Maplewood Backpackers

Lisa and Mark are now in their second year of running Maplewood. We offer a warm friendly welcome to all who stay. If you are considering staying, be sure to expect a tongue in cheek 'Fawlty Towers' approach. Guests often comment that they go away feeling they have stayed as guests with friends rather than in a hotel.

Unlike the Hostel stereotype our rooms compare to a hotel, guest house or B&B rather than the draughty dorms you might imagine. We have twin rooms, doubles and family rooms in addition to dorm beds, some are en-suite, but all bathrooms are private, we don't have shower blocks. The building is full of victorian features, and is grade 2 heritage listed. We cater for all age groups, families, small groups and individuals. We encourage 'fun' but do not tolerate overt rowdiness. In short we offer hotel accommodation at hostel prices with a homely reception.

Maplewood House is set in a quiet side street between the sea front and the town centre. Bus stops are only 50m away as are the beaches, pubs, restaurants and Lidl supermarket. So whether you are popping out for a day on the beach, a loaf of bread, a meal or a pub crawl, you don't have far to walk or stagger as the case may be!

Ilfracombe is a town steeped in history and nestles in a valley on the North Devon coast. It is a town small enough to walk around, or out of into the countryside, but large enough to offer a wide selection of pubs, shops and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. Just 10 minutes car or bus ride away is Woolacombe, Putsborough, Croyde and Saunton beaches famous for miles of sandy beaches and surf. In the other direction is Combe Martin, Lynton and Exmoor where walkers and Ramblers can explore for hours. For the cyclists we sit at the northern end of the Tarka trail which stretches for 100 miles to Plymouth.

The Ferry to South Wales .... Well we are still waiting. As soon as the council can find a place to park it we are assured it will be running! 2012 is the latest report. In the mean time you can take a sight seeing boat trip up and down the coast, or go deep sea fishing or even a trip to Lundy Island, Britains first marine nature reserve. Where you can stay if you wish. Lundy is also a mecca for divers.

Surfers and Ramblers we are happy to have your boards, wetsuits , muddy boots and coats in a specially designated area. No worries about feeling frowned upon as long as you don't leave half of the beach or Exmoor on the carpets or in the baths!

Groups and under 18's We are happy to take small groups If you are a larger group or a hen or stag party you MUST have a whole house booking, This is so you can go as wild as you like (within reason!) without disturbing other guests. If you are under 18 that's fine as long as an adult acts as a reference for the deposit.