Woolacombe
Located in North Devon, Woolacombe is a popular family resort and surfing beach. The beach regularly tops the Best Beaches in Britain lists and parts of it are dog friendly all year around.
Explore Woolacombe
Beaches in and around Woolacombe:
- Woolacombe Beach
- Morethoe
- Barricane Beach
- Combesgate Beach
- Grunta
- Putsborough Beach
Woolacombe beach stretches for three miles encompassing golden sands with sand dunes and views across the ocean toward Lundy Island. The main beach area rests between the headlands of Baggy Point and Mort Point and has won numerous awards including the Blue Flag and Premier Seaside Beach Award for its cleanliness, water quality and facilities. It regularly features in Europe’s Best Beaches lists and has also won an accolade for being Britain’s best surfing beach.
Things to do in Woolacombe
Woolacombe is famous for being a great beach for surfers, families, walkers and more. The water quality and the current make it a great place for the UK’s surf scene and this is well catered for. Whether you are a novice or someone who is well versed in the ways of the water, Woolacombe’s seafront is full of organisations offering equipment for hire as well as instructors and companies running surfing sessions with qualified instructors. Other popular activities at the beach include paddleboarding and hang gliding.
In addition to the sporting opportunities on the beach, there are also plenty of beautiful spots that are perfect for relaxing, as well as swimming and enjoying the traditional beach activities. During the summer there are lifeguards on site making it a safe and relaxing place to indulge in swimming and being such a large beach, no matter how busy it gets, there are always plenty of quiet and secluded spots for you to claim as your own during the day.
Places to stay in Woolacombe
Being such a popular holiday resort, there are a number of holiday parks, hotels and B&Bs in and around the town which have a number of facilities perfect for family holidays.
Being in a natural landscape (AONB), you can expect to find a wide variety of bird and animal life in and around Woolacombe. Lundy Island which can be seen across the ocean from Woolacombe Beach is a protected marine site with a range of more unusual and rare species including puffins and seals. At certain times of the year, it is also possible to spot dolphins and smaller sharks, as well as various sea birds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any facilities at Woolacombe Beach?
Woolacombe Beach is popular with families and has a range of facilities, including a life guard service, toilets, first aid and food and drink outlets.
Easy access and three large car parks with space for 2000 cars means that Woolacombe beach combines magnificent natural beauty, excellent facilities and a wide range of activities for all ages. Life guards are also on hand to ensure safe family swimming during the summer and surfers come from all over the country to enjoy the great waves and clean water. Dogs are welcome on the beach year round, with some restrictions in the summer months.
Find out more about Woolacombe Beach
Is Woolacombe good for surfing?
Yes, Woolacombe is a popular surfing beach and is suitable for the more experienced and beginners. Woolacombe can be found in North Devon, which forms part of the UK's first surf reserve. The whole of the North Devon coast falls into the surf reserve and is one of the best loved places in the county for surfing and watersports. Every year thousands take to the waves and go surfing in Devon - it’s one of the things Devon’s best known for. With two coasts with quite different conditions, we have surfing beaches with waves to suit everybody, from beginners to pros.
See more about Woolacombe Beach here.
Where can I park in Woolacombe?
Woolacombe offers both short and longstay carparks. For visiting the beach, it is recommended to use the Esplanade or Sandy Burrows, car parks, otherwise, there is Marine Drive car park or overflow parking at Woolacombe Bay hotel.
See full details here.
Woolacombe parking information