Woolacombe is a special destination for those who love the beach. Famous for its miles of uninterrupted sands it is a dream come true for surfers, kitesurfers, paddleboarders and sea swimmers; no wonder it's one of the best places to stay in North Devon.
There are plenty of things to do in Woolacombe, the large village is home to an excellent range of amenities, including fine dining establishments, good pubs, and a good range of handy shops.
With good transport links into Ilfracombe, Braunton and Barnstaple, this North Devon seaside resort is closer than you think.
Woolacombe cottages
Skip to:
About Woolacombe
The centre of the village is perched at the northern end of the beach at the foot of a steep hill. As you approach the town by road you are in a long steady descent down to sea level. The majority of the shops and restaurants are clustered around two or three streets adjacent to the beach facilities (West Road, South Street, Mill Lane). You'll find numerous surf clothing and apparel shops, some of which hire out boards and wetsuits, including The Bay Surf Shop and Shore 2 Surf..
You won’t be short of places to buy buckets and spades, postcards and beach balls – there are even a few convenience stores to add to the mix. You will also find the majority of Woolacombe’s pubs and restaurants here. You can even catch a film at Neo cinema at the Woolacombe Bay Hotel.
Beaches in Woolacombe
Imagine, a 3-mile-long unspoilt beach, almost as far as the eye can see. Stretching from the Esplanade to Baggy Point at Putsborough, Woolacombe Beach will leave you in no doubt as to why this stretch of golden sand is a consistent favourite when it comes to handing out awards for the nation’s best!
For surfers, it’s a great place for beginners and those who appreciate a steady procession of rollers. Without the serious threat from rip tides, it’s also a superb choice for those looking to sea swim and paddleboard. There are a few restrictions for those who want to share the beach experience with their dogs for the busy, warmer part of the year but, as we said, there are acres of space for everybody to do their thing. The beach is backed by one of the longest and deepest dune systems in England, providing a maze of tracks to hurtle down; it’s also a great nature reserve that needs to be preserved, so stick to the trails!
Barricane
Barricane Beach neighbours the main beach and is a family-friendly haven, perfect for a relaxing day. During the late spring, summer and early autumn, the café is open and you can enjoy a curry (yes, a curry) whilst you watch the sun go down. High tide reduces the beach space dramatically here so check your tide timetables so that you can optimise your time at this bewitching spot secretly tucked away from the throngs that pitch up around the central beach entrance and main car park. Head further around the bay to Combesgate Beach if you like rock pooling.
Attractions in Woolacombe
One of the best activities to enjoy while in Woolacombe is surfing. If you're new to the waves, you can get surfing lessons at one of the local providers in the village like Woolacombe Surf Centre or Surfing Woolacombe. For a family day trip, consider a fun outing to Borough Farm Sheepdog and Falconry Displays, an active hit for all animal and bird fans. Enjoy a range of water-based outdoor activities with H2Outdoor or go hang gliding with Fly Like a Bird. There are also plenty of great activities at Funder Island to keep the whole family entertained, from pirate-themed adventure golf to race cars and bumper boats.
Further afield is Ilfracombe with the characterful Tunnels Beaches, Landmark Theatre and charming harbour among its many attractions. You can also take a trip out to sea on a tour boat, charter a fishing boat, or better yet, take a day trip to Lundy. - sailings are out of Ilfracombe harbour from April to October. Lundy is an exceptional choice for those looking for a natural escape from the hustle and bustle of mainland England; the island is, essentially, a very pretty yet dramatic nature reserve.
Food and drink in Woolacombe
At the fine dining end of the ‘food and drink’ scale is Noel Corston’s NC@EX34. Open on select days of the week, there’s one sitting per evening for up to eight lucky diners, so booking is essential. Do not miss out under any circumstances.
For lunch or dinner with a view across the ocean, try The Boardwalk Bar & Restaurant. The menu boasts a solid list of surf-and-turf appetite annihilators and a decent wine list. The Red Barn is a popular choice of an evening for those with a penchant for BBQ. The best-kept secret in town is the Barricane Beach Café with its legendary curries. Pick a low-tide, sunny evening and it’s an affordable paradise treat - an unforgettable choice that will keep you running back for more.
We can’t forget the chippy and it’s the Woolacombe Fryer on Barton Road’s job to supply sunseekers and loyal locals with their dose of battered fish and chips! There’s another tiny chippy up in the neighbouring village of Mortehoe too. We’ve tried both and it’s hard to pick the best without shopping at one for fish and the other for chips.
The history of Woolacombe
Woolacombe has a long history as a traditional seaside resort; the tell-tale Victorian and Edwardian-era architecture of the seafront houses belies this fact. In the 1880s, a local architect proposed that Woolacombe, a tiny hamlet at the time, be developed into a coastal resort. By 1905, the promenade looks much as it does today. Woolacombe stands at the edge of a huge privately-owned conservation area largely managed by the National Trust.
During the Second World War, the town played host to many evacuees as it was deemed one of the safest places in the UK. Local beaches were also used as training grounds for the D-Day landings with lots of American camps set up close to the village and the wider area. There is a memorial on the Esplanade to commemorate the Americans who were stationed here and who went on to fight in mainland Europe.
The sights of Woolacombe
Vying for your attention alongside one of the best ocean views in England, is Morte Point. A distinctive rocky outcrop less than 2 miles north of Woolacombe, it is a big hit with local walkers as it has many trails that criss-cross its area. The South West Coast Path cuts around its edge and a good 6-mile circular walk out to Bull Point Lighthouse is a great way to spend a sunny day. Also close to Woolacombe is the 108-mile-long Tarka Trail that winds its way east to Ilfracombe or south via Braunton, Barnstaple, Bideford, Torrington before ending in Meeth near Okehampton.
Largely level, it’s a popular location with cyclists and walkers alike. Travel to Ilfracombe for boat trips, Tunnels Beach, Verity, shops, a cinema, and eateries galore. Take your kids rock pooling at the picture-perfect haven of Lee Bay, the neighbourhood’s best-kept secret besides curry at Barricane.
Stay at a self-catering holiday cottage in Woolacombe
Fancy a holiday in Woolacombe? We have a fantastic collection of holiday cottages in and around the village – visit our full range of Woolacombe holiday homes to inspire your next break in North Devon.
Woolacombe cottages