Woolacombe Beach

Award-winning Woolacombe Beach is widely recognised as one of the best beaches in the UK. Located on Devon’s north coast, between Croyde and Ilfracombe, the 3-mile sandy beach is popular with surfers and families looking for a traditional seaside experience.
Since 1848, the beach has been in the private ownership of Parkin Estates (3rd generation) who continue to manage and invest in the resort. Previously it was owned by the Chichester family for over 800 years.
Woolacombe beach has excellent services including daily cleaning and beach hut rentals. Lifeguards operate on the beach which is popular for kayaking, walking, swimming and kitesurfing as well as surfing. The village of Woolacombe lies at the northern end of the beach, and has plenty of seaside shops, cafes, restaurants and B&B’s.
Overlooked by the South West Coast Path and edged with sand dunes, Woolacombe Beach has superb views to Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel.
During WW2, the beach was used to train the US Army in amphibious landings as part of the Normandy Landings. There is a stone memorial to the soldiers on the grassy headland at the north end of this golden sandy bay.
Type of beach
Sandy
Lifeguard service
Yes
Dogs friendly beach?
Dogs banned from a zoned area of the beach May - October. Dogs allowed in adjacent areas if kept on a lead.
Activities
- Kayaking/canoeing
- Jet-skiing
- Sailing
- Swimming/bathing
- Surfing
- Wind surfing
Facilities
- Pub nearby
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Woolacombe Beach Reviews
Outstanding beach
Paul Harrison
Apr 28th 2020Always clean, great waves, great for family fun, great location and town, outstanding clear water
mark
Aug 06th 2022amazing beach best in the uk
Wonderful all the year round- for summer beach holidays Andy bracing winter walks
Beautiful, clean, shallow for ages, perfect for swimming and playing. A perfect beach!
Fantastic
Dawn Daniel
Jun 30th 2021Beautiful beach, my dog absolutely loved it ❤️
Outstanding, beautiful beach
Big and beautiful
Magic long sandy beach. Often with great waves