Woolacombe

Travel Guide
Woolacombe featuring general coastal views, tranquil scenes and a coastal town
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 kilometers) 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. Accommodations are available in the village, with more options at other nearby towns and villages.

The Royal & Fortescue
The Royal & Fortescue
3 out of 5
Boutport Street, Barnstaple, England
The price is RM473 per night from 3 May to 4 May
RM473
per night
3 May - 4 May
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Barnstaple. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (462 reviews)
"Love it. Going back."

Reviewed on 18 Apr 2024

The Royal & Fortescue
Watersmeet Hotel
Watersmeet Hotel
4 out of 5
Mortehoe, Woolacombe, England
The price is RM1,100 per night from 7 May to 8 May
RM1,100
per night
7 May - 8 May
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Woolacombe. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our 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
The Park Hotel
The Park Hotel
4 out of 5
Taw Vale, Barnstaple, England
The price is RM523 per night from 5 May to 6 May
RM523
per night
5 May - 6 May
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Barnstaple. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions St Anne's Arts & Community Centre ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (362 reviews)
"Another visit to The Park and it is still a great experience. The park view room was lovely. The staff were all friendly and courteous. The meals we had in the Seasons restaurant were perfectly cooked, nothing was too much trouble and the food was hot to the last mouthful. A great team of staff."

Reviewed on 18 Apr 2024

The Park Hotel
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.
North Devon Resort
North Devon Resort
3.5 out of 5
Marlborough Rd, Ilfracombe, England
Stay at this 3.5-star beach apartment in Ilfracombe. Enjoy free parking, breakfast, and a children's pool. Popular attractions Ilfracombe Harbour and Woolacombe ...
7.6/10 Good! (65 reviews)
"It was a pleasant experience staying at this holiday park. Nice location, spacious and clean rooms. The swimming pool was fabulous."

Reviewed on 8 Sep 2023

North Devon Resort
The Mole Resort - Lodges
The Mole Resort - Lodges
4 out of 5
The Lodges at The Mole, Chittlehamholt, Umberleigh, England
Stay at this 4-star golf villa in Umberleigh. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Discover genuine guest reviews for The Mole Resort - Lodges ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
"amazing property, lovely staff and fun activities!"

Reviewed on 29 Apr 2024

The Mole Resort - Lodges
Westbeach Holiday Apartments
Westbeach Holiday Apartments
4 out of 5
Nelson Rd, Bideford, England
Stay at this 4-star beach apartment in Bideford. Enjoy free parking, an in-room DVD player, and a balcony or patio. Popular attractions North Devon Coast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (95 reviews)
Great apartment
"Great apartment, fully equipped, fab location. Westward Ho is having a lot of regeneration work but this didn't effect our stay at all. 2 min walk and you are on the seafront"

Reviewed on 10 Apr 2024

Westbeach Holiday Apartments
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

Things to do

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