At first glance, Woolacombe appears to have been somewhat swamped by modern holiday facilities, with rows of hotels, shops and cafes. Once on the beach, however, it’s easy to ignore the tussle of commerce going on in the town - extensive dunes shield the development and leave you to enjoy three miles of flat, wide sand. Even on the busiest summer day, if you’re happy to take a stroll along the beach, you’ll find a quiet spot to lay your towel.