Car Hire Woolacombe

Right, let’s gab about Woolacombe – this absolute gem of a seaside town nestled on the North Devon coast. It’s not exactly huge, with more than 500 year-round residents, but it swells up nicely in the summer when the holidaymakers roll in.

If you’re driving down, you’ll want to take the A361 and then nip onto the B3343. Weather-wise, it can be a bit of a mixed bag, so pack for all seasons, yeah? Best time to visit? I’d say late spring to early autumn, when the weather’s a bit more reliable and you can really make the most of that stunning beach.

Attractions In Woolacombe

Woolacombe is a top surfing destination with vast sandy beaches and family attractions.

Woolacombe Beach

Let’s kick off with the star of the show – Woolacombe Beach. This stretch of golden sand is what put Woolacombe on the map, and for good reason. It’s a whopping three miles long, so there’s plenty of space for everyone. Folks from Ilfracombe often pop over for a day of sun, sea, and surf. It’s open all year round, but obviously, it’s at its best when the sun’s out.

Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park

If you’re after a proper seaside holiday, Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park’s got you covered. It’s a 4-star spot with all the bells and whistles – we’re talking swimming pools, sports facilities, entertainment, the lot. People from Combe Martin reckon it’s one of the best holiday parks in North Devon. It’s open from March to November, so plenty of time to plan your visit.

Bull Point Lighthouse

Bull Point Lighthouse is a bit of a trek from Woolacombe, but it’s worth the journey. It’s this striking white lighthouse perched on the cliffs, with some cracking views of the coast. Visitors from Barnstaple often make a day of it, combining it with a coastal walk. You can’t go inside, but the views from the outside are proper stunning.

Watermouth Castle

Watermouth Castle’s another spot that’s a short drive away, but it’s a great shout if you’ve got kids in tow. It’s this Victorian castle that’s been turned into a theme park. People from Lynmouth say it’s a fun day out. Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM in peak season, but check their website for off-peak times.

Mortehoe Museum

If you fancy a bit of local history, pop into the Mortehoe Museum. It’s in the village of Mortehoe, just up the road from Woolacombe. Folks from Lynton reckon it’s a great little spot to learn about the area’s past. It’s open from Easter to October, usually from 11 AM to 3 PM.

Funder Island

Funder Island’s a bit of family fun right in the heart of Woolacombe. It’s this outdoor play area with mini-golf, trampolines, and all sorts. Visitors from Bideford often bring their kids here for a bit of a run-around. It’s open daily during the main season, usually from 10 AM till late.

Tunnels Beaches

Tunnels Beaches is another spot that’s worth the short drive to Ilfracombe. It’s this network of hand-carved tunnels leading to sheltered beaches. People from South Molton love it for its unique history and great rock pooling. Open daily from 10 AM, but closing times vary depending on the season.

National Trust – Morte Point

Morte Point’s a dramatic headland just outside Woolacombe, managed by the National Trust. It’s got some cracking coastal walks and stunning views. Folks visiting from Exmoor National Park often stop here for a ramble. It’s open all year round, but be careful in bad weather – those cliff paths can be a bit hairy.

The Ilfracombe Aquarium

The Ilfracombe Aquarium’s another one that’s a short drive away in Ilfracombe. It’s not massive, but it’s got a nice collection of local marine life, tucked away in the Old Lifeboat House right on the harbour. They take you on a journey from Exmoor’s streams to the Atlantic Ocean, showing off everything from tiny seahorses to proper gnarly lobsters. There’s even touch pools where you can get hands-on with some of the friendlier residents. Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM in peak season, it’s a good shout for a rainy day activity or if you fancy learning a bit about the critters living just off the beach where you’ve been sunbathing.

North Devon National Landscape

Last but not least, the whole area’s part of the North Devon National Landscape (used to be called an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). It’s basically Mother Nature showing off – we’re talking stunning coastlines, lush valleys, the lot. It’s not so much a single attraction as it is the backdrop to your whole visit.

Woolacombe’s a proper little slice of seaside heaven. Whether you’re after lazy beach days, coastal walks, or family fun, you’ll find it here. And with all these spots nearby, you’re spoilt for choice. So pack your bucket and spade (and maybe a raincoat, just in case), and come see what all the fuss is about!