Woolacombe is acknowledged as having one of the top ten beaches in the world and is rightly proud of the fact. As well as the famous 2 mile stretch of the main beach, there are three other beaches to explore. Each of them offers something different, so we've put together a snappy little guide to tell you more.
Woolacombe's Main Beach
One of the best in Britain, Europe and (according to some people) the whole world, Woolacombe Sands is a Blue Flag Beach which stretches away from the village for more than two miles. Mile upon mile of fine golden sand.
The beach is safe for swimming, great for surfing and is so big that you can always find a spot to yourself. Beach huts, lifeguards and children's amusements are available right on the beach throughout the summer with toilets and refreshments only a short walk away too.
Barricane Beach
This small inlet is almost as popular as the main beach, but for a whole different reason. The name 'Barricane' originates in the Caribbean, which give you a big clue as to where all of the shells on the beach come from. Most of them are picked up by the Gulf Stream off the shore of a Caribbean island and carried thousands of miles across the Atlantic to be dropped, in near-perfect condition in this tiny little inlet on the North Devon coast.
Great for rock-pooling and sunbathing, Barricane has refreshments available during the summer and has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Combesgate Beach
Combesgate Beach is a small, sandy cove that offers the simple pleasures you'd expect of a day on the sands. You can swim, you can surf and you can build sandcastles. No frills, but ideal if you just want a quiet day with the family.
Surf is best at low tide and cannot be surfed after mid-tide due to rocks. At low tide, watch out for the rips.
Grunta Beach
Woolacombe's secret beach. It's tough to reach (you have to descend the cliff on a steep path), but well worth a visit. Sheltered from the wind and something of a sun trap, Grunta Beach is the place to get away from the crowds if you just want a quiet day by yourselves.
The beach's unusual name originates from a shipwreck which saw a group of pigs washed up and become trapped at the bottom of the cliffs. Their grunts were heard by villagers - hence the name.