Things to see and do at Woolacombe

Surfer at Woolacombe on a cloudy day — Surfing at Woolacombe, North Devon | © National Trust Images/John Millar

There are many good reasons why Woolacombe is perhaps the best known of North Devon’s beaches, and was voted Britain’s best beach in 2015 and 2016. From its ideal surfing conditions to its array of rock pools, find out more about what you can see and do here.

Surfing at Woolacombe

Woolacombe’s three-mile stretch of golden sand is a haven for surfers and bodyboarders, from beginners through to experts. If you’re new to surfing you’ll find a selection of surf schools here ready to get you up and riding your first wave.

If it’s very windy and the waves are messy maybe try heading to the far end of the beach at Putsborough where it’s more sheltered from southerly and south-westerly wind.

In March 2022 North Devon was formally announced as the 12th World Surfing Reserve alongside iconic surfing locations across the world. The Reserve is the first of its kind in the UK, and the second in Europe.

Rock-pooling

If you don’t fancy getting into the water then there are plenty of rock pools here to explore, teeming with wildlife. Take your fishing net and search for crabs, starfish, barnacles, sea anemones and many other rock-pool-dwelling creatures.

The smaller Combesgate Beach close to Woolacombe has lots of family-friendly rock pools to explore.

A child and adult peer into a bucket on Woolacombe beach while rockpooling — Rockpooling at Woolacombe beach | © National Trust Images/Mel Peters

A bite to eat

If your day on the beach has worked up an appetite then head up to the Porthole Café (not National Trust) on Marine Drive, overlooking the dunes, for a selection of artisan sandwiches, cakes and local dairy ice cream.

This café building was part-funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development alongside the National Trust. It also encompasses accessible toilets and showers which have proved very popular with watersports users.

Or, if you have been out exploring the coastline, pop into Town Farmhouse tea-rooms in Mortehoe village to discover an array of homemade cakes and refreshments. situated in a charming 19th century farmhouse this eco-focused tea-room has a a wonderful Vegetarian and Vegan Menu.

More to explore

We care for much of the surrounding area, including Morte Point, Woolacombe Down and Baggy Point off in the distance.

The headland at Morte Point has lots of great picnic spots with open views over Woolacombe Bay and out to Lundy Island. The grass is short but you may have to share your meal with the sheep. Visit the pretty village of Mortehoe to start and end your exploration.

Woolacombe Down is a nice quiet spot away from the crowds. Take your binoculars for a chance to spot peregrine falcons, buzzards, Dartford warblers and stonechats. Exmoor ponies can often be seen grazing there too. A National Trust car park can be found at the top of Challacombe hill, it is free for members and is a great starting point for an exploration. The carpark can be found opposite Little Roadway farm campsite, EX34 7HL. Grid Reference: SS 46641 42341 What3Words: slicer.talkative.tight

There are also family events running throughout the year so keep an eye on our website or pop into the Woolacombe Tourist Information Centre for further information.