Woolacombe, Devon travel guide and Woolacombe information

Visit Woolacombe

Woolacombe is a beach and seaside resort on the north coast of Devon, south-west of Ilfracombe. There are two facets to Woolacombe: the village itself, and the beach:

Woolacombe village

Although it is the beach that attracts the crowds, be sure to find time to explore Woolacombe itself.

Visit Woolacombe

Dedicated first and foremost to tourism, hence very quiet outside tourist season, there is a good choice of places to stay, and shops, pubs and restaurants in the village.

Woolacombe beach

The beach is very highly regarded and it has frequently been awarded the Blue Flag Award (for beaches offering both good facilities and a good beach) to acknowledge the high standards it offers.

Baggy Point and Morte Point enclose the long (5km) sandy beach which is backed by sand dunes. The beach is popular with beach-lovers and bathers, and also with surfers and other water-sport enthusiasts who are attracted by the good wave conditions.

The beach is frequently rated as one of the best to be found in England.

Around Woolacombe

Situated outside the western edge of Exmoor, Woolacombe falls within the North Devon AONB, an area well known for both its dramatic coastal scenery, the unspoiled farmland scenery inland, and for the wildlife to be found in the protected region.

Follow the dramatic coastal path around Morte Point, then visit also (1) Mortehoe, a pleasant village which acts as the 'quiet neighbour' to Woolacombe. A little to the north of Woolacombe, Mortehoe also has an attractive beach and is a picturesque little village (2) heading further north towards Ilfracombe visit the harbour and village at Lee Bay.

You can find more local travel ideas in the North Devon guide and the Devon guide.