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	<title>Ocean Backpackers</title>
    <link>http://www.oceanbackpackers.co.uk/</link>
    <description>Ocean Backpackers</description>
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        <title>Surf's Up In Woolacombe!!!</title>
        <link>http://www.oceanbackpackers.co.uk/blog/view/surfs-up-in-woolacombe</link>
        <description><![CDATA[

In case you didn&#39;t already know, Woolacombe Beach in North Devon was recently rated as the second best beach in the UK and the fifth best in Europe - so why not book a night or two at the Ocean Backpackers Independent Youth Hostel in Ilfracombe and see what all the surfing fuss is about?

Because we are only a 15 minute drive away from Woolacombe, our hostel makes for an ideal homebase for those itching to ride the waves of one of the best beaches in England. We&#39;ve had guests from all walks of life come and go - from students in university surf clubs, surfing experts and even first-time surfers, and no guest has left the hostel without a mention of how much fun they had hitting the waves at Woolacombe Beach. With easter coming up it&#39;s a great activity to try out with the kids. Check on-line for our family room and dorm availablilty!

If you want to find out more information on Woolacombe&#39;s surf forecasts, check out MagicSeaweed.com and EyeBallHQ.tv. We can also provide you with more information on how to get to and from Woolacombe, where to rent wet suits and surf boards, as well as other nearby sites and attractions you won&#39;t want to miss during your stay at our independent youth hostel.
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        <pubDate>Tue, 19 Mar 2013 11:18:04 GMT</pubDate>
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        <title>Our Renovations Are Complete!</title>
        <link>http://www.oceanbackpackers.co.uk/blog/view/our-renovations-are-complete</link>
        <description><![CDATA[

When it comes to finding budget accommodation in Ilfracombe (or a place to rest your head after an exciting day of surfing in Woolacombe), the Ocean Backpackers Independent Youth Hostel is the place to be.

That is why we are pleased to announce that the renovations are finally complete here at our independent hostel, and if you&#39;ve stayed with us before you will be shocked and amazed at how different the place looks. We&#39;ve redecorated the hall, stairs and landings, rejuvenated some of the dorms, improved our double and family room, knocked down a few walls in the lounge area, replaced the lounge flooring and even put up some inspirational and creative wall decorations - all to help make your stay more fun and enjoyable.

And with spring being right around the corner, our dorm beds and private rooms are getting booked up quick! So what are you waiting for? Book a night at our independent youth hostel and see the changes for yourself - we promise that you won&#39;t be disappointed! 
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        <pubDate>Tue, 05 Mar 2013 11:58:17 GMT</pubDate>
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        <title>Welcome To Our New Manager!!</title>
        <link>http://www.oceanbackpackers.co.uk/blog/view/welcome-to-our-new-manager</link>
        <description><![CDATA[We would like to say a huge welcome to Alexis our new &#39;live-in&#39; manager who joined us this week. With the refurbishment nearly finished, Alexis, Chris and I are really looking forward to welcoming new guests to Ocean Backpackers and those that return time and time again!! We aim to ensure you all have a great stay!! 
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        <pubDate>Sun, 27 Jan 2013 14:54:35 GMT</pubDate>
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        <title>Refurbishment Commences!</title>
        <link>http://www.oceanbackpackers.co.uk/blog/view/refurbishment-commences</link>
        <description><![CDATA[We are very pleased to announce that a refurbishment is now underway at Ocean Backpackers Independent Youth Hostel. The communal lounge, hall, stairs and landings are being redecorated and one dorm is having a whole new shower unit and bathroom redecorated. We are also going to be having new carpets throughout the communal areas/stairs and landings.
Each year we strive to make improvements to make your stay as pleasant as possible and we are hoping you will really love the transformation. We also look forward to welcoming our new manager Alexis at the end of January who will complete the new look!!!
We are sorry to say this means we are closed from now until the 21st December and then again straight after New Year until January 18th 2013. We look forward to welcoming you in the New Year.
We wish one and all a very Happy Christmas!!
Chris and Abby.]]></description>
        <pubDate>Tue, 04 Dec 2012 13:02:22 GMT</pubDate>
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        <title>Folk And Cider Festival </title>
        <link>http://www.oceanbackpackers.co.uk/blog/view/folk-and-cider-festival-</link>
        <description><![CDATA[Today sees the start of the Ilfracombe Folk and Cider Festival.
It&#39;s at the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe....five minutes walk from us!!
Come along and sample a whole range of lovely North Devon cider&#39;s, eat some scrumptious food and listen to some of the great FREE music that is on offer.
We still have a few dorms beds for this weekend so why not come and stay at Ocean Backpackers for a weekend of drinking, eating and relaxation.....and a trip to see our lovely Verity at the Harbour too!!!
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        <pubDate>Fri, 19 Oct 2012 13:30:18 GMT</pubDate>
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        <title>Verity Looks Amazing!!!!</title>
        <link>http://www.oceanbackpackers.co.uk/blog/view/verity-looks-amazing</link>
        <description><![CDATA[Although she is still undergoing the finishing touches, Damien Hirst&#39;s &#39;Verity&#39; is now in place at the gateway into Ilfracombe Harbour.
She looks magnificent against the spectacular rugged cliffs of Hillsborough. Here at Ocean Backpackers we absolutely love her and consider her a very welcomed addition to the town!!!
Come and see her for yourself and stay in our warm and welcoming Independent Youth Hostel. North Devon budget accomodation at it&#39;s best!
We are getting busy for half term so book now and we look forward to hearing your views on our latest attraction!!!! 
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        <pubDate>Thu, 18 Oct 2012 14:24:22 GMT</pubDate>
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        <title>New Look For Our Family Room!</title>
        <link>http://www.oceanbackpackers.co.uk/blog/view/new-look-for-our-family-room</link>
        <description><![CDATA[We have now refurbished our family room! It has a new comfy bed, new curtains and new bedding and has had a fresh lick of paint too. (View our photo gallery for a photo.) Even though improvements are always being made here at Ocean Backpackers Independent Youth Hostel we still remain at very low budget prices so book your stay with us today for a North Devon winter getaway! Verity (Damien Hirst&#39;s statue) will be in place at the Harbour within the week so why not come and see what the world&#39;s richest living artist has loaned to Ilfracombe and watch this space for an update and/or follow us on facebook too.
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        <pubDate>Fri, 12 Oct 2012 17:09:35 GMT</pubDate>
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        <title>School Cycle Challenge!!</title>
        <link>http://www.oceanbackpackers.co.uk/blog/view/school-cycle-challenge</link>
        <description><![CDATA[Thank you to Beechen Cliff school in Bath who hired the whole backpackers and stayed with us last night for the second year running. Hope you enjoyed all the facilities that our fab North Devon Independent youth Hostel&nbsp; has to offer. Good luck on your journey today:-cycling the national coast-to coast cycle route 27 from Ilfracombe to Plymouth. That&#39;s 102 miles in one day!!! At least the sun is shining for you. It&#39;s a beautiful ride through some spectacular scenery along the tarka trail and beyond. Enjoy!!!
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        <pubDate>Sat, 06 Oct 2012 14:26:39 GMT</pubDate>
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        <title>Hirst's Statue To Go Ahead!</title>
        <link>http://www.oceanbackpackers.co.uk/blog/view/hirsts-statue-to-go-ahead</link>
        <description><![CDATA[We say congratulations to Ilfracombe and thank you Damien Hirst!!! His bronze 67 foot statue known as Verity will be installed at Ilfracombe pier on the 17th and 18th October 2012. The statue depicts a pregnant women with sword aloft standing on a set of law books. In true Damien Hirst style one side of the figure depicts skin peeled away to reveal the anatomy underneath, including her unborn child. Love it or hate it....this could be a life changing landmark to put Ilfracombe on the national arts trail?? Come and see it for yourself and be sure to book your stay at our fantastic budget North Devon Independent Youth Hostel to explore this designated Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty including the spectacular South West Coast Path at the same time. Beds from &pound;13.50 and doubles from &pound;19 each. We look forward to welcoming you soon!!
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        <pubDate>Wed, 12 Sep 2012 12:54:30 GMT</pubDate>
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        <title>Watch This Space!</title>
        <link>http://www.oceanbackpackers.co.uk/blog/view/watch-this-space</link>
        <description><![CDATA[&nbsp;Damien Hirst, the world famous artist who lives locally has recently applied for planning permission to display his new creation in Ilfracombe Harbour. The towering bronze statue known as Verity(latin for truth) is of a naked pregnant women holding a sword aloft and a pair of scales behind her back and will mark the entrance to the harbour. At 66 1/2 feet tall, the monumental sculpture is ten inches taller than it&#39;s North East counterpart the Angel of the North!
To this new piece of local news, we at Ocean Backpackers Independent Youth Hostel, say thanks Damien for all your support in putting Ilfracombe on the national art trail and hopefully attracting many more visitors to this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty each year!! If planning permission is granted the statue will be in place from mid September. We will keep you posted!!
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        <pubDate>Wed, 04 Jul 2012 14:24:17 GMT</pubDate>
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        <title>Ten Years Today!!!</title>
        <link>http://www.oceanbackpackers.co.uk/blog/view/ten-years-today</link>
        <description><![CDATA[Chris and Abby are very happy to announce that they have been the proud owners of Ocean Backpackers for ten years today!
On 4th July 2002 they left their professions, said goodbye to Kent and relocated to this beautiful part of North Devon to follow their dream in taking over the newly established Independent Youth Hostel! Now fully settled in to their new life with a family and dog to boot they would like to take this opportunity to thank all their wonderful guests, many of whom visit time and time again and all the fantastic staff they have had helping them out over the years!
They will continue to strive to make sure they are providing top quality budget accomodation in this stunning area of Outstanding Natural Beauty they now call home and invite one and all to come and enjoy it too!
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        <pubDate>Wed, 04 Jul 2012 14:02:13 GMT</pubDate>
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        <title>Landmark Beer And Music Fest.</title>
        <link>http://www.oceanbackpackers.co.uk/blog/view/landmark-beer-and-music-fest</link>
        <description><![CDATA[

Chill away the weekend at the Landmark Beer and Music Festival in Ilfracombe from Friday 4th-Monday 7th May 2012.With a selection of real ales to quaff on, a feast of food to fill your belly and a superb line-up of free live music, a weekend at the Landmark&rsquo;s annual festival is pure, effortless enjoyment.
Ocean Backpackers is a five minute walk from the beer festival so come and stay with us at Ilfracombe&#39;s best budget Independent Youth Hostel.
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        <pubDate>Sat, 28 Apr 2012 13:43:26 GMT</pubDate>
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        <title>Walkers Are Welcome Status.</title>
        <link>http://www.oceanbackpackers.co.uk/blog/view/walkers-are-welcome-status</link>
        <description><![CDATA[Congratulations to Ilfracombe for recently achieving &quot;walkers are welcome&quot; status. It&#39;s a new community led scheme to demonstrate the commitment to making your visit to Ilfracombe a very enjoyable one.(www.walkersarewelcome.ork.uk.)
At Ocean Backpackers we offer walkers top quality accomodation where they can get a budget bed and a hot shower, relax with others in our communal lounge, use our drying room facilities and make a pack lunch and a flask of tea in our fully equipped kitchen ready for the next day. Walkers are definitely made welcome at Ocean Backpackers!
With the south west coast path on our doorstep, tarka trail nearby and plenty of spectacular self-guided walks surrounding us in this designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you won&#39;t be disappointed!
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        <pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:52:22 GMT</pubDate>
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        <title>North Devon Walking Festival.</title>
        <link>http://www.oceanbackpackers.co.uk/blog/view/north-devon-walking-festival</link>
        <description><![CDATA[

For all those keen walkers amongst you, do not forget the forthcoming North Devon and Exmoor walking festival, now in it&#39;s twelth year. It runs from the 27th April-6th May 2012 and the first two days are based on walks that start from sunny Ilfracombe with all it&#39;s curious coastal charm!

Walks led by experienced guides will take you through some of the most spectacular scenery this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has to offer. Not to be missed.

For more details go to www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk.
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        <pubDate>Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:54:23 GMT</pubDate>
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        <title>Fancy A Budget Easter Break?</title>
        <link>http://www.oceanbackpackers.co.uk/blog/view/fancy-a-budget-easter-break</link>
        <description><![CDATA[Fancy walking some of the breathtaking South West Coast Path? Cycling along the tranquil Tarka Trail? Surfing the waves at the spectacular Woolacombe Beach? Or just spending some realaxing quality time away in one of North Devon&#39;s holiday hot spots.
Here at Ocean Backpackers, Ilfracombe we can offer you cheap self-catering accomodation within two minutes walk from the picturesque harbour buzzing with shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants.
We&#39;ve got everything you would need for a memorable Easter break right here on our doorstep. Dorm beds are still available but filling fast so hurry to avoid disappointment! Prices start from &pound;13.50 per night and dorms sleep up to 6. Ideal for a large family on a budget break, a group of friends that want to spend Easter together or an Independent traveller who wants to socialize with similar like minded people this Easter who have a passion for North Devon and the great outdoors!! x
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        <pubDate>Sun, 01 Apr 2012 22:07:58 GMT</pubDate>
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        <title>Reviews</title>
        <link>http://www.oceanbackpackers.co.uk/blog/view/reviews</link>
        <description><![CDATA[Here at Ilfracombes biggest (and some would say best) backpackers we pride ourselves on offering top quality youth hostel accommodation to people from all walks of life. At the moment we are very busy keeping University surf clubs happy and judging by the review we recently received on the independent hostel guide website we must be doing something right.
Follow the link to read more.
http://www.independenthostelguide.com/blog/comments_from_a_recent_guest_at_ocean_backpackers_ilfracombe
Hopefully the many other surf clubs due to visit soon will enjoy themselves as much as this lot did. 
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        <pubDate>Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:48:54 GMT</pubDate>
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        <title>New Year, New Staff!</title>
        <link>http://www.oceanbackpackers.co.uk/blog/view/new-year-new-staff</link>
        <description><![CDATA[Happy new year to all from Ocean Backpackers. A warm welcome to our new staff member Ivan who will be helping to run our busy youth hostel here in Devon. We have a busy year ahead with many bookings coming in already so don&#39;t delay, book today and come and enjoy the great outdoors where you can surf, walk, fish, dive, cycle, kayak and climb as well as relaxing in the many pubs and eateries on offer here in Ilfracombe.
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        <pubDate>Sat, 07 Jan 2012 20:39:43 GMT</pubDate>
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        <title>Olympic Torch.</title>
        <link>http://www.oceanbackpackers.co.uk/blog/view/olympic-torch</link>
        <description><![CDATA[We are very pleased to announce that the London Organising Comitee of the Olympic Games announced last week that the official Olympic Torch will pass through Ilfracombe on May 21st 2012. On it&#39;s third leg of a 70 day, 800 mile Olympic Torch Relay, the flame will travel from Exeter to Taunton via North Devon.
Planning is already underway to build a fabulous day of community events around this once in a lifetime experience.
Be part of it here at Ocean Backpackers Independent Youth Hostel and book your budget accomodation now! Beds from &pound;13.50 per night.

What better way to enjoy a long weekend than to combine activities such as surfing, rambling along the spectacular Coastal Path , kayaking, horseriding or just lazing on Woolacombe beach with this major exciting event!
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        <pubDate>Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:36:09 GMT</pubDate>
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        <title>Travel Section Guardian</title>
        <link>http://www.oceanbackpackers.co.uk/blog/view/travel-section-guardian</link>
        <description><![CDATA[Ocean Backpackers got a mention in the travel section of the todays Guardian newspaper (Sunday 7th August). As quoted.. &quot;For somewhere surfer-friendly to stay, try Ocean Backpackers Hostel, Ilfracombe&quot; &nbsp; Well you heard it folks come and stay with us if you want quality budget accommodation near North Devon&#39;s top surf beaches woolacombe, croyde and saunton. 
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        <pubDate>Sun, 07 Aug 2011 15:54:21 GMT</pubDate>
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        <title>Cruise Ship</title>
        <link>http://www.oceanbackpackers.co.uk/blog/view/cruise-ship</link>
        <description><![CDATA[Ilfracombe recently welcomed the cruise ship MS Prinsendam. The town was well prepared for the 800 passengers and 470 crew members. Although we only offer top quality budget accommodation here at ocean backpackers and therefore did not directly benifit from this visit we made sure our frontage was looking it&#39;s best incase any of the visitors fancied a return trip and might want to stay in 1 of&nbsp; North Devon&#39;s top youth hostels.
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        <pubDate>Sun, 24 Jul 2011 19:27:51 GMT</pubDate>
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        <title>Surf And Cycle Bus</title>
        <link>http://www.oceanbackpackers.co.uk/blog/view/surf-and-cycle-bus</link>
        <description><![CDATA[North devon is finally getting a bus service that will be able to take Surfboards and Bicycles on board. This is a much needed service and will open up the amazing surf beaches of Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton to those without their own transport. Not only this as it will also make it easier for people wishing to start/finish the national cycle route 27 coast to coast bike ride here in Ilfracombe with the knowledge they can get to and from the nearest train station with their bikes. For more info on the service please go to http://www.northdevon.com/surfbus Dont forget we have a large secure storage area for both surfboards and bikes here at Ocean Backpackers.
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        <pubDate>Mon, 13 Jun 2011 21:16:12 GMT</pubDate>
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        <title>Victorian Week</title>
        <link>http://www.oceanbackpackers.co.uk/blog/view/victorian-week</link>
        <description><![CDATA[It&#39;s Victorian week here in Ilfracombe so why not pay us a visit and see if you can spot people dressed in victiorian attire and not forgetting the fantastic finale this saturday when a spectacular fire work display will take place just up the road from Ocean Backpackers.
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        <pubDate>Mon, 13 Jun 2011 21:03:57 GMT</pubDate>
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        <title>Gold Coast Ocean Festival</title>
        <link>http://www.oceanbackpackers.co.uk/blog/view/gold-coast-ocean-festival</link>
        <description><![CDATA[North Devons very own Gold Coast Ocean Festival is taking place in Croyde Bay on the weekend of 17th/18th and 19th June. We still have beds available here at Ocean Backpackers so why not come and check out the surf and music festivities in Croyde and stay at North Devons top quality youth hostel offering a high standard of accomodation at budget prices.
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        <pubDate>Thu, 12 May 2011 14:19:30 GMT</pubDate>
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        <title>Lundy Island</title>
        <link>http://www.oceanbackpackers.co.uk/blog/view/lundy-island</link>
        <description><![CDATA[Lundy Island was featured on BBC 2&#39;s Britains Secret Seas programme on Sunday the 8th May. It was highlighting the fact that Lundy recently became the UK&#39;s 1st marine conservation zone. Take a day trip from Ilfracombe harbour which is just a 2 minute walk from Ocean Backpackers and don&#39;t forget to keep a look out for dolphins, porpoises, rare birds and seals on the way!
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        <pubDate>Thu, 12 May 2011 14:09:38 GMT</pubDate>
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        <title>Eyeball Surfcheck</title>
        <link>http://www.oceanbackpackers.co.uk/blog/view/eyeball-surfcheck</link>
        <description><![CDATA[North Devon&#39;s premier Surf information website Eyeball surfcheck are having a re-launch party tommorrow in Woolacombe and as Ocean Backpackers are friends of their&#39;s we have been invited to enjoy the party.
The launch is due to go live tomorrow (1st April) so why not check it out at www.eyeball-surfcheck.co.uk
Dont forget we are in a ideal position for all the best surf beaches including Woolacombe, Croyde, Saunton and Lynmouth. We also have a secure surfboard storage area and a drying room.
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        <pubDate>Thu, 31 Mar 2011 19:58:13 GMT</pubDate>
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        <title>Going Green In Backpax Mag</title>
        <link>http://www.oceanbackpackers.co.uk/blog/view/going-green-in-backpax-mag</link>
        <description><![CDATA[We have been mentioned in a recent article in Backpax magazine for our being proactive in going green.
This is due to us having upgraded our entire hot water and heating system which incorporates a solar thermal exchange unit for our hot water, a new more efficient boiler, new thermostatic radiator valves to all the rads aswell as making sure we use low energy lighting where possible and recycling as much as we can.
So if you are worried about your accomodations carbon footprint have peace of mind in the fact that here at Ocean Backpackers, Ilfracombe we are doing all we can to get our footprint smaller.
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        <pubDate>Wed, 23 Mar 2011 14:32:57 GMT</pubDate>
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        <title>Atlantic Watersports</title>
        <link>http://www.oceanbackpackers.co.uk/blog/view/atlantic-watersports</link>
        <description><![CDATA[North Devon Plus have stepped in to organize the Atlantic Watersports Games which were origanally due to be held in Wales.
The Games which will take place in various locations in North Devon will be held between 23rd-28th of July and events include Surfing, Kite Surfing, Rowing and Surf Kayaking.
More than 60,000 people are expected to be attending so book your beds in one of our freshly decorated but very reasonably priced rooms now.&nbsp;
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        <pubDate>Wed, 23 Mar 2011 14:09:42 GMT</pubDate>
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        <title>New Manager</title>
        <link>http://www.oceanbackpackers.co.uk/blog/view/new-manager</link>
        <description><![CDATA[We now have a new manager at Ocean Backpackers.
Welcome Melissa from Vancouver Island, Canada who will be helping with the day to day running of our busy youth hostel here in sunny Devon.

Melissa not only fell in love with the budget accomodation itself but the area surrounding it, which offers some of North Devons most spectacular walks, stunning beaches and beautiful scenery. She looks forward to welcoming you to enjoy it too.

She is also finding out that there are many great places to eat, drink, have fun and with Ilfracombe&#39;s abundance of pubs, restaurants, cafe&#39;s and tea rooms all within a stones throw of the backpackers you will be spoilt for choice.
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        <pubDate>Wed, 23 Mar 2011 13:57:37 GMT</pubDate>
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        <title>New Website Goes Live!!</title>
        <link>http://www.oceanbackpackers.co.uk/blog/view/new-website-goes-live</link>
        <description><![CDATA[If you are reading this you are on our new revamped website.
A big thank you to Gareth and the team at DogLeg design for all there help in puting it together.
You can now follow us on facebook, twitter and flickr.
We will do our best to keep you updated and informed with new events and happenings here in Ilfracombe and across North Devon.
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        <pubDate>Wed, 23 Mar 2011 13:35:09 GMT</pubDate>
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