Woolacombe Travel Guide
Helping You Plan Your Holiday In Woolacombe North Devon
Woolacombe NORTH DEVON
Plan Your Holiday in Woolacombe 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 Woolacombe holiday cottages
Interesting things to do
Shops
Places to eat
Dog friendly places to visit
Discover our full selection of Woolacombe holiday cottages, whether you are searching for Woolacombe holiday lets that are homely and well equipped to provide comfort after a long day exploring the North Devon region or looking for Woolacombe holiday lets that are modern and stylish we have one to suit you.
EXPLORE Woolacombe
Things to Do
🏄
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 alongside ice cream shops, sweet treats, and traditional seaside gift and beach stores.
🏖️
Woolacombe Tourist Information
Pickup family-friendly walking trails, activity sheets, and treasure hunts to add a little extra adventure to your day.
Expert local knowledge from tide times, rockpooling to the top spots for a scenic picnic. Browse maps, gifts, and treats like artisanal fudge and ice cream to keepeveryone fuelled.
Expert local knowledge from tide times, rockpooling to the top spots for a scenic picnic. Browse maps, gifts, and treats like artisanal fudge and ice cream to keepeveryone fuelled.
Woolacombe BEACH
Woolacombe 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 Woolacombe
🍺 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 Woolacombe so here are our top personal recommendations;
🐎
Horse Riding on the Beach
A very unique way to experience the coastline, with guided rides along the sand and dunes available locally to experienced riders, by Mullacott Equestrian Centre.
📍 Mullacott Equestrian Centre
🌊
Surfing
Woolacombe and Putsborough are widely considered one of the premier surfing destinations and designated as part of the North Devon World Surfing Reserve. Its three-mile stretch provides a versatile environment that caters to everyone from first-timers to seasoned professionals.
👨👩👧 Family Friendly
🎯
Adventure Activities
From zorbing, Segways to cycling and trampolining parks nearby, there’s plenty for families and thrill-seekers off the beach.
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly
🚤
Boat trips and Safaris
Headout along the coast to spot seals, dolphins, and explore hidden coves—or even take a trip towards Lundy Island. In the summer Ilfracombe welcomes the Waverley paddle steamer which is the worlds last sea going of its kind.
📍 Ilfracombe, Harbour
🏖️
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 sets in the summer (weather permitting), the tiny beach cafe serves up authentic, homemade Sri Lankan curries directly onto the sand.
First-come, first-served, grab a picnic blanket, bring your own bottle, and join ultimate alfresco overlooking the Atlantic.
First-come, first-served, grab a picnic blanket, bring your own bottle, and join ultimate alfresco overlooking the Atlantic.
🐾 Dog Friendly
🎬
Neo Cinema
Located within the Woolacombe Bay Hotel, the NEO Cinema offers a high-end, boutique movie-going experience that contrasts with traditional multiplexes. It is a popular choice for those looking for a more comfortable and intimate setting for a film.
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly
WOOLACOMBE VILLAGE
Woolacombe Shops
🛍️ Village Shops
Woolacombe offers a great selection of shops for a seaside village, with everything you need for your stay as well as a few holiday treats. From surf gear to gifts and beach essentials, the village has a relaxed, coastal shopping feel with plenty to browse just a short walk from the beach.
WHAT'S IN THE VILLAGE
Local convenience stores
Surf shops & beachwear stores
Boutique clothing shops
Gift shops & souvenirs
Ice cream parlours & sweet shops
Art & craft shops and seasonal pop up stores
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
🌊
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.
Meaning a valley belonging to a person named Wulf.
🏖️
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 a top coastal destinations, for its award-winning beach, excellent surf, and relaxed village atmosphere.
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!.
