This is a family owned and operated BnB and during our stay, we felt like we became part of the family. Jo and Ian became friends, so much more than gracious hosts. Not only are the accommodations luxurious, the breakfast is stellar (get the Royals with sausage instead of salmon - you’ll thank me!). And don’t miss a sharing board in the evening. It’s the best kept secret in town. But if you fancy a supper at the top 3 restaurants in the city, the oldest pub or the most lovely high tea, then you’re in luck. All are a 5 min walk from your door. Sea views, sublime linens, sincere service and city center. You can’t do better than this elegant inn. We loved it so much, we published a full review video on our YouTube channel (Well Travelled Life).
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carol

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A Perfect Place to Stay

We had a wonderful mini break at the Olive Branch. It is a gem of a place in a central position in Ilfracombe, easy to get to and close to the harbour, sights, restaurants and the many local walks. Parking was easy in a long stay carpark a few minutes walk away. The property is well presented. There is a small bar (open at select times) which doubles as a breakfast room and guests have their own separate entrance. We stayed in Room 5, a large spacious room with a huge bay window with views of the sea and Capstone Hill. Our room was clean and comfortable with all the facilities we needed, there were two armchairs to admire the views, a large bed, plenty of storage and coat hangers, a fridge, an iron and ironing board, a hairdryer and a whirlpool bath. The refreshment tray and water bottles were replenished daily. Breakfast at the Olive Branch is excellent and it certainly helps you start your day well. There is a super buffet table with fresh fruit, yoghurt and croissants and a wide choice of cooked breakfasts that are cooked to order. Everything comes cooked to perfection and nothing seems too much trouble. My husband loved his full English and I enjoyed the full vegetarian and the scrambled egg and smoked salmon on toast. Jo and her team are friendly, professional and helpful, they regularly checked to see if we were having an enjoyable stay and gave us tips on what to see and do. We highly recommend the Olive Branch, it was a perfect place to stay. Many thanks Jo!
Sunset from Capstone Hill
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023