1. If you arrive by train at Barnstaple, then the First 30 bus departs from the station at 10 and 40 minutes past the hour up to 18.40 at night until the end of September at a cost of about £2. To check the time of buses after this date please ring 0870 608 2 608. If the buses are not at a time to suit you a taxi to Ilfracombe will cost about £20. Or take a taxi to the bus station in Barnstaple and catch an Ilfracombe bus from there. Again check on suitable times on 0800 608 2 608.

2. If you arrive by coach or by bus from Barnstaple, as you get off the bus in Ilfracombe, walk to the road at the rear of the bus. This is Broad Street (see map) turn to your left and at the other end of the street you will see the Sandpiper pub. Walk right up to the Sandpiper (abut 100yds), then turn left into Capstone Road. The Avalon Hotel is about 60 yds along on your right.

3. If you arrive on a cruise at the harbour, then follow the road out of the car park and along the quay (keep the water to your left). In front of you, you will see a shop called ‘Lamb Land’ alongside the right hand side of the shop is Capstone Crescent and the Avalon Hotel is about 60 yds along on the right.

4. 4. Bus travel in North Devon is mainly by First bus services. The services are good and cover much of the area and they can be quite cheap. A day travel ticket is about £4 per person and a weeks travel is about £14 per person.