Hit the beach!

Well, what else was going to be number 1? With over 2 miles of golden sand on one beach, an inlet covered in shells from the Caribbean, a beach named after pigs washed ashore after a shipwreck and a small secret beach accessible only at low tide, Woolacombe's beach goers are spoiled for choice. Bring your bucket & spade!

Find out more about the Woolacombe beaches

Catch a wave!

The Woolacombe area is famous for it's surf with some really big waves coming in directly off the Atlantic when conditions are right. Unlike many surfing destinations, with so much beach to choose from, the water never seems crowded either. Beginners are well catered for too, with a number of surf schools to choose from.

See the current surf report for Woolacombe

Go seal spotting at Morte Point!

If you fancy yourself as a bit of a David Attenborough then head for Morte Point, just north of the village. This dramatic headland not only offers some of the best views in the area but is where all the local seals hang out - see if you can spot them bobbing about in the water or basking in the sun on the rocks.

Take a walk!

For the more energetic amongst you why not take our favourite walk up the beach to Putsborough and then come back along the Coast Path through the sand dunes and hills behind the beach. It's a five mile round trip, so a stop for refreshments at the beach café in Putsborough is recommended!

Go shopping!

How about a bit of retail therapy to really get you in the holiday mood? Woolacombe's parade of shops offers something for everyone including the latest surf gear, beachwear, souvenirs, postcards and an art gallery featuring works by local artists.

Be the Tiger!

The budding golfers amongst you will want to head for Woolacombe's 9 hole pitch and putt course. Sitting on the edge of the sand dunes in front of the beach, it's not quite a 'links course' but it'll be a challenge for most players to get round under par.

Explore the sand dunes!

Lose yourself for a couple of hours in the sand dunes behind the main beach - take a tea tray and try sand-tobogganing down one of the 'peaks'.

Catch a crab!

Take your fishing net and explore the rock pools near Barricane and Combesgate beaches. Crabs, starfish and other creatures of the sea often seek refuge in the pools between the rocks - see if you can find some!

Grab some grub!

Woolacombe offers a wealth of choice when it comes to eating and drinking, but nothing beats a pasty and ice cream on the sea front. Local pasties and dairy ice cream can be bought from shops along the parade. Both come in a variety of flavours, the difficult bit is choosing which one to have!

Find out where to eat and drink in Woolacombe

Just sit & relax...

All that exercise will probably have worn you out by now, so why not grab a seat on The Esplanade and sit and watch the world go by whilst topping up your tan. It's a perfect place to watch the sun setting over the Atlantic during the evening too.