Sandy Cove Hotel, Ilfracombe ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

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Sandy Cove Hotel Ilfracombe Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

Berrynarbor, Ilfracombe, United Kingdom

Close to Broadsands Beach

Great

8.6

/10

5.0

4.0

Loved by Sandy Cove Hotel guests

Amazing views
Friendly staff
Delicious meals
Clean pool
Excellent dining

"Lovely that on arrival we were informed we had a room upgrade to a sea view. Wow it was an amazing view!"

Thorbjorn from United Kingdom

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"When you arrive down the drive, before you even have time to look to the left and see the beautiful hotel, your eyes are drawn to the beautiful view of the sea and the cliffs."

graham n from United Kingdom

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"The food was such high quality and beautifully presented with 2 starters (my fave being an enormous scallop) followed by a main course of beef wellington, which was so soft and delicious, before 2 desserts!"

Laura M from United Kingdom

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4-star cliff-top retreat with breathtaking sea views

Location

Sandy Cove Hotel is situated on a North Devon cliff top, providing guests with direct access to the secluded Broadsands Beach. The hotel is a gateway to Exmoor National Park, allowing for exploration of the rugged coastline and enchanting countryside. Nearby, guests will discover other stunning beaches such as Croyde, Woolacombe, and Saunton, enhancing the unique coastal experience.

Dining

The hotel offers two award-winning restaurants, The Seacliff Restaurant and The Cove Restaurant, both featuring stunning sea views. The Seacliff Restaurant provides fine dining, while The Cove focuses on Italian-inspired dishes and includes a wood-fired pizza oven. Guests can enjoy a curated selection of meals prepared with locally sourced, seasonal produce.

Rooms

Sandy Cove Hotel presents various room types, many featuring sea views and private balconies equipped with seating. Options include Classic Sea View Rooms, which provide panoramic views, and Luxury Sea View Rooms with roll-top bathtubs. Each room is individually styled, offering a unique and comfortable stay for every visitor.

Family-Friendly Amenities

The hotel welcomes families by offering free accommodation for children under 2 years old and a reduced rate for children under 12. Guests can enjoy shared family rooms, as well as a warm indoor swimming pool suited for kids. The surrounding area provides numerous family activities, including surfing lessons and scenic walks.

Wellness and Relaxation

The swimming pool at Sandy Cove provides a serene environment to unwind after a day of exploration. Guests can lounge by the water and enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding natural beauty. The hotel also boasts spacious terrace areas, offering additional opportunities to relax while soaking in the stunning views.

Highlights

Location: Cliff-top with sea views

Dining: Two award-winning restaurants

Rooms: Classic and Luxury Sea View Rooms

Family: Free accommodation for children

Wellness: Inviting swimming pool

“The location is certainly a highlight, with views over the bay creating a relaxing backdrop, especially from the patio. With dining that earns awards and uses local ingredients, the restaurant experience appears elevated. Its proximity to Broadsands Beach and dog-friendly policy make it a compelling choice for those seeking coastal access with their pets.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.7/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningFoodie Heaven

The New Year's Eve tasting menu was memorable. The dessert was the highlight: Nutella filled gnocchi.

Oliver Smith from England

Review on

Spa & LeisurePoolside Bliss

The swimming pool was very clean and well-maintained. The sauna was amazing and really made the stay.

Marie Dubois from France

Review on

Room FeaturesSea View Upgrade

The room upgrade to a sea view made our vacation. The balcony had incredible views, even better than advertised.

Kenji Tanaka from Japan

Review on

Children's AmenitiesFamily Fun

Our family room had an adjoining room for the kids. The nearby beach made this stay unforgettable.

Eva Müller from Germany

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Select your room type

Sandy Cove Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Classic Double Room Sea View

2 persons

250 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Standard Double Room Sea View

2 persons

185 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Standard Double Room

2 persons

175 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Superior Double Balcony

2 persons

280 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

Sandy Cove Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.7/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Security
Luggage storage
Private beach
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Sports & Fitness

Golf course
Yoga class

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Housekeeping
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Fax/Photocopying

Children

Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Indoor swimming pool
Beach access
Sun loungers
Sun terrace
Garden area
Spa & wellness centre
Sauna
Steam room
Pool with view
Shallow end

Room features

Heating
Sitting area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

Discover the delightful onsite dining at Sandy Cove Hotel, where the enchanting views of the North Devon coastline meet the flavors of British cuisine. Guests can indulge in a family-friendly atmosphere or enjoy a romantic dining experience, complemented by unique culinary creations and cozy surroundings.

$Sandy Cove Hotel Ilfracombe Restaurant photo$

The Cove Restaurant

Italian-inspired with a British touch

Ambiance

The Cove Restaurant boasts a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for families or couples, featuring modern decor that enhances the serene coastal backdrop.

Key Offerings

Signature offerings include mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas straight from the oven and a Traditional Devon Cream Tea, served with freshly baked fluffy scones, clotted cream, jam, and a pot of tea, all enjoyed in the tranquility of the hotel's stunning surroundings.

Reservation

Recommended.

Hours vary.

Sandy Cove Hotel Location

Berrynarbor, Ilfracombe, United Kingdom

Map view

Berrynarbor, Ilfracombe, United Kingdom

City landmarks

Park

Watermouth Castle

1.2 mi

Beach

Broadsands Beach

2200 ft

Museum

Combe Martin Museum

4900 ft

Beach

Combe Martin Beach

1.1 mi

Landmark

Sawmills Inn Watermouth

2500 ft

Beach

Broadsands Bay

3700 ft

Camping

Newberry Valley Park

3400 ft

Landmark

Dolphin Inn

3500 ft

Landmark

Flyboarding UK

3600 ft

Landmark

Active Escape

3600 ft

Landmark

Outdoor Shop & Kayak Centre

3800 ft

Landmark

Adventure Falconry

3800 ft

Landmark

Surfside Kayak Hire and Sales

3800 ft

Landmark

Printz Artwork Display Signwriting

3900 ft

Landmark

Hele Corn Mill & Pottery

1.9 mi

Landmark

All Saints Church

1.4 mi

Landmark

Berrynarbor Park

4400 ft

Landmark

South West Coast Path

4600 ft

Landmark

Wild Pear Beach

5100 ft

Zoo

Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park

2.5 mi

Golf Course

Ilfracombe Golf Club

1.6 mi

Landmark

Chambercombe Manor

2.1 mi

Landmark

St Peter

1.4 mi

Marina

Ilfracombe Harbour

2.6 mi

Landmark

Hangman cliffs

1.8 mi

Landmark

Keypitts Off-road Adventures

1.7 mi

Camping

Watermouth Valley Camping Park

1.8 mi

Landmark

Hele Beach

1.9 mi

Landmark

Xtreme Coasteering

1.9 mi

Nearby

Beach

Broadsands Beach

2200 ft

Restaurants

The Sawmills Freehouse

3800 ft

Watermouth Valley

Explore Ilfracombe

Local Highlights near Sandy Cove Hotel

Watermouth Castle

25 minutes' walk

Victorian castle with themed gardens and family-friendly attractions, including a pirate adventure mini-golf.

Combe Martin Museum

18 minutes' walk

Local history museum showcasing area artifacts and heritage, perfect for understanding the region's past.

Berrynarbor Park

15 minutes' walk

Community park featuring a children's play area, scenic walking trails, and picturesque picnic spots.

South West Coast Path

15 minutes' walk

Stunning coastal pathway offering breathtaking views, ideal for scenic walks for all ages and skill levels.

Hiking along the South West Coast Path

15 minutes' walk

Scenic hiking trail featuring stunning coastal views. Access via trails near the hotel, suitable for all hiking levels.

Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park

8 minutes' drive

Family-friendly wildlife park with dinosaur exhibits, animal interactions, and fun rides. Great for families and thrill-seekers.

Yoga at Newberry Valley Park

15 minutes' walk

Relaxing yoga sessions held in the scenic park, ideal for unwinding amidst beautiful surroundings.

The Sawmills Freehouse

14 minutes' walk

Traditional pub with a cozy atmosphere offering local ales and seasonal dishes, ideal for casual dining.

The Olive Room

3 minutes' drive

Charming restaurant specializing in Mediterranean cuisine, with fresh ingredients and a relaxing ambiance.

The Fish and Chip Shop

5 minutes' drive

Classic British fish and chips with a takeaway option. Great for a quick meal on the go, catering to all tastes.

Combe Martin Film Club

18 minutes' walk

Monthly screening of classic and new films in a local venue. Perfect for cinema lovers seeking a relaxed evening.

$Ilfracombe Harbour$

Ilfracombe Harbour

10 minutes' drive

Vibrant harbor area with live music and street performers in the summer, ideal for a lively evening out.

Getting around

City Centre

Ilfracombe8 min · 3.2 mi

Airports

Exeter International (EXT)147 min · 60.8 mi

Cardiff (CWL)361 min · 149.3 mi

Bus

Bus stop21 min · 8.3 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 16:00-23:59

Check-out

from 08:00-11:00

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP14 per person per day.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Sandy Cove Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Guests consistently praise Sandy Cove Hotel for its exceptional location and the stunning sea views, often mentioning the private beach and describing their rooms as spacious and tastefully decorated, especially those with balconies. The new spa area with a pool, steam room, and sauna appears to be a highlight for many, and the hearty breakfast with a great view is also a plus. Some guests have noted that certain aspects of the hotel, such as the furniture in the restaurant, didn't quite match their expectations for a four-star hotel. Overall, many find the hotel a great value, particularly appreciating the views of the cove from the rooms.

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Review score

Based on 338 verified reviews

8.6/10

Great

82%

Recommend

Paid Wi-Fi

10.0/10

Location

9.7/10

Breakfast

8.4/10

Facilities

8.7/10

Pros

Incredible view

Immaculate grounds

Friendly staff

Quality pool

Cons

Limited menu

Small car park

Tired decor

Owen from United Kingdom

classic double room sea view

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 21, 2026

7/10

decent experience

really good viewhelpful stafffriendly stafffalse impressionactual foodmoney value

the location offers really good views of the surrounding area. i found the staff to be helpful and friendly . my room provided good value for the money.

the photos seemed enhanced. the menu sounded amazing, but the actual food didn't quite meet expectations. i thought value for money was not realistic.

0 Helpful

Emma from United Kingdom

Couple

superior double balcony

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 04, 2025

7/10

large roomsea viewfalse impressiondisappointing menu

my room was large and had a balcony. it included a view over the sea. breakfast was tasty. dinner was also very well prepared.

the hotel photos are enhanced. they give a false impression of the quality. the menu sounds amazing, but it was disappointing when it arrived. i think the value isn't right.

0 Helpful

Luke from United Kingdom

Couple

Superior Double Balcony

4 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: November 08, 2025

9.2/10

Relaxing Break with Amazing Views

sauna experiencegreat foodprivate beach

The new spa offered steam and sauna experiences that improved my stay. The food tasted great and contributed to a relaxing week. I enjoyed the private beach. The location made it special.

Facilities

9/10

The hotel has a new spa area. It features a pool, steam room, and sauna. This addition enhances the experience considerably.

Service

9/10

Restaurant employees were friendly. They were cute and polite. Their professionalism contributed positively .

Rooms

9/10

My room included a balcony. The room included a blanket for use on the balcony. Binoculars were available in the room.

Dining

9/10

The menu presented varied choices. The food prepared in the restaurant tasted delicious. I found the options exciting.

Location

10/10

The hotel provides access to a private beach. The location offers scenic walks to a nearby seaside town. The area is near caves suitable for exploration.

0 Helpful

Grayson from United Kingdom

Single

Standard Double Room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: October 23, 2025

6/10

sea viewloud fanhard onion rings

the room had a sea view it was acceptable

my room overlooked the kitchens i could hear the extract fan very loudly it was quite disturbing the receptionist assured me the fans would be switched off at a certain time but one remained on this kept me awake most of the night dinner at the restaurant was also disappointing the burger was barely warm and the onion rings were too hard to eat

0 Helpful

Stella from Germany

Couple

Superior Double Balcony

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: August 23, 2025

7/10

superior roomamazing viewmany choicessmall carparksteep hilllittle privacy

the superior double balcony room was amazing. it featured a great sea view from the balcony. the breakfast was good with many choices.

the car park wasn't big enough. i needed to park on a residential road up a steep hill. the family room was at the back of the hotel, on ground level with a public footpath running along the back, it. i felt the bathroom window offered little privacy.

0 Helpful

Charlotte from United Kingdom

Couple

Deluxe Double Room Balcony

4 nights in June 2025

Reviewed: August 15, 2025

9/10

fridge amenitytea-making facilitylatex mattress

The room included a fridge and tea-making facilities. I had a roll-top bath with a sea view. The latex-type mattress was very good.

The restaurant food service was very slow.

0 Helpful

David from United Kingdom

Couple

Superior Double Balcony

2 nights in June 2025

Reviewed: June 20, 2025

9.0/10

lovely coastal wedding venue

perfect venuesunny weathertreasured day

the venue provided a perfect backdrop with blue skies , sunny weather , close friends and family. all staff ensured our daughter's wedding day was treasured. i appreciate that they assisted in making the event nice and seamless for everyone involved.

i noticed that the soundproofing wasn't ideal during a wedding event, as noise from the beer garden was audible.

Location

9/10

the hotel boasts coastal views that are fine , offering an idyllic setting for relaxation and special events. it is conveniently situated near walking areas , perfect for exploring the natural beauty of the region.

Facilities

9/10

the hotel includes a spa area , with modern amenities for a relaxing experience. there is a swimming pool available .

Dining

9/10

the cove restaurant offers delicious meals with excellent service. the breakfast includes a great selection of food with complimentary options , which is served with lovely views.

0 Helpful

Questions of the users

About Sandy Cove Hotel

Are guests allowed to use the spa facilities at Sandy Cove Hotel? What are the hours of operation?

23 October 2024

The swimming pool, sauna, and steam room are open daily from 9 AM to 7:30 PM for guest use.

Can smokers enjoy a cigarette on the balcony if the doors are closed?

12 November 2024

Smoking on the balcony is not permitted, even with the doors shut.

Do all rooms come equipped with a safe for securing valuables?

30 October 2024

Every classic room is provided with a safe for guests to store their belongings securely.

Is there a gym at the hotel for guests who want to work out during their stay?

5 December 2024

While there are no gym facilities available, guests can enjoy the indoor heated swimming pool, steam room, and sauna.

Are there any ground floor rooms with full accessibility for disabled guests?

15 January 2025

Yes, there is one standard twin sea view room that is fully wheelchair accessible.

Is there a dog-friendly area at the hotel? Are there additional charges for bringing dogs?

22 December 2024

Dogs are welcome in the bar area or outdoors, with an additional fee of £15 per day for each dog if staying overnight.

Can a family reserve a sea view room with a 3-year-old child without additional bedding needs?

9 February 2025

Yes, families can book certain Classic Sea View rooms with a balcony. Children under the age of 4 can stay at no extra charge, but they should be included in the booking for safety reasons.

Do all the rooms that feature a private balcony also offer a sea view?

28 February 2025

Every room with a balcony boasts a stunning sea view, enhancing your seaside experience.

Is a hairdryer and tea/coffee-making facilities provided within the hotel rooms?

13 March 2025

Each room is equipped with both a hairdryer and tea & coffee making facilities for guest convenience.

Can guests enjoy a swim in the hotel pool after a day of exploring?

17 April 2025

The swimming pool is accessible daily until 7 PM, providing a perfect spot to relax after adventures.