Woolacombe Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Woolacombe showing a coastal town, tranquil scenes and landscape views
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 £180 per night from 19 Apr to 20 Apr
£180
per night
19 Apr - 20 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Woolacombe. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (125 reviews)
"A little expensive but always a pleasant stay in wonderful Woolacombe."

Reviewed on 29 Mar 2024

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 WiFi, on-site parking and a garden. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the property condition in their reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (159 reviews)
Spring getaway
"Amazing views over the sea from the lounge and the master bedroom. Outdoor space with the patio and the balcony an added bonus. Would highly recommend."

Reviewed on 31 Mar 2024

House above the beach sleeps 4 with private parking
Gorgeous spotless modern 2 bed, 2 bath flat, sea views, local pubs, great walks.
Gorgeous spotless modern 2 bed, 2 bath flat, sea views, local pubs, great walks.
Mortehoe, England
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Woolacombe. Enjoy free WiFi, on-site parking and an in-room DVD player. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the property ...
10/10 Exceptional! (172 reviews)
The best place to stay and such good value!
"We have stayed in Katie's wonderful apartment around 5 times now. We wont stay anywhere else in the area. It is always spotlessly clean with everything you need for a great stay! Katie is very easy to deal with and responds promptly to any questions you have. We always appreciate the welcome basket ..."

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2024

Gorgeous spotless modern 2 bed, 2 bath flat, sea views, local pubs, great walks.
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 WiFi, on-site parking and a garden. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the property condition in their reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (159 reviews)
Spring getaway
"Amazing views over the sea from the lounge and the master bedroom. Outdoor space with the patio and the balcony an added bonus. Would highly recommend."

Reviewed on 31 Mar 2024

House above the beach sleeps 4 with private parking
Gorgeous spotless modern 2 bed, 2 bath flat, sea views, local pubs, great walks.
Gorgeous spotless modern 2 bed, 2 bath flat, sea views, local pubs, great walks.
Mortehoe, England
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Woolacombe. Enjoy free WiFi, on-site parking and an in-room DVD player. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the property ...
10/10 Exceptional! (172 reviews)
The best place to stay and such good value!
"We have stayed in Katie's wonderful apartment around 5 times now. We wont stay anywhere else in the area. It is always spotlessly clean with everything you need for a great stay! Katie is very easy to deal with and responds promptly to any questions you have. We always appreciate the welcome basket ..."

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2024

Gorgeous spotless modern 2 bed, 2 bath flat, sea views, local pubs, great walks.
Quiet Retreat tucked away close to beach with stunning views of bay/countryside
Quiet Retreat tucked away close to beach with stunning views of bay/countryside
Mortehoe, ENG
Stay at this holiday home in Woolacombe. Enjoy free WiFi, on-site parking and a garden. Popular attractions Woolacombe Beach and Ilfracombe Harbour are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (32 reviews)
Spacious property wonderful location and views
"We had a good week here. The property is lovely and spacious and the owner very friendly. The weather was terrible but from her you have fabulous views and are located well for some great walks."

Reviewed on 13 Sep 2023

Quiet Retreat tucked away close to beach with stunning views of bay/countryside
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 57.142857142857146%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 14.285714285714286%
3 - Okay
3
" "3 - Okay 21.428571428571427%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 7.142857142857143%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
16 Dec 2019

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
22 Sep 2019

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
10 Sep 2019

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
24 Jul 2019

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

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
4 Jul 2019

Good beach but the town is a bit disappointing.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
23 Jun 2019

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

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