Woolacombe Travel Guide
Helping You Plan Your Holiday In Woolacombe North Devon
Woolacobe NORTH DEVON
Plan Your Holiday in Woolacobe North Devon
Explore our Woolacombe travel guide which is jam packed with ideas to help you plan your holiday in Woolacombe North Devon, then sit back and relax safely in the knowledge you are taken care of and your holiday is prepared ready for you to enjoy when you arrive. If you forget, its not a problem as all of our self catering holiday cottages in Woolacombe North Devon come supplied with leaflets and folders with lots of useful information on Woolacombe events nearby to help you maximise your holiday experience.
THIS GUIDE COVERS
Personal recommendations
Best Croyde holiday cottages
Interesting things to do
Shops
Places to eat
Dog friendly places to visit
Explore our Woolacombe travel guide which is jam packed with ideas to help you plan your holiday in Woolacombe North Devon, then sit back and relax safely in the knowledge you are taken care of and your holiday is prepared ready for you to enjoy when you arrive. If you forget, its not a problem as all of our self catering holiday cottages in Woolacombe North Devon come supplied with leaflets and folders with lots of useful information on Woolacombe events nearby to help you maximise your holiday experience.
EXPLORE Woolacobe
Things to Do
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Walking & Coastal Views
The village sits along the South West Coast Path, offering incredible walking routes with views across the Bristol Channel and towards Lundy Island.
Popular nearby walks include:
1. Morte Point (rugged cliffs and wildlife)
2. Baggy Point (towards Croyde)
3. Coastal routes to Putsborough
Popular nearby walks include:
1. Morte Point (rugged cliffs and wildlife)
2. Baggy Point (towards Croyde)
3. Coastal routes to Putsborough
🌊
Mini Golf & Family Activities
For some light-hearted fun off the beach, Woolacombe has plenty to keep families entertained, from mini golf course to small rides and amusements..
You’ll also find amusement arcades with games and prizes, alongside ice cream shops, sweet treats, and traditional seaside gift and beach stores.Pick up family-friendly walking trails, activity sheets, and treasure hunts from the Woolacombe Tourist Information Centre to add a little extra adventure to your day
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Sunset & Sri Lankan Curry at Barricane Beach
For a truly iconic North Devon experience, head to the secluded cove of Barricane Beach as the sun begins to set. Every summer evening (weather permitting), the tiny beach cafe serves up authentic, homemade Sri Lankan curries directly onto the sand.
First-come, first-served, so grab a picnic blanket, bring your own bottle of wine, and join the locals for the ultimate alfresco feast overlooking the Atlantic.
First-come, first-served, so grab a picnic blanket, bring your own bottle of wine, and join the locals for the ultimate alfresco feast overlooking the Atlantic.
Woolacobe BEACH
Woolacobe Beach
🏄 Surfing & Beach
At the heart of the village is Woolacombe Beach — a spectacular 2.5-mile stretch of golden sand, often ranked among the best beaches in the UK.
Backed by rolling dunes and surrounded by dramatic coastal views, it’s perfect for:
Surfing (great for beginners and intermediates), swimming and bodyboarding, beach games and family days out.
Lifeguards patrol during peak seasons, and the beach is known for its cleanliness and excellent facilities.
Backed by rolling dunes and surrounded by dramatic coastal views, it’s perfect for:
Surfing (great for beginners and intermediates), swimming and bodyboarding, beach games and family days out.
Lifeguards patrol during peak seasons, and the beach is known for its cleanliness and excellent facilities.
BEACH FACILITIES
🍽️ Cafés, food outlets & ice cream vans
🚻 Public toilets & Outdoor showers
🏄 Beach huts for hire
⛑️ Lifeguards (seasonal patrols)
♿ Disabled access & facilities
🅿️ Large car parks close to the beach
🛍️ Shops & beach goods nearby
FOOD DRINK
Places to Eat in Woolacobe
🍺 Pubs
The Jube
A "hidden gem" in the heart of the village with a modern, relaxed decor. It’s famous for its extensive burger menu and lively atmosphere.
The Barn
A family-friendly surfer bar and grill (formerly known as The Red Barn). It offers classic comfort food, real ales, and has plenty of outdoor seating with prime beach views.
Captain Jacks Bar
The oldest building and last traditional pub in the village. It features a nautical theme, a free pool table, and a large beer garden.
The Tides Inn
Neatly positioned on Beach Road, this recently refurbished pub is praised for its Sunday roasts and spacious balcony overlooking the bay.
The old Mill Pub – Child Friendly
Widely considered the top choice for families with energetic children, it features a large walled adventure playground and a separate outdoor play area. It is located just a short drive from the beach and offers a spacious beer garden where parents can keep an eye on their kids.
🍽️ Restaurants & Cafés
Eddies
Family friendly
The Captains table
The Porthole
DOG FRIENDLY
Dog Friendly Woolacombe
Woolacombe is one of the UK’s premier dog-friendly escapes, Pairing a welcoming village vibe with year-round access to its famous three-mile shoreline.
While a seasonal zoning system keeps the busiest sections clear during peak months, the majority of the award-winning beach remains open for four-legged explorers at all times.
This "pets-first" hospitality extends into the village, where almost every major pub and café provides water bowls, treats, and dedicated indoor spaces for dogs to relax after a day in the dunes.
While a seasonal zoning system keeps the busiest sections clear during peak months, the majority of the award-winning beach remains open for four-legged explorers at all times.
This "pets-first" hospitality extends into the village, where almost every major pub and café provides water bowls, treats, and dedicated indoor spaces for dogs to relax after a day in the dunes.
DOG FRIENDLY PUBS
🐾 The Jube
🐾 The Tides inn
🐾 The Barn
EXPLORE BRAUNTON
Our Personal Recommendations
We frequently get asked by guests for things to do in Braunton so here are our top personal recommendations;
🪟
Cross Tree Glass
Cross tree glass, not just for adults but children as well, explore the art of glass blowing and creating your very own or if your not feeling artistic you could always buy a piece of local art to take home.
👨👩👧 Family Friendly
🎨
Paint a Pot
Paint a pot in Braunton, where children can discover the magic of creating some amazing art work to take home, Not just pots they stock everything from ornaments, plates, mugs.... anything ceramic you can paint and glaze.
👨👩👧 Family Friendly
🏛️
Museum of British Surfing
The museum of British Surfing opened in 2012 and features a large collection of surfing memorabilia, surfing in North Devon has become a generational sport that is loved by many near and far it was definitely an attraction we had to feature high on our list of personal recommendations when visiting Braunton North Devon.
📍 Caen Street, Braunton
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Museum of British Surfing
The museum of British Surfing opened in 2012 and features a large collection of surfing memorabilia, surfing in North Devon has become a generational sport that is loved by many near and far it was definitely an attraction we had to feature high on our list of personal recommendations when visiting Braunton North Devon.
📍 Caen Street, Braunton
🏖️
Crow Point
A visit to Braunton is not complete without a trip to Crow Point, Often a Braunton beach that is overlooked by guests as it is not well known but is adored by many of the local community. Follow the American road to the toll road and discover Crow Point Beach which is at the southern tip of Saunton Beach. This sandy unspoilt beach looks across the River Taw to Instow and Appledore. Crow Point beach is also dog friendly so it is a sure winner for every type of holiday in Braunton North Devon.
🐾 Dog Friendly
🏖️
Crow Point
A visit to Braunton is not complete without a trip to Crow Point, Often a Braunton beach that is overlooked by guests as it is not well known but is adored by many of the local community. Follow the American road to the toll road and discover Crow Point Beach which is at the southern tip of Saunton Beach. This sandy unspoilt beach looks across the River Taw to Instow and Appledore. Crow Point beach is also dog friendly so it is a sure winner for every type of holiday in Braunton North Devon.
🐾 Dog Friendly
CROYDE VILLAGE
Croyde Shops
🛍️ Village Shops
Croyde for a small village offers a wide range of shops, we are often surprised when we come to list them at how much of a range the croyde shops cover. With such a diverse variety you are sure to pick something up, or why not check out Croyde Village craft market which is held weekly in the summer for homewares and locally made items.
WHAT'S IN THE VILLAGE
Local village post office
Redwood surf shop
Saltrock clothing brand
Art gallery and craft centre
The Old cream shop and tea garden
Croyde Village craft market (summer, weekly)
GETTING AROUND
Car Parking in Woolacombe
If you’re heading for a beach day in Woolacombe, you’re well covered—there are several large car parks right by the seafront, so you can park up and be on the sand within minutes.
If you’re planning to explore the village, grab food, or browse shops, there are central options too. And if you’re setting off on a coastal walk, there are convenient spots near trail starts.
If you’re planning to explore the village, grab food, or browse shops, there are central options too. And if you’re setting off on a coastal walk, there are convenient spots near trail starts.
Parking options
🅿️ Esplanade car parks — right by the beach, easiest access to the sand
🅿️ Sandy Burrows car park — large, popular option near the main beach
🅿️ Village car parks — central, ideal for shops and cafés
🅿️ Marine Drive car park — great for coastal walks and quieter beach access
EXPLORE WOOLACOMBE HISTORY
Woolacombe History
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Coastal Origins
Woolacombe began as a small rural and fishing settlement, with its name thought to come from Old English—“Wulf’s valley” (Wulf + combe), meaning a valley belonging to a person named Wulf.
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Seaside Growth & Modern Appeal
In the Victorian era, Woolacombe developed into a popular seaside resort as visitors were drawn to its expansive sandy beach and clean Atlantic waters, aided by improved transport links. Today, it remains one of North Devon’s top coastal destinations, known for its award-winning beach, excellent surf, and relaxed village atmosphere that continues to attract visitors year after year.
Family favourites
Holiday Cottages
We offer family and dog-friendly holiday cottages in and around Croyde, North Devon.Based locally, our team is on hand to recommend the very best of North Devon - from hidden gems to must-see attractions. Our cottages can be booked online 24/7 with high standards and a warm welcome.We can’t wait to help you enjoy your next getaway.
