Woody Bay

Woody Bay, on the rugged Exmoor Coast, certainly lives up to its name. The rocky cove is backed by steep, heavily wooded cliffs.
The walk down to the beach is as much of a delight as the cove itself; the path zig-zags through the woods, passing some amusing signage on the way.
Around a hundred years ago Woody Bay was earmarked for development as a holiday resort to rival neighbouring Lynton and Lynmouth. The owner built a pier to allow ferries to dock and a golf course to attract wealthy visitors. However, things went into reverse when the pier was damaged by storms and the owner ran out of money, eventually ending up dying in prison.
Today, all that remains of the Woody Bay empire is the hotel, and of course the lovely sylvanian cove.
Type of beach
Shingle & rock
Lifeguard service
No
Dogs friendly beach?
Dogs allowed
No dog restrictions.
Activities
- Swimming/bathing
- Rock pooling
Nearest town
Postcode
EX31 4QX
OS grid ref.
SS 6803 4893
Parking
A small car park at the top of the access parth
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Woody Bay Reviews
Check the tide times as very little space at high tide!! Fantastic beach !
Lovely pool
Ows
Oct 01st 2019Great pool, great waterfall, access is difficult, steap zig zag path and very slippery last bit
Amazing, secret beach. Hard to get to but worth the hike.
Rita Emmery
Sep 15th 2021It’s got no sand, very rocky, doesn’t get much sun because of the high cliffs. Not good to get to and once there you wonder why you bothered.