Bull Point Lighthouse and the Western Coastline: What You’ll See on a Princess Western Cruise

Most visitors to Ilfracombe have a clear sense of the coastline to the east: Hele Bay, Watermouth Castle, and the dramatic Exmoor cliffs toward Great Hangman. The coastline to the west is less talked about and no less extraordinary. The western cruise on the Ilfracombe Princess heads in the direction that far fewer boats go, and the result is a route that consistently surprises passengers who thought they knew what to expect from the North Devon coast.

Leaving Ilfracombe Westward

Departing from the harbour and heading west, the character of the coastline changes quickly. The Victorian hotels and terraces of Ilfracombe give way to a wilder, more exposed section of coast. Wildersmouth Beach, directly below the town, is visible from the water in a way it is not from the road. The cliff sections between Ilfracombe and Lee Bay are dramatic and largely inaccessible from land.

Lee Bay

Lee Bay is a sheltered cove tucked between headlands, facing south and catching afternoon sun. The village of Lee sits above it, visible from the water as a cluster of cottages and a small car park at the cliff top. From the sea, the approach to Lee Bay through the rocky headlands on either side gives you a clear sense of how these small coves were used by smugglers for centuries: invisible until you are almost upon them, and difficult to access without local knowledge.

Morte Point

Morte Point is one of the most significant headlands on the North Devon coast. The rocks that extend from the point are one of the most dangerous hazards on this stretch of coast and have claimed numerous vessels over the centuries. The slate reef visible at low water, and the strength of the tidal race around the point on the ebb, make the navigational context of this headland immediately apparent from the water.

Beyond Morte Point, the view opens up toward Baggy Point and the broad bay that sweeps south toward Croyde and Saunton. On a clear day, the view from here encompasses some of the finest coastal scenery in Devon.

Bull Point Lighthouse

Bull Point Lighthouse, built in 1879, sits on the headland between Lee Bay and Morte Point. It has been automated since 1975 but remains a functioning navigational light. From the water, the lighthouse and its associated buildings form a distinctive landmark, the white tower visible against the brown and grey of the surrounding cliff face. The Princess crew can provide the history of the light and its role in navigation on this challenging stretch of coast.

The Wildlife Dimension

The cliff sections west of Ilfracombe support seabird colonies including fulmars and kittiwakes through the summer breeding season. Grey seals are present along the coast and grey herons are occasionally spotted on the lower rock platforms. The open water on this route is more exposed than the eastern cruise and porpoise sightings are common.

Book your Ilfracombe Princess western cruise at ilfracombeprincess.co.uk