Find and book the perfect apartment or holiday cottage by the sea in Woolacombe
Visit Woolacombe, the coastline which is golden in more than just one way!
Immerse yourself in the British answer to California, and you will soon realise why these golden sands on our own West Coast have been awarded the 'England for Excellence Gold Award' and 'Best British Beach', to name just a few of the impressive titles which this crown of Devon holds. There is, however, even more to this seaside town than its impressive beach, as the resort is home to a whole host of cultural activities which continue to show why it is the epitome of a southern English seaside escape. For your next holiday in Devon choose one of the many holiday rentals available in Woolacombe to experience this award-winning Atlantic shore.
When to visit Woolacombe
The beauty of Woolacombe is best enjoyed in the warmer months of April to June and late September, which avoids the busy summer period when the beaches and attractions become busier. Roads into Woolacombe and the surrounding area become more active on weekends and bank holidays, so be sure to factor in some extra travel time when visiting Woolacombe during these days.
What types of holiday rentals are available in Woolacombe?
With its clean sands which spread for miles along this oceanic shore and a quintessential seaside town with a vibrant art and dining scene, there really is something for every visitor in this coastal haven. Choose holiday accommodation in Woolacombe which reflects all your seaside dreams, whether you are a couple who crave a luxury apartment rental with a view across the prize-winning beach, or you are looking for a cost-effective holiday rental in a youth hostel in Woolacombe's bustling South Street, there is an accommodation option for every budget. This seaside is a favourite among families who enjoy the safe sands which the resort has to offer. Reserve a home away from home in a traditional holiday cottage with a garden in Woolacombe which is big enough for the whole family to relax after a day of exploring this captivating coastline.
How to get to Woolacombe
Located on the North Devon Coast in the south west of England, Woolacombe is accessible from across the UK by road, rail or air. The nearest station is Barnstaple Junction which is approximately 12 miles from Woolacombe and can be reached by taxi or by taking the 303 bus for the final 40-minute journey. Barnstaple Junction can be reached by changing at Exeter St David's which has scheduled connections to London Paddington, Plymouth, Bristol and Manchester Piccadilly. Alternatively, if you are travelling from distant corners of the UK, it can be quicker to fly into Cardiff Airport which is nearest large airport to Woolacombe and can be reached from Glasgow, Belfast and Newcastle with Flybe, before the 4-hour journey via Bristol and Exeter St David's Station. If you are driving to Woolacombe, you can travel directly via the M5 from the north, before taking the A361 and the A39. From the east, take the A303 and from the south, including Torquay and Exeter take the A361.
Where to stay in Woolacombe?
The Esplanade
Choose a self-catered apartment rental along the road which runs through the heart of Woolacombe and wake up on one of the most beautiful streets in Devon. The Esplanade boats scenic ocean views and a unique indie coffee shop scene, which offers some fuel before a day of bathing and surfing on Woolacombe beach.
Bay View Road
There are many accommodation options available in this prime retail area, including luxury apartment rentals which allow you to call this prestigious postcode 'home'. Nestled between the dramatic scenery of Barricane Beach and the Funder Island theme park, holiday accommodation on Woolacombe's Bay View Road will leave you amid all the family action.
South Street/Woolacombe Town Centre
Select a room in a bed and breakfast in a guesthouse in the South Street neighbourhood. This area is bursting with independent eateries, exclusive cocktail bars and the Parkin Estates Beach resort, for a serene alternative to Woolacombe beach.
Mortehoe
Reserve a holiday home with a garden near Woolacombe's Golf Club and bring the green even closer to home than you could have ever imagined! The verdant landscape of Mortehoe is slightly removed from the centre of Woolacombe, and just a stone's throw away from the picturesque Bull Point Lighthouse, making it the perfect place to choose a peaceful traditional holiday cottage which is nestled in the heart of the striking North Devon Coast.
Spreacombe
The neighbourhood surrounding Willingcott Hill in Spreacombe is brimming with unique holiday accommodation options in Woolacombe which will allow you to live like a local, from a barn conversion to a quiet countryside retreat which is only a few minutes from the unspoilt centre of North Devon, an official Area of Natural Beauty.
Beach Road
Just as the name suggests, a holiday apartment rental on Woolacombe's Beach Road will place you in the perfect position to spend your days from dawn to dusk in the crystal-clear waters of Woolacombe Beach. The only thing better walking on the shore itself is observing these ocean blues from the comfort of your holiday home with a jacuzzi, where the sunrise over this beach will be even more memorable.
Things to do in Woolacombe
Spend the day at Woolacombe Beach
Stretching across the width of this coastal resort, the award-winning Woolacombe Beach is quite literally unmissable from any trip to this golden seaside. Offering a rock pool for young families to explore, alongside some of the most excellent surfing opportunities in the country, Woolacombe Beach is both a hive of relaxation and adventure which has put this seaside town on the tourist map.
Explore Bull Point Lighthouse
A Great British seaside break is complete without a trip to a. traditional lighthouse, so drop by this nineteenth-century masterpiece which offers panoramic views of the nearby neighbourhood of Mortehoe, along with the waves of this Atlantic shore, to see why this coastline has been named an Area of Natural Beauty.
Wander around the West Country Art Crafts & Curios Gallery
If you want to observe some of the art pieces which have been sparked from Woolacombe's natural beauty, then spend an afternoon in the West Country Art Crafts & Curios Gallery. This artistic utopia is a gift lovers paradise, as it sells a range of surfing inspired gifts which were also handmade in Woolacombe, offering the ideal keepsake from your travels to this beautiful coast, even if you keep the treasures for yourself!
Try some seafood on by the seaside
Just like every great seaside resort, Woolacombe offers some of the finest fish and chips in the country, so whether you want to an exclusive seafood experience from The Captains Table or an old fashioned takeaway from the Woolacombe Fryer, be sure not to leave this Devon coast without enjoying the most famous local cuisine.
Visit Funder Island Theme Park
If the Woolacombe Golf Club is not your thing, you can always put a laidback twist on the game which the whole family can get behind by playing a game of crazy gold in Funder Island. Alternatively, you can also try your hand at go-karting, or enjoy the amusements in this fun-filled attraction which is perfect for all visitors, from those with families to those who are young at heart.
Pick seashells from Barricane Beach
There is no souvenir quite like those which you pick from the beach yourself, and Barricane Beach is a seashell paradise where countless shells and fossils to be discovered. Barricane Beach tends to be even quieter than Woolacombe Beach, meaning it the perfect place for a romantic escape, or a retreat in the busier tourist months.
Take in the views from Morte Point
The Morte Point observation deck is yet another reminder why North Devon holds the title of an Area of Natural Beauty, as this area of coastline offers the most stunning views of Woolacombe's rural landscape which is favourite with hikers and photographers alike.
Marvel at Watermouth Castle
Located less than 10 miles beyond the heart of Woolacombe, the impressive architectural splendour of Watermouth Castle has stood upon the west coast since the mid-19th century. The grounds of this landmark house a theme park, with a range of rides which are suitable for all ages.