Woolacombe

Important notice -

Our countryside space is open. We encourage everyone to observe social distancing measures. Please stay local if possible to avoid creating hotspots.

Spectacular coastline of cliff, coves, beaches, dunes and headlands

More about this place

Family walking dogs

Which places are open and what you need to know before you visit 

We’ve opened more than 100 gardens and parks in England and Northern Ireland through advanced booking. From Monday 6 July, we’re gradually opening gardens and parklands in Wales. Tickets are released on Friday for the following week. More than 200 coast and countryside car parks are open across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. All National Trust houses remain closed for now. Read this article to find out what's open and what to expect from your visit.

Exploring the area

Family playing in the sea at Woolacombe

Things to see and do at Woolacombe, Mortehoe and Ilfracombe  

There are plenty of opportunities to explore the landscape and play around Woolacombe, Mortehoe and Ilfracombe.

Woolacombe tramper in dunes overlooking sea

All terrain Tramper now available at Woolacombe 

An all-terrain mobility scooter that can go ‘off road’ is now available to hire at Woolacombe.

Getting active

On a clear day a view across Woolacombe bay rewards the walk

Walks around Woolacombe 

With one of our walking trails, which you can download before you arrive, you will be able to get out and enjoy the fresh air of this area

Surfer at Woolacombe, Devon

Top surf spots in North Devon 

North Devon offers some of the best surfing beaches in the country - check out some of our top surf spots in stunning locations.

Finger post with sea views behind

Running and cycling routes around Woolacombe 

The Woolacombe coastline is a great place to explore on an easy cycle ride or a more challenging Trust10 running route.

Upcoming events

Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place.

Events nearby

Car park hut and sign at Baggy Point

What's on at Baggy Point?  

Five miles down the coast from Woolacombe is the craggy headline near Croyd, Baggy Point.

Tractor Trailer at Mortehoe, North Devon

What's on at Mortehoe? 

A wild, remote coast with a rich history of wrecking and smuggling. From seal-spotting Tractor Trailer rides to walling and walking, there's lots to do in Mortehoe.

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Woolacombe

Our work

NT Landrover on beach

Find out how we're maintaining this beautiful stretch of coast 

Discover more about our work at Woolacombe, Mortehoe and Ilfracombe.

A National Trust ranger and volunteer crack slate for walling

Looking to lend a hand? 

We are always looking for volunteers to help with our work around Woolacombe and Mortehoe.

parkrun

Active North Devon, with Combe Coastal  

The National Trust have teamed up with Combe Coastal to help everyone to enjoy North Devon

Woolacombe sand dunes cows

Cows in Woolacombe dunes 

We've successfully introduced a trial of innovative invisible fencing technique, along with ten North Devon Red cattle, to help improve our plant and wildlife species in the sand dunes at Woolacombe beach.

Beach Ranger Rosie with Landrover at Woolacombe

Meet the Woolacombe beach rangers 

Every summer at Woolacombe our rangers are joined by beach rangers who run Rockpool Rambles, ranger-led walks and get out and about meeting the public. This year's beach rangers tell us what they get up to day to day and a bit more about themselves.

Family at Woolacombe beach

Keeping our coastline clean 

Litter that washes up on beaches is hugely damaging to wildlife and the environment. You can help make a difference by taking part in beach cleans around North Devon.

National Trust sign showing oak leaf

Public notices in Woolacombe and Mortehoe 

Following The Charity Commission’s Direction the National Trust (in common with all charities) must give public notice of disposals of leases and easements of inalienable land held for charitable purposes for a term of more than 35 years.

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Woolacombe

Places to stay

The exterior of the Coastguard Cottages and Combe Cottage, Clovelly, Devon

Where will you stay? 

From a 15th Century Manor House at West Challacombe, to cosy Coastguard Cottages near the beach at Peppercombe, to a Lighthouse perched on the cliffs near Lynmouth, we have something to suit everyone.

The exterior of Foreland Bothy, Lynton, Devon

Bothies and bunkhouses in Devon 

Fancy camping but not a tent fan? We have bothies and bunkhouses in stunning locations.

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Woolacombe

Get involved

Volunteer and ranger tree work North Devon

Volunteer with us in North Devon 

We're always looking for volunteers to help us with the work we do in North Devon. If you'd like to try something new, get outdoors, learn new skills and lend a hand to a great cause, then volunteering could be for you.

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Woolacombe

History

Surfer at Woolacombe, Devon

Surfing in North Devon: a history 

Surfing has a strong history in North Devon, from 'coffin lid' boards of the early 1900s to American GIs surfing at Woolacombe during training - Kevin Cooke from the Museum of British Surfing in Braunton explains the rise of North Devon's most popular sport.

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