Woolacombe Bay is located in North Devon, England, between the two peninsulas of Baggy and Morte Points. Rather than being a huge tourist town which many holidaymakers are familiar with, Woolacombe is a village with a more laid back atmosphere, yet full of fun for everyone, including beach lovers and surfers. The area was once called “Wolmecoma” or “Wolves Valley” because of the lack of humans, yet rich with a wolf population, is full of history which dates back to the Stone Age. The U.S. President, Dwight D. Eisenhower, used this area for the U.S. Military to practice and prepare for the famous Normandy Invasion. Although nothing more than a small fishing village, since the 1900′s, this quaint area of farmland has turned into one of the most popular of resort areas. Woolacombe has been voted as the Best British Beach, as well as “England For Excellence Gold Award” being considered as the best of British family resorts..

Woolacombe Sands Holiday Park is one of the best places for family fun, rain or shine. The amenities include: indoor/outdoor swimming pools, arcades, bowling, crazy golf, shops, live entertainment and activities for all at the Rendezvous Clubhouse, as well as the kids being entertained by Woolly Bear at the Woolly Bear Club. You also have the convenience of walking the footpath directly to Woolacombe beach in approximately 15 minutes, while enjoying the local wildlife, without the need to find parking for your vehicle.

Woolacombe beach is one of the most beautiful beaches with its golden sand that covers a 3 mile stretch. Woolacombe Beach is also a Blue Flag Awarded beach, this lets you know that the beach is clean and safe for you and your family. The water here is of excellent quality and crystal clear during the summer months. Family safety is more secure with the presence of lifeguards. Your fluffy friend is welcome in designated areas, keeping them separated from surfers and families. There are ample benches along the stretch of beach for those who need a rest, as well as clean toilet facilities for all, including the disabled.
There are multiple eateries nearby. You can enjoy a panoramic view from the dunes, search for mussels, and even find plenty of crabs. Whether you enjoy body boarding, surfing or swimming, the beach and its waves will definitely provide you with plenty of water fun. If you are not a surfer, yet have an interest and want to give it a try, there are BSA approved surfing schools with instructors to provide lessons in surfing, as well as lifeguard training.

Other Things To Do in and around Woolacombe Bay

Lynton and Barnstaple Railway: This historical railway opened in the 1800′s, closed down in 1935. A one mile stretch has been reopened, allowing visitors to take a train ride as they did in the old days.

Golden Coast Holiday Village: This is one of the Holiday Villages which belongs to Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park’s. If riding the ocean waves is a bit too much, you can grab a board and body surf or surf on artificial waves with the help of instructors in a controlled environment. Even experienced surfers enjoy riding the waves here.

Boating Tour: Ilfracombe Princess is a 100 seat catamaran from which you can enjoy watching the wildlife and marine life.
Deep Sea Fishing: Fishing can be fun for not only the experienced but the beginner as well, especially when you take a fishing charter. Your licensed and insured charter captain and crew will supply you with all of your fishing needs for deep sea and mackerel fishing. The fishing charters will also take out those who want to do filming or take photographs the scenery, wildlife and marine life.

Horseback Riding: Feel like a pro with riding boots and hats that are provided at the stables. Escorts will take you for a ride along the beach, and to do some jumping depending on your skill level.
Whether as a large group, or even individuals, there are other activities which can be for a week-end or even last for an entire week. H2Outdoor adventures include kayaking, coasteering, canoeing, surfing, mountain biking, climbing, private parties, among many others.

Accommodation Options in Woolacombe Bay

The accommodation available vary from a cozy self-catering cottage to luxury hotels, such as the Woolacombe Bay Hotel which also provides self-catering apartments. You can enjoy panoramic views from a private balcony along with an array of amenities. Children can join the Over 5 Children’s Club and enjoy various activities such as learning to surf, among others during their stay. Please see our Where to Stay page for up to date details of accommodation currently available. You may visit thier website and make a online reservation in some cases. There really is something for everyone in Woolacombe Bay! Woolacombe Caravan Parks and Woolacombe Self Catering options are vast. There are several caravan parks that not only offer caravans, caravan pitches and also tent pitches, but also on-site self catering chalets.

Woolacombe Bay Shopping Guide

Woolacombe offers various options for your retail therapy needs!

There is a HSBC bank in South Street, this has limited opening hours, however there are two cash machines outside the bank and there are also several other cash machines located in various places in Woolacombe. There are cash machines in Sunspot Amusement Arcade, The Jube, The Red Barn and Londis.

There are of course general convenience stores such as Londis, a Post Office and Shirley’s Newsagents.

You will also find various Surf shops which sell an huge range of quality clothing and an abundance of surf related accessories including surfboards and wetsuits amongst others. Our favourite surf shop is Shore 2 Surf found on West Road in Woolacombe.

Woolacombe Beach Supplies

Need a wind brake, or dinghy for the beach? Several shops in Woolacombe sell beach goods such as buckets and spades, dinghy’s, wind brakes, flip-flops, fishing nets, crab lines etc etc. If there is something you need for the beach then you will undoubtedly find it in one of the shops in Woolacombe

Woolacombe Bay Gift Shops

Need to get a lovely gift to take back home to your loved ones or friends? Well your in luck! Woolacombe has a good selection of gift shops that sell a wide variety of gifts for you to take back home,. Don’t forget the rock!

If Woolacombe cannot meet all of your shopping needs then there are other towns in the area. There is a Tesco’s just outside Ilfracombe, also in Braunton and Barnstaple. Barnstaple itself has many shops on its high street and also the Green Lanes Shopping Centre where you will find several well known retailers. The high street itself contains many well known retailers such as Next, Boots, M&S  WHSmith to name a few.

Please click here if you want to find out more information on Woolacombe.

We will be adding a list of the best shops in Woolacombe Bay very soon so check back for more details in the near future!