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 Royal & Fortescue
The Royal & Fortescue
3 out of 5
Boutport Street, Barnstaple, England
The price is ₹9,217 per night from 30 May to 31 May
₹9,217
per night
30 May - 31 May
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Barnstaple. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (469 reviews)
"I’ve stayed at this hotel before. I find the staff genuinely friendly and enjoy the lack of fuss I receive."

Reviewed on 12 May 2024

The Royal & Fortescue
Watersmeet Hotel
Watersmeet Hotel
4 out of 5
Mortehoe, Woolacombe, England
The price is ₹18,886 per night from 1 Jun to 2 Jun
₹18,886
per night
1 Jun - 2 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! (131 reviews)
"Beautiful views and ocean sound from the rooms in the hotel. Lovely landscaping and convenient hiking trails."

Reviewed on 9 May 2024

Watersmeet Hotel
The Park Hotel
The Park Hotel
4 out of 5
Taw Vale, Barnstaple, England
The price is ₹11,025 per night from 30 May to 31 May
₹11,025
per night
30 May - 31 May
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! (368 reviews)
"The best hotel I have stayed in when in Barnstaple. Nice hotel, friendly staff, nice area, good restaurant and reasonable prices."

Reviewed on 17 May 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 (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
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Highbullen Golf Course and East Hele are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
Absolutely Fabulous!
"The Mole Resort is absolutely FABULOUS! Lodges are spacious, very clean and well equipped with own parking space at the door to the lodge. It is a quiet resort (whilst I was there anyway!) and this was well received. The team are easily contacted via WhatsApp which is great and there was only 1 issue ..."

Reviewed on 16 May 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, balconies or patios and rainfall showerheads. Popular attractions North Devon Coast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (98 reviews)
"Good communication and lovely apartments"

Reviewed on 9 May 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

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

Cities near Woolacombe