Woolacombe Beaches

Overview

Woolacombe, nestled on the North Devon coast, is a celebrated destination for beach lovers. Visitors often ask about its suitability for families and surfers, and the answer is a resounding yes. As part of a stunning Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Woolacombe offers not only breathtaking scenery but also award-winning beaches with safe conditions for swimming and ample space for family enjoyment. Its reliable waves also make it a popular spot for surfers of all skill levels.

The star of the show is undoubtedly Woolacombe Beach, a magnificent three-mile stretch of golden sand that has garnered numerous awards. It's the heart of the action, ideal for classic beach days and surfing, with easy access from the village. For a different atmosphere, Barricane Beach captivates with its unique exotic shells and the famous Sri Lankan curries served in the evenings. If you're seeking a more tranquil escape, Putsborough Beach, located at the southern end of the bay, is a favoured spot offering shelter and calmer waters.

For those looking to discover quieter spots, the secluded cove of Grunta Beach offers a true hidden gem experience. The coastline around Woolacombe is rich with diverse options, including places like Combesgate Beach, renowned for its excellent rock pooling opportunities when the tide is out. To explore the full array of shores, from expansive sands to intimate coves, be sure to check out our longer list of beaches in this guide.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Woolacombe a good place for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Woolacombe is widely considered an excellent destination for a family beach holiday. Its main beach is a three-mile long stretch of golden sand, renowned for its cleanliness and water quality, and it has won awards for being a family-friendly resort. There are RNLI lifeguards on duty during the main season (Easter to October), making it safe for swimming and bodyboarding. The village offers plenty of amenities, including cafes, shops, and ice cream parlours. Activities like building sandcastles, playing beach games, and exploring rockpools are popular with families.

Woolacombe Beach

Can you swim at Woolacombe beach and what is the water like?

Yes, you can swim at Woolacombe beach. The beach has a reputation for good water quality and has received Blue Flag awards. During the summer months, the water is generally calmer, and RNLI lifeguards are on duty, ensuring safe swimming within the designated flagged areas. However, Woolacombe is exposed to Atlantic swells, which can mean strong currents at times, so it's always recommended to swim when lifeguards are present and between the red and yellow flags. The water can be refreshing, and wetsuits are popular for longer periods in the water, especially outside of peak summer.

Woolacombe Beach

Are dogs allowed on Woolacombe beach?

Yes, Woolacombe beach is dog-friendly all year round. However, there are some restrictions during the main season (typically from Good Friday or 1st April until 30th September). During this period, dogs are not allowed in Zone A (the northern end of the beach, from the rocks to the stream). In Zone B (from the stream to Mill Rock), dogs must be kept on a lead. South of Mill Rock (Zone C), dogs can be exercised freely all year. Barricane Beach also allows dogs but they must be on a lead when the café is open (usually March to September). Combesgate Beach does not allow dogs during the summer months. It's always best to check local signage for the most up-to-date information.

Woolacombe Beach

Barricane Beach

Combesgate Beach

What are the parking options at Woolacombe beach?

There are several car parks available in Woolacombe, providing space for over 2,000 cars. The Esplanade Car Park and Sandy Burrows Car Park are closest to the main beach, operated by Parkin Estates. Marine Drive Car Park, operated by the National Trust from April 2025, offers access to the beach via dunes and the South West Coast Path. There's also some roadside parking along the Esplanade for shorter stays and a car park in Mortehoe village. Charges vary depending on the car park and the time of year. Some car parks offer early bird or late arrival discounts. During winter months, parking in some areas like The Esplanade or Marine Drive may be free, but overnight parking is generally not permitted in the main beach car parks.

Woolacombe Beach

Are there many places to stay near Woolacombe beach?

Yes, Woolacombe offers a wide range of accommodation options close to the beach and in the surrounding area. These include hotels, holiday parks with caravans and lodges, self-catering cottages and apartments, bed and breakfasts, and campsites. Many accommodations boast sea views or are within easy walking distance of the beaches and village amenities. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Woolacombe Beach

What's the famous Barricane Beach curry all about?

Barricane Beach, a smaller cove near Woolacombe's main beach, is well-known locally for the Sri Lankan curry served by the Barricane Beach Café. During the summer season (typically Easter to early September), the café serves authentic curries in the evenings, weather permitting. It's a popular experience to grab a curry and watch the sunset. Due to its popularity, it can get busy, so arriving early is often recommended. The café also serves ice creams, drinks, and lunches during the day.

Barricane Beach

Which is better for surfing, Woolacombe or Croyde?

Both Woolacombe and Croyde are renowned surfing spots in North Devon. Woolacombe, with its long sandy beach, offers waves suitable for all levels, from beginners to more experienced surfers, and generally works at all stages of the tide. Croyde Bay is known for its powerful, hollow waves, particularly at low tide, making it more suited to experienced surfers. It can get crowded due to its reputation. For beginners or less experienced surfers, Woolacombe can often be a safer and less daunting option. Ultimately, the 'better' beach depends on your surfing ability and the specific conditions on the day.

Woolacombe Beach

Croyde Beach

Are there quieter beaches near Woolacombe if the main beach is too busy?

Yes, if Woolacombe's main beach is crowded, there are several quieter alternatives nearby. Putsborough Sands, at the southern end of Woolacombe Bay, is often less busy and is sheltered by Baggy Point, offering good water clarity. Barricane Beach and Combesgate Beach are smaller coves accessible from Woolacombe. For more secluded options, you could explore Rockham Bay (check accessibility as it can be affected by rockfalls) or Grunta Beach near Mortehoe, though these may require more effort to reach and have fewer facilities. Lee Bay, between Woolacombe and Ilfracombe, is another picturesque and often quieter choice.

People Also Ask

What facilities are available at Woolacombe beach?

Woolacombe beach is well-equipped with facilities. There are public toilets near the main beach entrances and at Marine Drive, including accessible toilets. The village, located right behind the beach, has numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops selling beach gear, food, and drinks. Beach hut and deckchair rentals are available seasonally. RNLI lifeguards are on duty from Easter to October. There are also outdoor showers for rinsing off. The Woolacombe Tourist Information Centre offers hire of all-terrain mobility scooters and beach wheelchairs.

Woolacombe Beach

How accessible is Woolacombe beach for visitors with mobility issues?

Woolacombe beach has provisions for accessibility. There are sloping paths providing access to the beach. The Woolacombe Tourist Information Centre hires out all-terrain mobility scooters (Trampers) and beach wheelchairs, which are suitable for use on the sand. Accessible toilets are available near the beach and in the village. Some car parks have designated disabled parking spaces. The National Trust also provides an accessibility guide for Woolacombe with details on parking, toilets, and beach access.

Woolacombe Beach

What's the best way to get to Woolacombe beach?

Woolacombe beach is accessible by car and public transport. By car, from the M5, take junction 27 and follow the A361 through Barnstaple towards Ilfracombe, then turn left at Mullacott Cross roundabout onto the B3343 to Woolacombe. There are several car parks in and around the village. By public transport, the nearest train station is Barnstaple. From Barnstaple, regular bus services (like Stagecoach 303 and 31) run to Woolacombe, with stops close to the beach. Bus services also connect from Ilfracombe. It's advisable to check current timetables as services can vary seasonally.

Woolacombe Beach

What is there to do in Woolacombe besides going to the beach?

Besides its famous beach, Woolacombe and the surrounding area offer various activities. The South West Coast Path provides stunning walks with dramatic coastal scenery, with routes towards Morte Point, Lee Bay, Ilfracombe, or Baggy Point and Croyde. The village itself has shops, cafes, pubs, and restaurants. Nearby Mortehoe is a historic village with its own charm and coastal walks. Watersports beyond surfing, like kayaking, paddleboarding, and coasteering, are popular. For families, there are local attractions and sometimes seasonal events.

Woolacombe Beach

When is the best time to visit Woolacombe for a beach holiday?

The best time for a traditional beach holiday in Woolacombe is generally during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is warmest and lifeguard services are fully operational. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) can also be lovely, often with fewer crowds and still pleasant weather. Surfers might find good swells in autumn and winter, though the water will be colder. The village is lively in summer, while the shoulder seasons offer a more relaxed atmosphere.

Are there rock pools at Woolacombe beaches?

Yes, there are rock pools at and around Woolacombe. While the main Woolacombe beach is predominantly sandy, the northern end has a rocky section with some rock pools. Nearby Combesgate Beach is particularly known for its rock pools, accessible at low tide. Barricane Beach, another smaller cove, also offers rock pooling opportunities. Grunta Beach, near Mortehoe, is another spot where receding tides reveal rock pools, popular with families.

Can you have BBQs on Woolacombe beach?

While specific regulations can vary and it's always best to check local signage or with the beach operators (Parkin Estates for the main Woolacombe beach), generally, responsible BBQs are sometimes permitted on certain parts of UK beaches. If allowed, ensure you are away from dunes and crowds, use a proper BBQ grill (not directly on the sand), and take all litter and cooled ashes away with you. It's crucial to be mindful of fire safety and other beach users. For definitive rules, contacting Parkin Estates or checking their website is recommended.

Woolacombe Beach