Woolacombe beach
Recognized as one of the finest beaches in the UK, Woolacombe Beach is nestled amidst scenic dunes adjacent to a charming resort town that shares its name, located in the county of Devon along the shores of the Bristol Channel of the Atlantic Ocean.
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Beach description
Woolacombe Beach, stretching over 5 km with its fine golden sand, is a haven for those seeking a picturesque seaside escape. The gentle slope into the water invites beachgoers, although the brisk ocean surf and cooler temperatures may shorten swimming sessions. For added safety, stone pools have been constructed for secure swimming experiences.
- The beach boasts an impressive infrastructure. Visitors can find rental centers offering sunbeds, loungers, and umbrellas, alongside a variety of dining options including restaurants and pubs. Convenient kiosks provide soft drinks and snacks, while showers and toilets enhance comfort. Picturesque beach houses, typical of Great Britain's shores, offer storage for personal items. Lifeguard services are vigilant throughout the entire bathing season, ensuring a safe environment for all.
- Woolacombe Beach enjoys widespread popularity, attracting families with children, students keen on outdoor activities, and tourists from various countries. It serves as a coastal magnet for residents from across the nation, supported by several expansive parking lots that can accommodate thousands of vehicles near the Bristol Channel's inviting coast.
- For surfers, Woolacombe Beach is a premier destination, renowned for its towering ocean waves and invigorating winds. It is the stage for some of the world's most thrilling windsurfing competitions, drawing enthusiasts from far and wide.
- The beach is particularly family-friendly, offering a multitude of engaging activities for those who prefer to stay on dry land or are not inclined to swim.
- As one of the select public beaches that welcome pets, Woolacombe ensures that no member of the family is left behind during a day of sun and surf.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Great Britain for a beach vacation is typically during the summer months, from June to August. This period offers the warmest weather and the longest daylight hours, making it ideal for enjoying the seaside.
- June: The start of the summer brings milder temperatures and fewer crowds, allowing for a more relaxed beach experience.
- July: As the peak of summer, July offers the warmest temperatures, which can reach up to 30°C (86°F) in some areas, perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
- August: The end of summer continues to provide warm weather, and it's also a popular time for local festivals and events along the coast.
However, it's important to note that British weather can be unpredictable, so even during these months, it's wise to be prepared for the occasional rainy day. For those looking to avoid the busiest times, the shoulder seasons of late May and early September can offer a good balance of pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
Video: Beach Woolacombe
Infrastructure
Where to Stay
In Woolacombe, there are many options for accommodations, including hotels of various comfort levels, hostels, and campsites.
The hotel The Fortescue Arms offers comfortable rooms and such services as:
- Pets are allowed;
- Restaurant;
- Breakfast in the room;
- Lobby bar;
- Free Wi-Fi;
- Wheelchair ramps;
- Parking.
Hotel Watersmeet provides bright and comfortable air-conditioned rooms with views of the garden or the bay. Specially for guests:
- Heated indoor pool;
- Outdoor pool;
- Lobby bar;
- Restaurant;
- Free Wi-Fi;
- Free parking;
- Jacuzzi;
- Dry cleaning;
- Laundry;
- Wheelchair ramps.
Where to Eat
The resort is replete with restaurants where you can enjoy tasty and affordable food. There are no pretentious restaurants, so it's better to leave tuxedos, evening dresses, and diamonds at home. Near the hotels and campsites along the beach, there is a large selection of reasonably priced and quite decent restaurants, pizzerias, pubs, and bistros, offering Italian, Mexican, and Chinese cuisine. Many restaurants specialize in fish and seafood dishes.
What to Do
- The largest windsurfing center in the country operates in Woolacombe, offering training for all who are interested. Experienced instructors teach both adults and children from the age of 2 how to ride the waves.
- The beach is ideal for parasailing, kayaking, paragliding, and sailing. You can also enjoy horseback riding, with pony rides available for children.
- Adventurous visitors can go deep-sea fishing or embark on a voyage to the habitats of fur seals and sea calves.
Weather in Woolacombe
Best hotels of Woolacombe
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How to get there
You can get to Woolacomb by train from London from Waterloo and Paddington railway stations, from Exeter and other cities to Barnstaple Station, 21 km from the beach. Next you need to take a bus or drive a rental car on the 361 highway. It is advisable to go to the beach in the morning, because by noon the places in all parking lots are occupied