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Woolacombe Village Beach

Devon, England


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Woolacombe Village Beach is a popular seaside resort located on the north coast of Devon, boasting a two and a quarter mile stretch of golden sand and a range of amenities.

Woolacombe Village Beach is a two and a quarter mile stretch of golden sand backed by sandy hills and the Woolacombe Downs. The village of Woolacombe lies at the northern end of the beach, and is full of seaside shops, cafes, restaurants and B&B's. The Woolacombe Bay Hotel and Watersmeet Hotel probably offer the best accommodation in town, and the Red Barn pub has lively nightlife.

Woolacombe is situated on the north coast of Devon, approximately 700 metres wide, and backed by sand dunes. A stream spreads out over the sand at the back of the beach. The beach has been in the private ownership of Parkin Estates since 1848, who continue to manage and invest in the resort.

Woolacombe Beach is widely recognised as one of the best beaches in the UK, and has won several awards. The beach offers excellent services, including daily cleaning and beach hut rentals, and lifeguards operate on the beach during the summer months.

The beach is popular for a range of activities, including kayaking, walking, swimming, kitesurfing, and surfing. The village of Woolacombe has plenty of seaside shops, cafes, restaurants, and B&B's. The beach is overlooked by the South West Coast Path and has superb views to Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel.

During World War II, the beach was used to train the US Army in amphibious landings as part of the Normandy Landings. A stone memorial to the soldiers can be found on the grassy headland at the north end of the golden sandy bay.

The beach is perfect for families and surfers, with plenty of amenities and activities on offer. With lifeguards on duty during the summer months, visitors can enjoy a safe and fun day at the beach. The beach has ample parking, clean facilities, and easy access, making it an ideal destination for a family day out.

Woolacombe Village Beach is on the North Devon Heritage Coast.

Sand

Weather and tides for Tuesday 8 July

Tonight
Chance of rain 14%
Min temp. 15°C
(feels like 15°C)
Wind 9mph
Tomorrow (Wednesday)
Chance of rain 7%
Max temp. 20°C
(feels like 19°C)
Wind 7mph
Max UV Index

The tide at Woolacombe Village Beach is currently falling. Low tide will be at approximately 11:27 PM, and the next high tide will be at approximately 5:47 AM tomorrow.

Today's air pollution levels are forecast to be Low

Approximate sea surface temperature:   17.6°C  

Detailed weather and tides »
  • Facilities

    Food available Toilets Shops Litter bins
  • Popular Activities

    Canoeing Sailing Sunbathing Swimming Water sports Wind surfing
  • Sea Life

    Seals
  • Parking

    Three large car parks.

  • Dogs

    Dogs not allowed on certain areas May 1st to September 30th and must be on a lead.

  • Beach Cleaning

    Cleaned daily during the summer

  • Lifeguard

    Daily - 30th April - 25th September

    Weekends - 16th - 24th April; 1st - 16th October

    Easter - 25th March - 10th April

    Oct half term - 22nd - 30th October

  • Awards

    Marine Conservation Society Recommended

  • Water Quality

    Excellent water quality

    Excellent water quality

Recommended holiday cottages near Woolacombe Village Beach

Things to do and see in the area

Woolacombe Surf Centre (0.3 miles)
Hunter Surf School (0.6 miles)
Fly Like a Bird (0.7 miles)
Walk - Morte Point Trail (0.8 miles)
Borough Farm Sheepdog and Falconry Displays (1.5 miles)
Putsborough Sands (1.8 miles)
Surf South West (2.8 miles)
Lyndon Wake Surf School (2.9 miles)

All distances are approximate

Other beaches nearby

Location: Woolacombe

Location type: Town

OS Grid: SS455436

County: Devon

Country: England

Local Authority: North Devon

Parish: Mortehoe

Nearest postcode: EX34 7DL

(for sat-nav purposes only, a beach does not have a postal address!)

Important! Beach information is compiled from a variety of different sources and is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of compilation. However, information may be incorrectly supplied by our sources or go out of date after publication. BritishBeaches.uk makes no warranty as to the accuracy of any information on this page.

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Visitor information for Woolacombe Village Beach, Devon, England. Weather, tides, visitor comments, beach facilities, photos, nearest postcode, beach information and nearby accommodation.

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18.97.9.173 Tue, 08 Jul 2025 19:14:06 +0100