Nestled on North Devon’s dramatic coast, Woolacombe boasts a merry mix of surf and sea views, making it a true adventure playground packed with fun-filled things to see and do. Pack up the bags and enjoy a beach day amidst Woolacombe’s golden sands, or lace up your walking boots and head out on the South West Coast Path for a clifftop hike.
The charming town is home to a veritable smorgasbord of ice cream parlours and cafés, perfect for a post-surf refuel or a pre-walk feed. Venturing a little further, Woolacombe is surrounded by picturesque towns and villages, not to mention an assortment of family-friendly attractions, inviting you to craft your ideal itinerary during your stay, whether you fancy a stroll through a Victorian deer park or a day of excitement at a theme park!
Itching to get exploring? Here are our top picks for things to do in Woolacombe…
Surf at Woolacombe Beach
Famous for its giant sandy beach that arcs along the coastline in a golden swoop, Woolacombe has long been hailed as one of the best places in North Devon to surf. A reef break whips up excellent waves throughout the year, while the long and shallow waters make it ideal for beginners and pros alike.
Whether you’ve ridden the waves before and need a refresher or it’s your first time, Woolacombe Surf Centre has you totally covered - they even offer kayaking and coasteering experiences, so that you can explore Woolacombe’s beautiful coastline to the full.
Catch a show at Borough Farm
Another fantastic place to visit for animal lovers, Borough Farm puts on regular shows to introduce you to the impressive worlds of falconry and sheepdog training. These displays are absolutely jaw-dropping, whether you want to watch the graceful birds of prey at work as they flap and fly overhead, or the incredible working collies that spend their days herding sheep with unflappable ease.
Curious how they do it? You can also join one of the sheepherding experiences to watch the phenomenon up close - all while soaking up North Devon’s breathtaking coastal setting.
Walk to Morte Point
Boasting a rich history and spectacular views, Morte Point is well worth a walk when staying in Woolacombe. You can set off from your cottage or head to Mortehoe for a lovely circular stroll. Whichever route you choose, your midway point will be celebrated with panoramic views along the coast to Woolacombe Beach and Baggy Point.
When you reach the headland, rugged cliffs and rock formations paint a dramatic picture, harking back to a dark history of smugglers and shipwrecks. Today, you’re much more likely to see a grey seal bobbing in the water than a runaground ship, making Morte Point a favourite with wildlife watchers. Pack your binoculars, a picnic, and a camera, and you’ll have everything you need for a breathtaking afternoon along the South West Coast Path.
Explore Woolacombe Down
Home to sprawling vistas and grazing Exmoor ponies, a walk up Woolacombe Down will reward you with astonishing views. The undulating scenes quickly unravel around you as you hike up Potters Hill, revealing Baggy Point and Morte Point in the distance, the further you climb.
In the summer months, wildflowers bloom across the patchwork fields, creating a collage of multicoloured displays. The walk is nice and easy to follow, with a handy National Trust car park marking the start, and lots of waymarked posts and gates leading the way.
Enjoy a day at The Big Sheep
One of North Devon’s top attractions, The Big Sheep boasts a phenomenal lineup of fun things to see and do. The award-winning theme park is jam-packed with thrilling rides, while a mix of indoor and outdoor play areas ensures you’re covered whatever the weather. Our recommendation? Don’t miss the world-famous sheep race - ewe won’t find anything else like it!
In the spring, you can feed the adorable lambs, while summer brings with it Devon’s beloved festival, Pigstock, for a family-friendly bonanza filled with live music, good food, and pig racing - naturally!
Unleash your wild side Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park
One for families and animal lovers alike, the Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park is a fun-filled must. Whether your interests lie in current or prehistoric creatures, there’s much to uncover at this fascinating park. Enjoy walking around the various enclosures, learning all about the inhabitants as you go, before stopping by the dinosaur paddock for a peek at the animatronic residents.
There are multiple cafés and refreshment huts for those all-important snack breaks, or you can take a lunch to enjoy in the picnic area near the meerkat enclosure. Talks are held throughout the day to offer an insight into the animals that live at the park, while various animal experiences invite you to get up close and personal with the residents, from breakfast with wolves to a meet-and-greet with a sea lion.
Jump for joy at Air Extreme
Got some energy to burn? There’s nowhere better than Air Extreme, a massive indoor trampoline park that will have you quite literally bouncing off the walls! Fantastic for kids and adults alike, you can book a variety of sessions, from fitness classes and disco bounces to hiring out the entire venue.
There’s a café onsite so you can relax with a coffee while the little ones enjoy the trampolines, or you can whip off your shoes, pull on a pair of Air Extreme socks and join the fun!
Cycle the Tarka Trail
Woolacombe is perfectly placed for a day out on the Tarka Trail, a whopping 180-mile cycle trail that boasts a merry mix of landscapes along beautiful, traffic-free routes. Woolacombe is situated on the northern circuit, which loops from Barnstaple to Lynton and back along the coast.
Choose a shorter section and enjoy a relaxed morning or afternoon cycling along the coast, or explore the full 180-mile loop, chipping away at the distance day by day or each time you visit. There are lots of lovely cafés along the trail, not to mention some incredible sights and sites, from the Valley of Rocks to shimmering reservoirs.
Discover a new world at Ilfracombe Aquarium
Whether it’s a rainy day activity you’re looking for or a peek under the waves without getting wet, Ilfracombe Aquarium promises a fascinating day out for all. There’s a real focus on local waters, with lots of exhibitions following the sea life that surrounds North Devon’s stunning coastline.
Follow the journey from stream to sea, or discover the array of aquatic life in our rivers, ponds, and lakes, from curious cuttlefish to scuttling hermit crabs. Quizzes are available for the little ones, and the onsite café and gift shop are always worth exploring, whether you fancy a coffee or a giant, cuddly fish.
Uncover the secrets of Lundy Island
Whether you’re looking for a beautifully untouched landscape to explore on foot, a mix of fascinating historical sites to uncover, or a rich habitat bursting with wildlife to spot, Lundy Island has something for everyone tucked away on its rugged shores.
Stepping aboard the ferry, enjoy a mesmerising crossing - sometimes escorted by a pod of curious dolphins - before arriving at the ancient island. Puffins, deer, and rock wallabies are just some of the animals you can spot while visiting, while the island’s churches, lighthouses, and quarries promise some guaranteed sightseeing. Oh, and we wholeheartedly recommend stopping off at the local shop when you arrive, which sells all sorts of delicious picky bits for a picnic.
Step back in time at Arlington Court
A beautiful Regency era house near Woolacombe, Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum makes for a rather special day out. Formal Victorian gardens wrap around the impressive house, inviting you to enjoy a proper promenade on a sunny afternoon - when in the Regency era, after all! A little further afield, you’ll find the pleasure gardens and sprawling grounds, which are home to a pretty pond and a dappled deer park perfect for stretching your legs.
Back at the house, take time to explore the museum, which boasts a fascinating display of horse-drawn vehicles, from grand carriages to servants’ carts. When hunger strikes, head to the lovely onsite tearoom for a wedge of cake or a light bite.
Dine the Devonian way
Woolacome is home to a truly mouthwatering selection of places to eat, whether you’re in the mood for a cosy pub atmosphere or a beachfront beauty where you can sit back and watch the surf roll in. Nestled atop the golden sands of Barricane Beach in Woolacombe, you’ll find the fabulous Barricane Beach Café. Serving up fresh baguettes and salads by day and delicious Sri Lankan dishes by night, this local haunt is the place to go for good food, views, and times.
If you’re looking for somewhere to dine with the dog in Woolacombe, you simply cannot beat The Barn. Sit down to a slap-up Sunday roast, beer-battered fish and chips, or a toothsome burger, all washed down with a pint of local ale - perfection! With flickering fires in the winter and a sun-soaked terrace in the summer, this welcoming pub has you covered whenever you visit.
Ready to explore this beautiful stretch of North Devon? Explore our gorgeous holiday cottages in Woolacombe and start planning your next seaside escape.
