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 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 Park Hotel
The Park Hotel
4 out of 5
Taw Vale, Barnstaple, England
The price is ฿3,830 per night from 27 Jun to 28 Jun
฿3,830
per night
27 Jun - 28 Jun
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Barnstaple. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions St Anne's Arts & Community Centre ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (380 reviews)
"For this stay I room 307 in the annex building, which was clean, modern, and very comfortable. I will stay here again"

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2024

The Park Hotel
Watersmeet Hotel
Watersmeet Hotel
4 out of 5
Mortehoe, Woolacombe, England
The price is ฿9,709 per night from 15 Jun to 16 Jun
฿9,709
per night
15 Jun - 16 Jun
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Woolacombe. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (136 reviews)
"We liked everything and would definately come back"

Reviewed on 8 Jun 2024

Watersmeet Hotel
The Imperial Hotel
The Imperial Hotel
4 out of 5
Taw Vale Parade, Barnstaple, England
The price is ฿5,667 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
฿5,667
per night
16 Jun - 17 Jun
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Barnstaple. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (390 reviews)
"Nice historic building with modern well well-equipped rooms. Lounge bar food was very expensive and small in quantity, Restaurant breakfast was fantastic."

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2024

The Imperial 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.
Late Rooms at North Devon Resort
Late Rooms at North Devon Resort
3 out of 5
Marlborough Road, Ilfracombe, England
Stay at this 3-star spa aparthotel in Ilfracombe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Ilfracombe Harbour and Woolacombe ...
6.6/10 (7 reviews)
"Lovely stay and very clean"

Reviewed on 28 May 2024

Late Rooms at 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 family-friendly villa in Umberleigh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Highbullen Golf Course and East ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
A fantastic family break
"We had a fantastic stay at the mole resort. The lodges are beautiful and the facilities are only a few minutes walk away. The welcome pack for our dog was a lovely touch. We used the tennis courts and swimming pool along with the indoor games room which is a great addition."

Reviewed on 4 Jun 2024

The Mole Resort - Lodges
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 (surcharge) and on-site spa services. Popular attractions Ilfracombe Harbour ...
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
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