Woolacombe Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Woolacombe featuring a beach, surfing and a coastal town
Woolacombe showing a coastal town, tranquil scenes and landscape views
Woolacombe showing rugged coastline, swimming and surf
Woolacombe featuring a sandy beach and tranquil scenes
Woolacombe featuring surfing and a sandy beach as well as an individual female

Set at the mouth of a deep valley on the North Devon coast, this picturesque seaside resort is an ideal spot for surfing and exploration.

Fly kites along the white sands of Woolacombe’s beach, grab a board and head into the surf or just relax and enhance your tan. Book a tandem hang-gliding flight and see the beauty of Devonshire from the air. Take a boat trip out to Lundy Island and watch for birds and wildlife. Explore the coast and spot seals and dolphins with a sea safari.

Take a stroll along Woolacombe Beach, 2 miles (3 kilometres) of long, gently sloping sands. Go for a swim when the tide is out and the waves are calm or wait for the tide to come in. When the waves are more vigorous, conditions become ideal for surfing. Book lessons at the surf school or if you’re confident, hit the waves on your own.

Explore the seas in a guided boat tour. Book a surf safari and see the North Devon coastline from the waves. Search for dolphins, seals and porpoises and enjoy beautiful views. Watch for Dave the Dolphin, a sociable resident of the bay. Head out on the MS Oldenburg to visit Lundy Island. Explore the island and watch for birds and wildlife including the adorable puffins, then relax with a beer in the local tavern.

Soar through the air by booking a tandem hang gliding experience. Team with an experienced partner and the latest technology to see the countryside in style. Admire incredible views of Exmoor National Park, the coastline of North Devon and North Cornwall. Keep video and still photo footage as a memento.

Reach Woolacombe by bus from Barnstaple or Ilfracombe. The nearest train station is at Barnstaple. Visit in the summer to take advantage of the sun, which is when the area is at its most popular. In the winter the village is quieter, but the surfing is much better. Accommodation are available in the village, with more options at other nearby towns and villages.

Watersmeet Hotel
Watersmeet Hotel
4 out of 5
Mortehoe, Woolacombe, England
The price is £214 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£214
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Woolacombe. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (161 reviews)
"Very pleasant stay. Very comfortable bed. As the name suggests, there’s no window in the Sun Pipe rooms but otherwise it was large with a good bathroom, air con and internet."

Reviewed on 25 Jun 2025

Watersmeet Hotel
House above the beach sleeps 4 with private parking
House above the beach sleeps 4 with private parking
Mortehoe
Stay at this holiday home in Woolacombe. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and patios. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
10/10 Exceptional! (200 reviews)
Stay at the pebbles Woolacombe
"Another great stay at the pebbles. Nice treats on arrival very clean and well presented. Aiso good weather all week would definitely would come again"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

House above the beach sleeps 4 with private parking
Quiet tucked away property close to beaches and amenities with stunning views!!
Quiet tucked away property close to beaches and amenities with stunning views!!
Mortehoe
Stay at this chalet in Woolacombe. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and balconies. Popular attractions Woolacombe Beach and Ilfracombe Harbour are located ...
Beautiful place with stunning views
"What a beautiful place: stunning views, family friendly walks, short walk to Woolacombe along the the coastal footpath (no roads) and the other stunning little beaches on the way ( especially loved the ari lankan restaurant at baricane beach. Host was lovely and the property has a new hot tub - ..."

Reviewed on 4 May 2025

Quiet tucked away property close to beaches and amenities with stunning views!!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
House above the beach sleeps 4 with private parking
House above the beach sleeps 4 with private parking
Mortehoe
Stay at this holiday home in Woolacombe. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and patios. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
10/10 Exceptional! (200 reviews)
Stay at the pebbles Woolacombe
"Another great stay at the pebbles. Nice treats on arrival very clean and well presented. Aiso good weather all week would definitely would come again"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

House above the beach sleeps 4 with private parking
Quiet tucked away property close to beaches and amenities with stunning views!!
Quiet tucked away property close to beaches and amenities with stunning views!!
Mortehoe
Stay at this chalet in Woolacombe. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and balconies. Popular attractions Woolacombe Beach and Ilfracombe Harbour are located ...
Beautiful place with stunning views
"What a beautiful place: stunning views, family friendly walks, short walk to Woolacombe along the the coastal footpath (no roads) and the other stunning little beaches on the way ( especially loved the ari lankan restaurant at baricane beach. Host was lovely and the property has a new hot tub - ..."

Reviewed on 4 May 2025

Quiet tucked away property close to beaches and amenities with stunning views!!
one bed room with sofa bed, wifi , sea views
one bed room with sofa bed, wifi , sea views
Woolacombe, ENG
Stay at this chalet in Woolacombe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Woolacombe Beach and Ilfracombe Harbour are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (83 reviews)
good value!
"Stayed here tonnes. It's good value for a couple of days visiting the area. 20/25 mins walk to the beach, easy parking. Very quiet! Nothing fancy but everything is in order. Host is amazing for communication and super kind! We always love the biscuits on arrival! :)"

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

one bed room with sofa bed, wifi , sea views
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Woolacombe

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
8
5 - Excellent 57%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 14%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 21%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 7%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Wonderful area for walks on beach and cliffs Lots to discover Quiet Loved every minute there made better by the brilliant accommodation and friendly welcome

5/5 - Excellent

N

Definitely worth a stay. Lovely beaches to enjoy but thankfully not obscenely touristy.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Been coming for years, always a lovely place, excellent atmosphere

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Love this area. From the lovely beach to the rock pools. Amazing place.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Good beach but the town is a bit disappointing.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely town, some nice shops. Lots of places to eat

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