Rapparee Cove
Rapparee Cove sits tucked beneath the steep face of Hillsborough on the eastern edge of Ilfracombe, sheltered enough to feel removed from the town despite being a short walk from the harbour. The cove is small, with a narrow patch of gritty sand and rock that shrinks considerably as the tide comes in, so timing your visit matters. The cove sits at the bottom of a set of steep steps down the cliffside, which keeps the crowds thin and gives the area a secluded feel. The towering Hillsborough cliffs frame the cove tightly and give strong vertical lines against the sky. From the beach you get clear views back westward toward Ilfracombe Harbour. The high cliffs put the cove in shadow for much of the day, so arriving around midday or on overcast days works better than chasing golden hour here. The cove is the site of the 1796 wreck of the London, and a memorial plaque on the path above marks the spot. (Ilfracombe, Devon, England)
