When you think of the best beaches in the UK, where does your mind go? Perhaps it’s the golden sands of Cornwall or the oyster-laden shores of Kent? As lovely as the more popular tourist hotspots are, there is a hidden gem on the north coast of Devon that you may not have thought to add to your beach wishlist – Woolacombe.
This blog post contains affiliate links. If you purchase or sign up for anything from this website, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Woolacombe recently topped this list of the best beaches in the UK, but what makes it so special? What is it about this little stretch of Devon coast that keeps fans coming back year after year, and what is there to do in Woolacombe if you choose to make it your next summer holiday destination? Let’s dive into the Woolacombe waves and see what all the fuss is about.
Where is Woolacombe?
You’ll find Woolacombe on the North Devon coast, looking out over the Atlantic Ocean on the westerly limit of the Bristol Channel. The closest large town is Barnstaple, which you can get to on the train from London in a few hours. If you prefer driving, it’s about 4.5 hours door-to-door from central London.
The beach itself is part of Woolacombe Bay and is a three-mile-long stretch of glorious golden sands. There are other beaches in the bay too, including Barricane Beach, home to masses of unusual shells that wash up from the Caribbean, and Grunta, which got its name when a cargo ship of pigs ran aground there!
What is there to do at Woolacombe beach?
Once you’ve found your way to Woolacombe, you’ll probably be wondering what there is to do there. Plenty! Woolacombe is a valuable reminder of why we don’t need to go abroad to experience a memorable holiday. It’s the perfect beach for families, with plenty of space for building sandcastles and digging holes, and there’s a lot of room for lounging, too, with deckchairs available to hire. If you want more of an active day on the beach, though, then you’ve come to the right place.
A surfer’s paradise
Woolacombe is probably best known as a spot for surfers because of its position and super clear waters. What you might not know, though, is that North Devon has recently been designated as one of only 12 World Surfing Reserves around the globe. It’s the only place in the UK to make the list and sits alongside amazing stretches of coast, including Malibu in California and the Gold Coast in Australia.
The Woolacombe Surf Centre offers lessons and a surf school as well as kayaking and coasteering. If you don’t want the tuition but want to have a play, they also hire out surfboards, bodyboards, stand-up paddleboards, wetsuits and accessories.
Capture the perfect Instagram moment
While we’re not suggesting that you go all the way to Woolacombe just for the photos, it’s always a bonus if there’s something colourful for the grid, isn’t it? If the beautiful beach isn’t enough for you, then you’ll be pleased to know that there’s a colourful row of beach huts just waiting for a camera!
Even better, the beach huts are available to hire (via Parkin Estates) from the last week of May to the first week of September every year. Each hut comes with two deckchairs, two patio chairs, a table and a windbreak, so you’ll be all set – just remember your swimming cossie, towels and your bucket and spade.
A dog-friendly day out
A lot of large beaches like Woolacombe restrict dogs, but the great news is that Woolacombe Beach is dog-friendly all year round! There are a few restrictions to keep in mind – dogs can’t go between the rocks at the north end of the beach and the stream from April to September, but this is a very small area relative to the length of the beach. Dogs also need to be kept on leads from the stream to Mill Rock during the same months. Look for signs on the beach to be clear about which parts of the beach are dog-friendly.
Take a picnic
Food, drink and the West Country are close to my heart. Devon Hampers, send the best of the South West to your front door. The cream tea and afternoon tea hampers include scones, clotted cream and jam. There are also cheese hampers, chocolate, cider and BBQ hampers.
Devon Hampers Promo Code
Get 5% off hampers or create your own. Order anything from a clotted cream tea for two or a large hamper full of goodies. There is no minimum order amount. Use DEVON5 at the checkout.
Walk the coast path
Woolacombe is one stop on the South West Coast Path, England’s longest waymarked footpath, running 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset, around Devon and Cornwall and to Poole on the south coast. The great thing about the South West Coath Path is that you can easily dip in and out of it, walking small sections when you happen to find yourself nearby, and Woolacombe is no exception.
One option is to head from Woolacombe across to Braunton. It’s a 15-mile section and is also part of the Tarka Trail, so it’s rich in wildlife and interesting geology. From the path, you get stunning views down onto the beaches and across to Lundy Island. Dogs are welcome on the coast path.
Get 50% off food
If you love food and drink, do you have a Tastecard? You get 50% off the food bill or two meals for the price of one. There are over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. Get a 60-day free trial here:
Other UK beaches worth a visit
If you clicked on that first link, you’ll have seen that Woolacombe topped a list of 15 beaches throughout the UK, all beautiful in different ways. From the award-winning clear waters of Treyarnon Bay in Cornwall to the seemingly endless sands and rocky cliffs of Sandwood Bay in Sutherland, Scotland, the list will remind you of just what an incredibly diverse landscape we’re lucky enough to have in the UK.
Whether you’re set on Woolacombe for your next UK beach-based staycation or the list inspires you in another direction, we hope you have a wonderful time!
Where to stay
If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book as soon as possible. Prices rise the closer you get to the travel date and are usually displayed per room rather than per person. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all budgets.
Campsites
There’s a great range of Woolacombe holiday parks, along with over 50 campsites nearby, that provide a perfect blend of tranquillity and outdoor adventure. Whether you prefer to pitch your tent in a secluded spot amidst lush greenery or opt for a caravan site with modern amenities, there’s something for every camper.
Sykes Cottages
Sykes Cottages has over 17,500 holiday cottages to rent across the UK, including in Devon and the surrounding areas. There are pet-friendly cottages, large holiday homes and even houses with hot tubs. They’ve been operating for over 30 years, so you know you’re booking is in good hands.
Best Western Hotels
There are three Best Western Hotels in Devon; Exmouth Beach, Dartmouth and the Lord Haldon Country Hotel in Exeter. Every Best Western hotel is individual and crammed full of its own personality. From big comfy beds, fresh linen sheets and free WiFi. Some of the hotels in Plymouth have parking which charges a small fee. Check out their special offers.
Parkdean Resorts
I stayed at Bideford Bay when I visited Bude. There’s also Challaborough Bay near Bigbur, Ruda and Torquay. The caravan park and lodges have a children’s play park, indoor swimming pool, tranquil gardens, pub and restaurant. It is a short drive to Lostwithiel. There is some dog-friendly accommodation too.
Haven Holidays
Devon Cliffs Holiday Park is in Sandy Bay in Exmouth. It is the biggest park in the Haven family but also a peaceful paradise. With acres of fun for all the family and an award-winning Blue Flag beach, you’ll be thrilled with your stay here. Both caravans and lodges are available here, with plenty of leisure facilities and an indoor pool.
Britannia Hotels
Britannia Hotels in Devon are in Torquay and Illfracombe. The hotel offers excellent value for money with spacious en-suite bedrooms, TV’s and tea and coffee-making facilities. Complimentary WiFi sessions are included as well as low-cost parking. Even pets are allowed to stay for a small additional charge.
Cornwall Hideaways
Cornwall Hideaways have a massive selection of luxury holiday homes to make your next staycation perfect. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a family holiday, there’s plenty to choose from. You’ll be able to find properties with the things on your tick list, including dog-friendly, sea views, walking routes or even a log fire. There are barn conversions, cottages, lofts and manor houses.
Do you want to be the first to read my latest blog posts? If you have enjoyed reading about Woolacombe, you can stay updated with my other travel features by signing up for my mailing list:
Follow me on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Related Articles
Why you should visit Clovelly Village in Devon
Unwinding in Tavistock: Things To Do When You Visit
English Heritage Places to Visit in Devon
