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Wales | MULLACOTT PARK Commanding panoramic views over the Bristol Channel, the Atlantic Ocean and the glorious Devonshire countryside, Mullacott Park offers the perfect retreat for a relaxing holiday. Midway between Ilfracombe and Woolacombe, this is a prime location for exploring the wonderful sandy beaches and wealth of attractions and activities North Devon has to offer. |
 | MERMAIDS Peaceful and private, this very well appointed 3 bedroom detached bungalow is perfectly located for easy access to the dramatic coast, the regional attractions and the popular local amenities |
 | HARTLAND VIEW Boasting captivating sea views in a quiet setting 2 minutes walk from the bustling town of Woolacombe is the endearing Hartland View apartment. Your family will be delighted with this accommodation, promising a superb seaside holiday to the North Devon coast. |
Woolacombe is home to a magnificent beach, making it a fantastic location for a traditional British seaside holiday. Not only is the area a popular surfing spot, the lively village and locations nearby make it the ideal destination for a family holiday.
Out and about
A highlight of Woolacombe is its 3-mile-long beach. The view of the sea is unparalleled, and its long stretch of sand means there is plenty of room to claim a spot for a beach day. This is the perfect location for swimming in the sea, or even surfing. Surf lessons for beginners are available at multiple surf centres on the beach. Alternatively, try out stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking on a calm day. For brave travellers wanting a birds-eye view of the coast, try out hang-gliding at Fly like a Bird. This is an incredible experience you won’t forget.
There are lots of walking routes that take you through the village and across the gorgeous green countryside. A circular walk from the sea front up to the grassy valley full of wildflowers gives stunning views of the coast and village. Alternatively, walk along the South West Coast Path for beautiful panoramic views.
A walk to Morthoe is highly recommended. This quaint village is surrounded by greenery and is home to the iconic Morte Point headland, where the clifftop outlook is unmatched. There are lots of rocky beaches to discover, as well as its museum in which artefacts from the village’s history are displayed.
In Woolacombe, there are a variety of eateries. The Red Barn is a surf bar with a display of surfboards in its seating area, serving delicious comfort food. Local live music is hosted here on Fridays. A substantial meal is available at a family-friendly restaurant in town called The Captain’s Table. Alternatively, for an evening meal which celebrates Devonshire seafood, try The Beach House Restaurant. Have a Sri Lankan curry by the sea from Barricane Beach Café for an alternative to fish and chips on the beach.
For families
There are lots of family activities in town that everyone can enjoy. Funder Island has beachside amusements such as pirate-themed adventure golf and go karting. For traditional arcade games, visit Sunspot Amusements. Children from the age of four can try out horse riding at Woolacombe Riding Stables. This is also the only centre offering rides on Woolacombe Beach.
Experience the day in the life of a sheep farmer at Borough Farm. The family can experience shepherding for themselves in the tour of the Morte Point farm, where you can see the sheepdogs in action and learn more about their training. Also, be sure to watch the fantastic falconry displays hosted on the farm.
An hour away from Woolacombe is the small village of Clovelly, which has a vintage charm. There is a beach and waterfall to explore, as well as a tiny harbour on the coast. The High Street has an old-world feel, more of which can be appreciated at the Fisherman’s Cottage Museum. Children will also enjoy visiting the donkeys at the stable.
Be transported back to the Jurassic era at the Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park. Life-size animatronic dinosaurs are situated throughout the site, making this outing exciting for young children. There are also real animals to see, including tigers, meerkats, and wolves.
Nearby locations
Enjoy a peaceful day at Marwood Hill Gardens, a 20-minute drive from Woolacombe. This 20-acre private garden has three beautiful lakes amongst colourful and blooming flowers. Lunch and a cake at The Tea Room is recommended when visiting this blissful spot, where the seating overlooks the garden.
Croyde is 20 minutes south of Woolacombe and is an ideal daytrip location. The town has a vibrant feel, and its thatched buildings host some incredible cafes and restaurants. The Thatch is a pub with lots of character and serves classic pub meals as well as their famous nachos. For a cosier feel, try afternoon tea or a slice of cake at May Cottage Tea Rooms. Café Croyde Bay offers a beautiful panorama of Croyde’s coast, where you can have breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
A more active day out is possible by cycling along the Tarka Trail. The North Route loops around Woolacombe and through the unspoiled scenic countryside nearby. Part of the route travels alongside the coast, where the exceptional coastal views are unforgettable. Make a pit-stop in Ilfracombe, a coastal town with rocky beaches, one of which has a historical shipwreck to explore. The Verity statute on the harbour should also be visited, this being an iconic artistic landmark in the town. Be sure to also stop at Heddon’s Mouth along this route, which has a perfect photo opportunity of the sea.