Spotlight on Woolacombe

With one of Britain’s best loved beaches, Woolacombe is seen as being one of the places to be for the summer, but just because the kids have gone back to school doesn’t mean the fun has to end. Woolacombe is a hugely popular spot for day trips and short breaks because of its convenient location, its picturesque views, the prime watersport conditions and of course, because it is dog friendly!

With three miles of golden sand, Woolacombe’s beach is the biggest draw, but that’s not all the town has to offer, check out our suggestions to make your trip to Woolacombe memorable.

Autumnal walks

There are loads of lovely walking routes around Woolacombe to enjoy – the town is close to Baggy Point, a well loved National Trust managed route, as well as Mortehoe, which is just a mile away and is joined by several footpaths.

One popular route is the Woolacombe to Croyde walk, an 8 mile route which will give you access to Baggy Point. From Woolacombe, follow signs towards Putsborough, a mostly level walk, there are some incredible views as you get closer to Croyde. You can then choose to either go around Baggy Point or over the top of it, going over it will shorten this route by about 4 miles. Either way, Baggy Point is a designated SSSI and is very pretty, no matter what time of year you visit.

A shorter, circular route is the one between Woolacombe and Putsborough Sands. There are several ways to approach this walk, the easiest being to just follow the beach for three miles until you hit Putsborough, but there are also routes via Woolacombe Down and Woolacombe Warren. On a clear day, following the route through to Putsborough will give you views across to Lundy Island and Hartland Point and you may even see an Exmoor Pony or Ruby Red cow or two on the way.

Even shorter again is the Woolacombe to Morthoe route. The two are about a mile apart via transport and slightly longer via the various footpaths. Starting off at the Esplanade, head towards the Combesgate Valley and over Quarry Hill to Mortehoe, this is only around 2 miles but is steep in places. Alternatively, you can pick up the route behind the Watersmeet Hotel and walk along the South West Coast Path to Morte Point, where you can enjoy the fabulous views before making your way to the village. This route is around 3 miles.

If you fancy a longer walk, why not follow the coastpath along to Ilfracombe? Start off at the TIC and head towards Combesgate Beach. Then join the South West Coast Path behind the Watersmeet Hotel, follow the waymarked path towards Lee Bay where you can then access Ilfracombe via the Torrs. This walk is around 8 miles, so if you need to, look out for the local buses to bring you back to Woolacombe.

Watersports

Woolacombe, like most of the North Devon beaches, is a popular one for watersports, particularly surfing. During the summer months, you’ll find a host of companies offering tuition and guided trips out onto the water but actually, as we get into autumn, the conditions are better suited to surfing because of the higher winds and stronger currents. Woolacombe is a good beach for beginners or those who are a little rusty because unlike the neighbouring beaches, the water here is relatively smooth but still has good waves thanks to the reef break. Woolacombe can be surfed on all tides and you can easily make your way towards Putsborough or Combesgate from here, which offer slightly different experiences.

As it falls within the UK Surf Reserve, you’ll find plenty of places offering equipment hire and tuition, so you won’t even need to bring your boards and can indulge in some spontaneous sports!

Great places to stay

As it’s such a popular spot, you’ll find lots of great places to stay in Woolacombe – with everything from cottages to hotels to holiday parks, providing something for every taste and budget.

For a luxury stay, check out the Watersmeet Hotel. This boutique hotel overlooking Woolacombe Bay, has its own private beach access and with its pool and spa facilities, is a lovely spot for some R and R. Or alternatively, Trimstone Manor Country House Hotel is conveniently located less than a mile off the A361 and puts you in a good place for exploring the wider area.

There are a huge number of holiday parks and villages around Woolacombe all offering a vast array of leisure activities and a choice of accommodation. Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park is right on the beach and has a host of facilities and entertainment for the whole family including climbing walls, segway safaris, spas, a water park and their own surf village. Golden Coast Leisure Park is another park located next to the beach offering a host of all weather entertainment for all ages. Like many of the parks in the area, you can choose from caravans, lodges, villas and apartments and there are options for those bringing their dogs with them too.

Image: Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park 

For a chance to enjoy the countryside and the beaches, take a look at Willngcott Holiday Village, a 100 acre estate full of charming self catering cottages – perfect for a cosy, autumnal get away.

Find more accommodation options here. 

Fish and chips by the beach

If you don’t have fish and chips by the beach, did you even go to the coast? You can find plenty of places to grab fish and chips, or whatever your preference, and enjoy on the beach while watching the waves crash against the shore. Or why not head to the Captain’s Table, a family and dog friendly restaurant offering menus created using the finest local ingredients? From here you can enjoy dinner with a view, looking over Woolacombe Bay – just be quick, they close for the season at the end of October!

Bring your dogs!

Woolacombe and Mortehoe beaches are both dog friendly – the beach at Woolacombe allows dogs all year round, with a few restrictions during the peak months. At the end of September though, they have free reign! Make sure to check local signage to ensure you’re at the right end between 1^st April and 30^th September.

As we said above, dogs are welcome to join you at the Captain’s Table and at several accommodation providers. Many of the routes around the South West Coast Path are dog friendly and can be picked up from various places around Woolacombe, just remember to follow the signs, as there is livestock along some sections of the path, so dogs will need to be put on leads.

One place to stay that welcomes dogs is Lower Campscott Farm, which is located between Woolacombe and Ilfracombe. It’s a tranquil place set on a working farm and everyone is encouraged to get involved with feeding the animals! All the cottages and lodges are dog friendly and even have their own enclosed gardens, so you don’t have to worry about them getting into mischief while enjoying some exercise.

Byron Woolacombe Holidays offers comfortable self catering apartments that are also dog friendly and even feature adapted showers, perfect for washing the sand from your furry friends!

Looking to find out more about Woolacombe? Click here.