Things to Do in Woolacombe

Woolacombe is a popular holiday resort for families and adventure holiday makers thanks to its award-winning beach, beautiful rugged coast line and wide range of water sports available.

Woolacombe beach is one of the finest beaches in the West Country, it has won awards, not only nationally, but internationally and attracts thousands of people each summer to its three mile stretch of golden sands, with sand dunes and views across the ocean towards Lundy Island. Having won awards such as the Blue Flag and Premier Seaside Beach Award for its cleanliness, water quality and facilities, you can see why this beautiful beach often comes top of ‘Best Beaches’ lists. It’s also popular with surfers, as the rolling surf brings unbroken Atlantic breakers across the ocean to pound the beach. The long length of the beach means that you can find a quiet place to surf even in the height of summer and with 2,000 car parking spaces, you will have no problem getting to and from the beach. Beach wheelchairs are also available for hire making a day at the beach fun for all.

The beach is also the perfect location to try out a range of watersports including surfing, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, coasteering, and rowing. For a more sedate experience on the sea, why not take a catamaran trip where you can enjoy the scenery and try to catch site of the seals and dolphins. Other beachside activities can be found at various times of the year like dune running and horse riding on the beach. Move a short way inland and try the ultimate adrenaline rush that is Zorbing, rolling downhill in a giant ‘hamster ball’. Or if you prefer to take in the view on the level then why not try Segway’s or rent a bike.  

If you have an interest in wildlife, being in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Woolacombe has a wide variety of bird and animal life to enjoy. Protected species of the area include the Cirl Bunting, a pretty yellow and green feathered bird nesting largely in hedges and scrubland; and the Hazel Dormouse an endangered tree dwelling species of Dormouse. For the best opportunities to view a range of wildlife have a go at walking the Woolacombe Wildlife Trail. Great for children and adults alike the walk includes the opportunity to search the sea shore for shark and ray egg cases, cuttlefish bones and barnacles as well as exploring the sand dunes where you may see slow worms, butterflies and a range of costal plants including sea holly, birds foot trefoil and dune pansy.

The area in and around Woolacombe offers a range of activities for rainy days or when you just need a little time away from the beach. Take the kids Ten Pin Bowling or to the cinema or even on a roller coaster! There are also many cafes, restaurants and museums for a quiet break from the hustle and bustle. If you fancy a little retail therapy head to the high street where you can pick up gifts, clothing, shoes, camping equipment, surfing equipment and a range of local food and drink produce.

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