If you liked this video watch our Discovering Devon playlist here: ruclips.net/p/PLh1CjUjoyA8JiZsHUs-VnyKvWcZZqEset You can support the channel by joining our Patreon here: patreon.com/WanderingwithWatto Buying us a coffee here ☕ www.buymeacoffee.com/Wattowanders Or contribute directly here: paypal.me/WanderingwithWatto?country.x=GB&locale.x=en_GB We really appreciate it.👍🚶♂🚶♀
Oops - pressed return too early. The bath house looks lovely. Go the Welsh digging tunnels!! Not to rub it in, but Dorset was a lot less wet! Just learn that you're in Devon not Cornwall!!! Sorry! The sea front is nice - not sure about verity! Yes, we can see the elephant!! Nice rainbow!! Think this might have been when we were in Stonehenge! Ice cream in a bus stop. Classic! Cheers guys. Loved it 🍻
@@PostcardAndAPint 🤣🤣. We did have some awful weather when we were down there. Added to the depressing vibe tbh. As for verity. Not sure what she has to do with a fishing village. 🤷🏻♂️. Thanks again guys. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
If that’s the case then that’s great news. I can only say what I see and after speaking to a local business owner that is what I was told. I was also told things about the Bay hotel which I chose not to say on film. There is no denying the effect it has in seaside towns added to the lack of investment by councils etc. I hope Ilfracombe gets back to its best but it will need a lot of work. Thanks for watching I appreciate you commenting. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
i feel like you could have been abit fairer with how you only filmed closed shops and none of the open ones, ive just moved here, and absolutey love the place, lots of variety, and the season starts mid may according to locals, you came at the wrong time, some rough edges, but thats the same as most seaside towns after covid, theyre doing alot better than most, ilfracombe is a diamond in the rough.
Hi Jack. Thanks for watching. And taking the time to comment. By no means do we not like Ilfracombe. In fact as I said in the video we have very happy memories of times spent there. And as I also said it retains its charm and is a very nice place. It just needs a lot of investment to rejuvenate the town as it was once an asset and undeniably now is rundown. Our seaside towns need support for sure. Thanks again for watching and I genuinely hope that it can get back to its former thriving self. Have a good weekend. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
@@JackWhitehead-in2vc we will definitely return as we live the area and have visited consistently for over 30 years now. Thanks again Jack. Best wishes from us both. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Thank you Paul and Kim. I thought your comments were spot on. We visited a few years ago in April. It was very cold on the cliff walk but the harbour was sunny and bustling.
Thanks for watching Adzey. I think tourists will still go in the summer as the harbour is the main attraction with the tunnels beaches. But the town needs work for sure.
For those who do not know but abroard in many countries and their cities lots of shops are boarded up and this stems from the 2008 crisis, this is not simply 'covid and the Russian war', l lived in a small town in Nederlands and there were around 4,000 people in 2008, today there are fewer because youngsters have left to work in other places and apart from 2 supermarkets there is only 5 shops open, the weekly market draws about 3 sellers, some wednesdays there is one only.
It is always sad to return years later to a place where you have made such great memories only to find that things have changed a lot - and not in a good way. This looks like a nice coastal area. Hope it gets back on its feet. Thanks for the tour of Ilfracombe!
It was such a shock after so many fond memories of there when the boys were little. We just hope it picks back up, the sea front & coastal areas are beautiful. Thank you for watching.👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
hey i live in ilfracombe and i would just like to tell you that its so amazing in the summer and you should visit again its quite rubbish when its raining
Hey, thank you so much for your comments, yes we are definitely going back in a months time, we love it there & it always looks better when the sun is shining 👌🏻
Hi Watto and Kim, it was very sad to see that the town centre of Ilfracombe has become rundown and shops have closed. Seems to be a similar story in a lot of towns around the country since Covid and the popularity of online shopping. Thank goodness the front and harbour area is still looking well cared for. Everything looks better on a sunny day though, doesn't it? The coastline is spectacular and hopefully Ilfracombe will attract lots of visitors during the summer months. Thanks for a very interesting video. Have a great week ahead 😊😊
Totally agree. It is a shame these places are struggling. I do hope it starts getting investment and gets back to what it once was. Thanks for joining us. Have a great week. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Thank you Paul, I’m sure it’s the same everywhere. We just hope it can get back on its feet again. I’m sure Covid & the like haven’t helped. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Cheap foreign holidays with guaranteed sun, add in online shopping and it is a recipe for disaster. Poor Blighty, I wonder if she will ever recover. Thanks for sharing.
Chris I sincerely hope so. I love this country but hate what it has become. Everyone scared to say what is really happening and no one strong enough to tackle the issues. 🤷🏻♂️
@WanderingwithWatto sadly so. With global warming, hopefully, holidays at home will come back, but they need to be reasonable rates too. The other thing is to outlaw Amazon, but they have a monopoly, so sadly, that won't happen. Sad state of affairs.
I will definitely be watching this one later! We will be on the road when the video premieres. We have been to this lovely part of the country, but have not visited Ilfracombe yet. I am excited to see what your experience was there!
And do you think this video is going to help it ! Cost of living... Covid.... Internet shopping. What's it like where you live ? No homeless? Lucky you. What we need is positive reviews and more visitors. You are just another nail in the coffin . Cheers
@@tboo1427 hmm watched it all the way through then ? If you did you would have heard me say that we love the place and hope it finds it a way back to what it was. Thanks for watching some of it though. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
You are always very welcome. Yes me too it is a nice place but sadly now needs a lot of investment to restore it to what it was. Thank you for watching. Enjoy your weekend. Best wishes from us both. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
That’s really amazing and beautiful 😍 journey 👍. A lot to see and what I love ❤️ most the Elephant shape of mountain and two rainbow 🌈. Have a wonderful weekend 👍.
Mr watto and the lovely Kim. I really enjoyed this video, and the premiere. It was interesting to see the dilapidated now town centre. It certainly has it's ups and downs. Sad to see the town centre and that the pandemic just destoryed the town but the upside is how stunning Ilfracombe naturally is, those views over the harbour would make up for it. Interesting statue and a great video overall - love the way you present. Thank you both for a great video xx
Ah thanks Alessa. We really do appreciate all your support. It was sad as we have such good memories from previous visits. Back to less depressing things next week I promise. It’s draining doing the doom m gloom thing. Have a great weekend. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Hi to you both. This is a place we have never been to. The sea front looks beautiful. Shame about the rain. Love the rainbow. Pleased you have some good memories of the place. Hope you have a good weekend. Best wishes Dave and Dawn ❤️
Thank you Donna. Definitely two sides to the town. I hope it improves as it is it was a very nice place for a summer visit. Have a great weekend. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Maybe visit in the summer and judge , I think I’ll stay nearby and just visit for the day. Awful choice of annoying music interjecting, I had to stop watching halfway through
Appreciate the comment. If you had watched all the way through you would have seen that we like the place and have many happy memories there. Which is why it is disappointing to see the town run down as the harbour is so lovely. But just JUDGE On a half watched video though eh. 🤷🏻♂️
Hi guys Hope you are both well. Such a shame to see 😢 I've not been since the 80's hopefully things will change x Looks nice down by the water. Hope you're having a good week Jo xx
It was a shock but hopefully it will improve, the harbour & other areas are still stunning & im sure it will pick up as we head towards the summer. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
I think it will be again Glyn. The touristy parts will do well but it was the town that was shocking. And the hotels being closed is a very bad sign for a seaside resort. Shame as we do like it and have been many times before. Thanks for watching Glyn. Hope you have a good weekend. Catch you soon. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Such a beautiful spot down by the shore! Too bad the journey down wasn't so good...must have been so tough on everyone to close up shop. Rainbows!! Maybe that's a sign of better things to come.
I hope so Bruce as it is a lovely place. But will need a lot of commitment from council etc and investment to get the hotels back open. Thanks for watching my friend. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🐕
It was beautiful in the 1990s. Vibrant and fill of tourists. Open top bus tours and boat trips! Pubs, cafes, restaurants and gift shops. We used to go in July or August though. No bordered up shops or people sleeping in doorways then!
I agree we have visited lots over the last 30 years and it is sad to see the town being neglected. Hopefully a productive summer season and a bit of wise investment will get it back on its feet. The harbour area remains popular but the town really does need a lift.
It's always horrible to see a town looking unloved, but the area down by the beach does look a lot nicer and I'm sure on a sunny day in summer it would look fantastic!
Very interesting tour! I love the setting and the coastline... but it was disappointing to see all the boarded up shops! And yes, they definitely need a crosswalk where you were!
Thanks Dara. It remains a lovely spot in summer by the harbour but the town has been rundown for sure. Two sides to it. Thanks for watching. Have a great weekend. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Ilfracombe just needs some love and care, and some money being spent on the place, it's such a shame to see it the way it is. I have had many a great holiday in woolacombe which is a beautiful village with a stunning beach. I hope it doesn't go the sameway as Bournemouth.
TOTALLY agree with you about most seaside resorts ..... incredibly depressing and vacant ..... desperate times ( unless you're a Turkish barber) Many thanks from Newquay.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. It is a shame. I do hope the summer is good and the economy can have a boost. And there is never a shortage of Turkish Barbers. 🤷🏻♂️
Hello Watto, we have visited Ilfracombe but like you we weren't overly impressed. We weren't too impressed with the statue of Verity either. Take care x Julie and Tony x
Thanks Guys. Yes it used to be a lot nicer but has a very rundown feel now. And the statue 🤷🏻♂️. What has it got to do with a fishing village ? Have a good weekend both. Catch up again soon. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
your bumper music at the beginning was neat. It is so sad to see a town not doing well. Closed stores and those having a hard life. Everything is not all rosey out there. Nice double rainbow at the elephant
Thanks guys. Yes it is such a shame and sadly happening everywhere. I think seaside towns need all the help they can get. Thanks for watching. Best wishes from us both. 👍🏻🚶♀️🚶🏻♂️
@@TheGrayLifewithJimPearl thanks guys. Really appreciate your support. It is a trending subject. However I don’t want to be all doom n gloom. But need the watchtime 🤷🏻♂️
Sad to see so much claws and boarded up some lovely architecture. Nice rugged coast line. Not sure if I like sculpture, might be difference when you see the statue in reality. Awesome 🙌 Great Rainbow 🌈 Thank you for taking us along Watto and Kim. Have a great weekend. 👍🏽🙏🏽🤠🤗
never been but still, not what I was expecting or ever heard of hot seawater bathing either but that does sound fun. Hand carving through those cliffs must have took forever and could you imagine todays workforce doing that, the old fashioned way! To be honest I did like the harbour and cannot make my mind up about the statue, whether I love it or hate it! Nice to see that it is not only us getting the rain, always good to share :o). Nice way to finish on an ice cream but shame to hear that Ilfracombe has lost it's mojo but when you say what the hotels are being turned into, it is the beginning of the end! Cheers Alan
Thanks Alan. It was very wet for the week we were down there. It does happen down here you know. The tunnels must have taken a lot of effort for sure and no today’s wine workforce would just be in strike. Glad you enjoyed watching. Best wishes from both of us. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Hi Watto and Kim Outstanding walking tour and investigation. I am not sure what level of economy is in the UK is dealing with. I bet it started after colonial Glory era. Then pandemic is deadly that many small businesses could not come back. It is not only happening to the UK, but the global wide. Hope one day we have a solution. As I mentioned. Disney World and Universal Studio have been doing well expanding their business. Nobody pays state income taxes in FL since it is considered as a wealthy state. I am certain there is some tourist destinations in the UK doing well economically in somehow???? Wish the best for next generations. well done. Watto and Kim. Thank you for being an advocate...Now we ponder...
Thank you so much for your support. It was sad seeing it this way as we have fond memories of there. Lots of other towns resorts etc are doing really well which is good to see. However I suspect that most have a struggling underbelly that is in need of fixing. The hotels being used by illegal asylum seekers while homeless Brits are sleeping in doorways. Just isn’t right. We have a huge problem here at the moment. Anyway enough doom n gloom. Have yourselves a great weekend. And we will catch up again soon. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
A song comes to mind: "And another one bites the dust". After having see similar from Nick and Jill, this once again illustrates the wide spread closures. What is the answer- the solution and who sets what steps? It can't only be the council's responsibility. We reap what we sow...Isn't that the saying? Pity that the weather sort of matched the situation. A bit of sun would have shed a glimmer of hope. Happy Weekend and cheers with the 125K watch time. 👌🙋♀🇳🇿🥝
Hi If you watched all the way through. You will realise I actually don’t focus on negative things. I can only say what I see. We love Ilfracombe and have many many good memories. There. Which is why it was such a disappointment. At Easter which is when the holiday season starts. We will continue to visit and hope to paint it I the light that it deserves. But at the moment it need a lot. Of investment and tidying up Thanks for commenting as we really appreciate everyone who watches. Best wishes from us both. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Well we don't get much money around here unfortunately.... the shops are being killed off due to massive rental rising...the Government doesn't give our councils enough money... the best thing about Ilfracombe is the harbour, the sea and scenery...and some lovely walks around the sea...
I totally agree. It is indeed a lovely area and it is a shame there isn’t more investment in the town. I hope it gets the footfall as the season progresses. The town certainly need re vamping as has a very run down feel to what we were used to seeing on many previous visits. Thanks for taking the time to comment. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
@@WanderingwithWatto 🥰🥰 what is also lovely, is a new cafe called Lime Kilm cafe and bar, overlooking the sea, opposite the statue of Verity... we have been there many times... thank you 😊
A sad state of affairs Watto - if people don't have money to spend on day trips or weeks away to the coast these towns are really going to suffer. Our county council has just decided to start charging for seafront parking in Seaham (to make up the shortfall into their coffers coming from central government) - we will see how this affects to tourist businesses in the town - currently it is quite buoyant but the high street struggles. We've had 14 years of austerity, cuts and recession and no end in sight.
We certainly need change mate but I fear the obvious one isn’t the answer as again won’t be strong enough to give us what we need. Thanks for watching as always. Enjoy your weekend. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Hey watto and Kim 😊 shame that you’ve seen it change since you last visited. Sad to see them closing down places. Looks lovely by the water though 😊 beautiful double rainbow how lucky 😊
Thank you both. I agree with you that it is looking very sad. We visited a few years ago...in April. The harbour was bustling on a sunny day but it was still very cold by the craggy cliffs.
Thanks Simon. The weather didn’t help. But it’s gonna take more than sun to sort the town out. Investment and proper use of the hotels for a start. It is a lovely place but has lost its way for sure. Hopefully the summer season will help.
It is still very nice this time of year around the harbour area. Just the town itself needs a little work. I hope you enjoy your stay. Thanks for watching. 🚶🏻♂️
So many of our once theiving towns are now total shit holes. It's cheaper for me yo fly abroad for a few days compared to a seaside holiday in Ilfracombe.
Very true Alice. With lots of people staycationing though I wonder if they will only see the hood bits of these towns and or just ignore the fact they are neglected. 🤷🏻♂️
Thanks for watching. We really appreciate it. Sadly it seems to be the current trend here for many reasons. Hopefully it will improve. But there needs to be big change. Thanks again have a good weekend. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Spot on video of ilfracombe ! My mum & Dad have been taking us there since the 60s, as I was the youngest my memories start from the early 70s. Been going back for many years and have taken my own children to try to recapture my childhood, but the last time I went there 6 years ago it wasn’t pretty, but like a lot of seaside towns it’s a shithole as much as I don’t like to say it and wish it wasn’t. Still there’s other amazing places not far away. I hope things improve for the town but I can’t see it happening anytime soon. Government should invest in our seaside towns and make them appealing for brits to holiday at home, but I guess they are too busy spending 10 mil a week on illegal asylum seekers ! Oh yes Rule Britannia the dinghy’s rule the waves.
It is almost criminal how these places have been left to decline and homeless people struggle while there are hotels full of illegals. It’s making this great country a laughing stick tbh. Hopefully there will be REFORM. and we can have leadership with bottle and the British people at heart. Thanks for watching. Best wishes. Watto & Kim. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
It is a shame as we had some great hols there. It was a very wet day when we went. I guess moving it to Devon did t help. 🤣🤣. Thanks for watching. Enjoy your weekend. Hopefully a good vlogging day tomorrow. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
The harbour area is nice when the weather is kind and there are some nice walks around the headland. But the town 🤷🏻♂️. Has seen better days. Hopefully it will recover with some high spending tourists. 🤷🏻♂️
Superb Watto, so sad to see all these towns and cities being overlooked. Literally have UK homeless in the empty shop doorways and a hotel full of illegals living in luxury. The UK is bonkers at the moment.
Thanks Nick. It drives me mad. I love this country but it is falling apart and we are being invaded. But no one wants to stand up and admit it. Such a shame.
![Is ILFRACOMBE still worth a visit [explore with us]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/OSDnLsYaYbc/mqdefault.jpg)
![Hunxho - Ball Forever [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nki9ZTF9Uls/mqdefault.jpg)
If you liked this video watch our Discovering Devon playlist here: ruclips.net/p/PLh1CjUjoyA8JiZsHUs-VnyKvWcZZqEset
You can support the channel by joining our Patreon here: patreon.com/WanderingwithWatto
Buying us a coffee here ☕ www.buymeacoffee.com/Wattowanders
Or contribute directly here: paypal.me/WanderingwithWatto?country.x=GB&locale.x=en_GB We really appreciate it.👍🚶♂🚶♀
Oops - pressed return too early. The bath house looks lovely. Go the Welsh digging tunnels!! Not to rub it in, but Dorset was a lot less wet! Just learn that you're in Devon not Cornwall!!! Sorry! The sea front is nice - not sure about verity! Yes, we can see the elephant!! Nice rainbow!! Think this might have been when we were in Stonehenge! Ice cream in a bus stop. Classic! Cheers guys. Loved it 🍻
@@PostcardAndAPint 🤣🤣. We did have some awful weather when we were down there. Added to the depressing vibe tbh. As for verity. Not sure what she has to do with a fishing village. 🤷🏻♂️. Thanks again guys. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Not sure who told you about the asylum accommodation as it closed a year ago and is now an fully operational hotel for holidaymakers after a refit.
If that’s the case then that’s great news. I can only say what I see and after speaking to a local business owner that is what I was told. I was also told things about the Bay hotel which I chose not to say on film. There is no denying the effect it has in seaside towns added to the lack of investment by councils etc. I hope Ilfracombe gets back to its best but it will need a lot of work.
Thanks for watching I appreciate you commenting. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
i feel like you could have been abit fairer with how you only filmed closed shops and none of the open ones, ive just moved here, and absolutey love the place, lots of variety, and the season starts mid may according to locals, you came at the wrong time, some rough edges, but thats the same as most seaside towns after covid, theyre doing alot better than most, ilfracombe is a diamond in the rough.
Hi Jack. Thanks for watching. And taking the time to comment. By no means do we not like Ilfracombe. In fact as I said in the video we have very happy memories of times spent there. And as I also said it retains its charm and is a very nice place. It just needs a lot of investment to rejuvenate the town as it was once an asset and undeniably now is rundown. Our seaside towns need support for sure. Thanks again for watching and I genuinely hope that it can get back to its former thriving self.
Have a good weekend. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
@WanderingwithWatto I completely agree. Hope to see you back for the season!
@@JackWhitehead-in2vc we will definitely return as we live the area and have visited consistently for over 30 years now.
Thanks again Jack. Best wishes from us both. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Thank you Paul and Kim. I thought your comments were spot on. We visited a few years ago in April. It was very cold on the cliff walk but the harbour was sunny and bustling.
Shame how these towns are ending up . Hopefully, something can change before it's too late. Thanks for showing us around Watto & Kim 👍
Thanks for watching Adzey. I think tourists will still go in the summer as the harbour is the main attraction with the tunnels beaches. But the town needs work for sure.
@@WanderingwithWatto Fingers crossed 🤞
For those who do not know but abroard in many countries and their cities lots of shops are boarded up and this stems from the 2008 crisis, this is not simply 'covid and the Russian war', l lived in a small town in Nederlands and there were around 4,000 people in 2008, today there are fewer because youngsters have left to work in other places and apart from 2 supermarkets there is only 5 shops open, the weekly market draws about 3 sellers, some wednesdays there is one only.
Thank you Carlos for your fab comments I’m glad to hear this isn’t just the Uk 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
It is always sad to return years later to a place where you have made such great memories only to find that things have changed a lot - and not in a good way. This looks like a nice coastal area. Hope it gets back on its feet. Thanks for the tour of Ilfracombe!
It was such a shock after so many fond memories of there when the boys were little. We just hope it picks back up, the sea front & coastal areas are beautiful. Thank you for watching.👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
hey i live in ilfracombe and i would just like to tell you that its so amazing in the summer and you should visit again
its quite rubbish when its raining
Hey, thank you so much for your comments, yes we are definitely going back in a months time, we love it there & it always looks better when the sun is shining 👌🏻
@@WanderingwithWatto yeah:)
Hi Watto and Kim, it was very sad to see that the town centre of Ilfracombe has become rundown and shops have closed. Seems to be a similar story in a lot of towns around the country since Covid and the popularity of online shopping. Thank goodness the front and harbour area is still looking well cared for. Everything looks better on a sunny day though, doesn't it? The coastline is spectacular and hopefully Ilfracombe will attract lots of visitors during the summer months. Thanks for a very interesting video. Have a great week ahead 😊😊
Totally agree. It is a shame these places are struggling. I do hope it starts getting investment and gets back to what it once was. Thanks for joining us. Have a great week. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Thanks for sharing Watto. The theme of shops closed and boarded up seems to be a worldwide trend. Cheers Mate.
Thank you Paul, I’m sure it’s the same everywhere. We just hope it can get back on its feet again. I’m sure Covid & the like haven’t helped.
👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Hello from Naples, Florida. A very interesting visit to Ilfracombe, indeed. Thanks for sharing the amazing views with us, have a great weekend 👍 💯 ❤
Thank you for coming along with us. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Cheap foreign holidays with guaranteed sun, add in online shopping and it is a recipe for disaster. Poor Blighty, I wonder if she will ever recover. Thanks for sharing.
Chris I sincerely hope so. I love this country but hate what it has become. Everyone scared to say what is really happening and no one strong enough to tackle the issues.
🤷🏻♂️
@WanderingwithWatto sadly so. With global warming, hopefully, holidays at home will come back, but they need to be reasonable rates too. The other thing is to outlaw Amazon, but they have a monopoly, so sadly, that won't happen. Sad state of affairs.
I will definitely be watching this one later! We will be on the road when the video premieres. We have been to this lovely part of the country, but have not visited Ilfracombe yet. I am excited to see what your experience was there!
And do you think this video is going to help it ! Cost of living... Covid.... Internet shopping. What's it like where you live ? No homeless? Lucky you. What we need is positive reviews and more visitors. You are just another nail in the coffin . Cheers
@@tboo1427 hmm watched it all the way through then ? If you did you would have heard me say that we love the place and hope it finds it a way back to what it was. Thanks for watching some of it though. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Thanks for taking us to Ilfracombe in North Devon. I hope that the city administration will find a way to restore parts of the city. 💯34
You are always very welcome. Yes me too it is a nice place but sadly now needs a lot of investment to restore it to what it was.
Thank you for watching. Enjoy your weekend. Best wishes from us both. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
That’s really amazing and beautiful 😍 journey 👍. A lot to see and what I love ❤️ most the Elephant shape of mountain and two rainbow 🌈. Have a wonderful weekend 👍.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for coming along with us. Have a great weekend. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Mr watto and the lovely Kim. I really enjoyed this video, and the premiere. It was interesting to see the dilapidated now town centre. It certainly has it's ups and downs. Sad to see the town centre and that the pandemic just destoryed the town but the upside is how stunning Ilfracombe naturally is, those views over the harbour would make up for it. Interesting statue and a great video overall - love the way you present. Thank you both for a great video xx
Ah thanks Alessa. We really do appreciate all your support. It was sad as we have such good memories from previous visits.
Back to less depressing things next week I promise. It’s draining doing the doom m gloom thing.
Have a great weekend. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Very interesting.
@@julielarge6120 thank you.
Hi to you both. This is a place we have never been to. The sea front looks beautiful. Shame about the rain. Love the rainbow. Pleased you have some good memories of the place. Hope you have a good weekend. Best wishes Dave and Dawn ❤️
Thank you Dave & Dawn, we have very fond memories of Ilfracombe and hope it can be improved. The area is stunning. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Beautiful footage! The clouds look menacing though
They were. We got soaked with hail rain and sleet. Springtime in the UK seaside for you. Thanks for watching guys. Have a great weekend. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Lovely video eye opening!
Thank you Donna. Definitely two sides to the town. I hope it improves as it is it was a very nice place for a summer visit. Have a great weekend. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Maybe visit in the summer and judge , I think I’ll stay nearby and just visit for the day.
Awful choice of annoying music interjecting, I had to stop watching halfway through
Appreciate the comment. If you had watched all the way through you would have seen that we like the place and have many happy memories there. Which is why it is disappointing to see the town run down as the harbour is so lovely. But just JUDGE On a half watched video though eh. 🤷🏻♂️
Like 3 👍
Great job Watto. Enjoyed that 👍❤️
Glad you enjoyed it Phil. Appreciate you coming along mate. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Hi guys
Hope you are both well.
Such a shame to see 😢
I've not been since the 80's hopefully things will change x
Looks nice down by the water.
Hope you're having a good week
Jo xx
Yes we are doing great thanks. Totally agree as it is a very nice area. thanks for watching. Best wishes from us both. 👍🚶🏻♂️🚶🏻♀️
I went there on holiday when I was younger in the early 80s. Went back in 2010 and couldnt believe how run down it looked even back then😢
It was a shock but hopefully it will improve, the harbour & other areas are still stunning & im sure it will pick up as we head towards the summer.
👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Hi guys nice film 👍 im quite surprised as we were down there last summer it was absolutely chocka did a little film on the tunnels
I think it will be again Glyn. The touristy parts will do well but it was the town that was shocking. And the hotels being closed is a very bad sign for a seaside resort. Shame as we do like it and have been many times before. Thanks for watching Glyn. Hope you have a good weekend. Catch you soon. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Such a beautiful spot down by the shore! Too bad the journey down wasn't so good...must have been so tough on everyone to close up shop. Rainbows!! Maybe that's a sign of better things to come.
I hope so Bruce as it is a lovely place. But will need a lot of commitment from council etc and investment to get the hotels back open. Thanks for watching my friend. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🐕
It’s a shame that the town isn’t what you remember. Hopefully, they will be able to turn things around.
We are hoping things will improve as we head towards the summer months as it was quite early on in the year 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
It was beautiful in the 1990s. Vibrant and fill of tourists. Open top bus tours and boat trips! Pubs, cafes, restaurants and gift shops. We used to go in July or August though. No bordered up shops or people sleeping in doorways then!
I agree we have visited lots over the last 30 years and it is sad to see the town being neglected. Hopefully a productive summer season and a bit of wise investment will get it back on its feet. The harbour area remains popular but the town really does need a lift.
It's always horrible to see a town looking unloved, but the area down by the beach does look a lot nicer and I'm sure on a sunny day in summer it would look fantastic!
Yes it retains its charm for sure but needs some investment to get it back on track. Thanks for watching. Best wishes from us both. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Very interesting tour! I love the setting and the coastline... but it was disappointing to see all the boarded up shops! And yes, they definitely need a crosswalk where you were!
Thanks Dara. It remains a lovely spot in summer by the harbour but the town has been rundown for sure. Two sides to it. Thanks for watching. Have a great weekend. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Ilfracombe just needs some love and care, and some money being spent on the place, it's such a shame to see it the way it is.
I have had many a great holiday in woolacombe which is a beautiful village with a stunning beach. I hope it doesn't go the sameway as Bournemouth.
Totally agree Dean. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
👍1 great thumbnail and title guys. See you then ❤
Ah. Alway front row for you guys. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
TOTALLY agree with you about most seaside resorts ..... incredibly depressing and vacant ..... desperate times ( unless you're a Turkish barber) Many thanks from Newquay.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. It is a shame. I do hope the summer is good and the economy can have a boost. And there is never a shortage of Turkish Barbers. 🤷🏻♂️
Hello Watto, we have visited Ilfracombe but like you we weren't overly impressed. We weren't too impressed with the statue of Verity either. Take care x Julie and Tony x
Thanks Guys. Yes it used to be a lot nicer but has a very rundown feel now. And the statue 🤷🏻♂️. What has it got to do with a fishing village ? Have a good weekend both. Catch up again soon. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
your bumper music at the beginning was neat. It is so sad to see a town not doing well. Closed stores and those having a hard life. Everything is not all rosey out there. Nice double rainbow at the elephant
Thanks guys. Yes it is such a shame and sadly happening everywhere. I think seaside towns need all the help they can get.
Thanks for watching. Best wishes from us both. 👍🏻🚶♀️🚶🏻♂️
@@WanderingwithWatto Watch your analytics on this one. You may have found a interesting subject. I'm here in the US and found it interesting.
@@TheGrayLifewithJimPearl thanks guys. Really appreciate your support. It is a trending subject. However I don’t want to be all doom n gloom. But need the watchtime 🤷🏻♂️
Ilfracombe is a likable shit hole good weatherspoons though and lots off good beachs and exmoor very close!
Totally agree. 👍🏻
This town really looks grim (statue too 😜). But beaches very nice and the idea of cliff tunnels also quite cool 😊😊👍👍
Thanks 😀yes I agree. the statue has nothing to do with a fishing village. thanks for watching. best wishes from us both. 👍🚶🏻♂️🚶🏻♀️
Sad to see so much claws and boarded up some lovely architecture. Nice rugged coast line. Not sure if I like sculpture, might be difference when you see the statue in reality. Awesome 🙌 Great Rainbow 🌈
Thank you for taking us along Watto and Kim. Have a great weekend. 👍🏽🙏🏽🤠🤗
Thanks guys, bit of a shock to us both but I think covid & online shopping hasn’t helped. It is a beautiful area with stunning views.
👍🏻🚶♀️🚶🏻♂️
That is such a shame that so much of the town is boarded up. been there a few times. Very beautiful place 😊
Yes it was Cara. Changed a lot now. Very disappointing. Thanks for watching. Hope you have a great weekend. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
never been but still, not what I was expecting or ever heard of hot seawater bathing either but that does sound fun. Hand carving through those cliffs must have took forever and could you imagine todays workforce doing that, the old fashioned way! To be honest I did like the harbour and cannot make my mind up about the statue, whether I love it or hate it! Nice to see that it is not only us getting the rain, always good to share :o). Nice way to finish on an ice cream but shame to hear that Ilfracombe has lost it's mojo but when you say what the hotels are being turned into, it is the beginning of the end! Cheers Alan
Thanks Alan. It was very wet for the week we were down there. It does happen down here you know.
The tunnels must have taken a lot of effort for sure and no today’s wine workforce would just be in strike. Glad you enjoyed watching. Best wishes from both of us. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Wow - how eye opening -
It’s such a shame but not all bad other parts of Ilfracombe are stunning & it has some beautiful scenery.
👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🤣
Thanks for showing us around 😊
Our pleasure. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Hi Watto and Kim
Outstanding walking tour and investigation.
I am not sure what level of economy is in the UK is dealing with.
I bet it started after colonial Glory era. Then pandemic is deadly that many small businesses could not come back.
It is not only happening to the UK, but the global wide. Hope one day we have a solution. As I mentioned. Disney World and Universal Studio have been doing well expanding their business. Nobody pays state income taxes in FL since it is considered as a wealthy state. I am certain there is some tourist destinations in the UK doing well economically in somehow???? Wish the best for next generations. well done. Watto and Kim. Thank you for being an advocate...Now we ponder...
Thank you so much for your support. It was sad seeing it this way as we have fond memories of there. Lots of other towns resorts etc are doing really well which is good to see. However I suspect that most have a struggling underbelly that is in need of fixing. The hotels being used by illegal asylum seekers while homeless Brits are sleeping in doorways. Just isn’t right. We have a huge problem here at the moment. Anyway enough doom n gloom. Have yourselves a great weekend. And we will catch up again soon. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
@@WanderingwithWatto oh Homeless....It is challenging when we consider both side's of regal rights. Keep coming Watto and Kim
A song comes to mind: "And another one bites the dust". After having see similar from Nick and Jill, this once again illustrates the wide spread closures. What is the answer- the solution and who sets what steps? It can't only be the council's responsibility. We reap what we sow...Isn't that the saying? Pity that the weather sort of matched the situation. A bit of sun would have shed a glimmer of hope. Happy Weekend and cheers with the 125K watch time. 👌🙋♀🇳🇿🥝
To be honest, we were a bit shocked but other parts of Ilfracombe were fabulous and I’m sure covid & online shopping hasn’t helped.
👍🏻🚶🏻♂️👍🏻
*Perhaps the pandemic had its toll on the downtown area. It took me a few seconds to finally spot the elephant. Have a nice weekend 👍*
Hi David. A lot of towns have declined sadly. Pandemic on line shopping etc. all taking its toll.
Glad you found the elephant.
👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Not only that but the meanest seagull ever stole my ice cream cone there by the harbour. That did it!
@@yougottabekidding7476 mean Devon Gulls. 🦅
Great video-Thank you Watto
Thanks James. Glad you enjoyed it. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
It's happening here in Scarborough too. So sad. Love your work, even if it shows truth.
Thanks Owen. I think sadly a lot of places are going this way. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
You visited it out of season.
I wont subscribe because you focus on negative things.
Hi
If you watched all the way through. You will realise I actually don’t focus on negative things. I can only say what I see. We love Ilfracombe and have many many good memories. There. Which is why it was such a disappointment. At Easter which is when the holiday season starts.
We will continue to visit and hope to paint it I the light that it deserves. But at the moment it need a lot. Of investment and tidying up
Thanks for commenting as we really appreciate everyone who watches.
Best wishes from us both. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Well we don't get much money around here unfortunately.... the shops are being killed off due to massive rental rising...the Government doesn't give our councils enough money... the best thing about Ilfracombe is the harbour, the sea and scenery...and some lovely walks around the sea...
I totally agree. It is indeed a lovely area and it is a shame there isn’t more investment in the town. I hope it gets the footfall as the season progresses. The town certainly need re vamping as has a very run down feel to what we were used to seeing on many previous visits. Thanks for taking the time to comment. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
@@WanderingwithWatto 🥰🥰 what is also lovely, is a new cafe called Lime Kilm cafe and bar, overlooking the sea, opposite the statue of Verity... we have been there many times... thank you 😊
@@jammyjay917 we will be sure to check it out on our next visit.
A sad state of affairs Watto - if people don't have money to spend on day trips or weeks away to the coast these towns are really going to suffer.
Our county council has just decided to start charging for seafront parking in Seaham (to make up the shortfall into their coffers coming from central government) - we will see how this affects to tourist businesses in the town - currently it is quite buoyant but the high street struggles. We've had 14 years of austerity, cuts and recession and no end in sight.
We certainly need change mate but I fear the obvious one isn’t the answer as again won’t be strong enough to give us what we need.
Thanks for watching as always. Enjoy your weekend. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
excellent . . . thumbs up 👍🎥💯
Thank you Othmar
Hey watto and Kim 😊 shame that you’ve seen it change since you last visited. Sad to see them closing down places. Looks lovely by the water though 😊 beautiful double rainbow how lucky 😊
I’m sure covid & online shopping hasn’t helped but it is still a stunning seaside town with stunning coasts.
👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Great video 😊
Thank you hopefully it will pick up towards the summer months, it is still a great seaside town worth a visit
👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
I'm not a fan either. It's like the Emperor's new clothes.
That is a very good analogy Chris.
Totally agree.
Thank you both. I agree with you that it is looking very sad. We visited a few years ago...in April. The harbour was bustling on a sunny day but it was still very cold by the craggy cliffs.
Thanks for watching Cathy. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Like 50 👍 💯 ❤
Shame and sad to see Paul mind when the sun did shine it made a big difference to the feel mate
Best regards to Kim
All the best Simon 🤠👍
Thanks Simon. The weather didn’t help. But it’s gonna take more than sun to sort the town out. Investment and proper use of the hotels for a start. It is a lovely place but has lost its way for sure. Hopefully the summer season will help.
Just booked a night in this town.
Well…
We all make mistakes.
It is still very nice this time of year around the harbour area. Just the town itself needs a little work. I hope you enjoy your stay. Thanks for watching. 🚶🏻♂️
So many of our once theiving towns are now total shit holes. It's cheaper for me yo fly abroad for a few days compared to a seaside holiday in Ilfracombe.
Very true Alice. With lots of people staycationing though I wonder if they will only see the hood bits of these towns and or just ignore the fact they are neglected.
🤷🏻♂️
It has such a charm, itvis sad that this is happening. I am not familiar with the economics over that way. So I have no way of giving an opinion.
Thanks for watching. We really appreciate it. Sadly it seems to be the current trend here for many reasons. Hopefully it will improve. But there needs to be big change.
Thanks again have a good weekend. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Nice to see the Turkish Barbers is open, but then we all know what they are a front for....
Hmmm. We do but do the authorities. 🤷🏻♂️. Thanks for watching Stuart.
Spot on video of ilfracombe ! My mum & Dad have been taking us there since the 60s, as I was the youngest my memories start from the early 70s. Been going back for many years and have taken my own children to try to recapture my childhood, but the last time I went there 6 years ago it wasn’t pretty, but like a lot of seaside towns it’s a shithole as much as I don’t like to say it and wish it wasn’t. Still there’s other amazing places not far away. I hope things improve for the town but I can’t see it happening anytime soon. Government should invest in our seaside towns and make them appealing for brits to holiday at home, but I guess they are too busy spending 10 mil a week on illegal asylum seekers ! Oh yes Rule Britannia the dinghy’s rule the waves.
It is almost criminal how these places have been left to decline and homeless people struggle while there are hotels full of illegals. It’s making this great country a laughing stick tbh. Hopefully there will be REFORM. and we can have leadership with bottle and the British people at heart.
Thanks for watching. Best wishes. Watto & Kim. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
The immigrants actually cost at least..£7 Million +...PER DAY...!!...£35 Million PER WEEK...EVERY WEEK....!!!!!!!
This was sad to see. I thought Ilfracombe was one of those posh Cornish destinations! It looks sad, and wet!!
It is a shame as we had some great hols there. It was a very wet day when we went. I guess moving it to Devon did t help. 🤣🤣. Thanks for watching. Enjoy your weekend. Hopefully a good vlogging day tomorrow. 👍🏻🚶🏻♂️🚶♀️
Not the best looking place...might give it a miss when we head down that way in May.
The harbour area is nice when the weather is kind and there are some nice walks around the headland. But the town 🤷🏻♂️. Has seen better days.
Hopefully it will recover with some high spending tourists. 🤷🏻♂️
The Tories. Brexit. You’re welcome.
Has Brexit made foreign holidays cheaper then? That's really why the hotels are closing.
Superb Watto, so sad to see all these towns and cities being overlooked. Literally have UK homeless in the empty shop doorways and a hotel full of illegals living in luxury. The UK is bonkers at the moment.
Thanks Nick. It drives me mad. I love this country but it is falling apart and we are being invaded. But no one wants to stand up and admit it. Such a shame.
Doesn’t help Damien hurst owns a lot of the high street properties
Does he now ? That’s interesting to know. Fingers in many pies.
@@WanderingwithWatto 'A finger in a pie' would make a much better statue than that grotesque thing that's there now :)