Woolacombe Beach - Image 1

Woolacombe Beach

, United Kingdom•4.8(3.5k)•Beaches

Enjoy a 3-mile award-winning sandy beach perfect for families, surfers, and swimmers with excellent facilities including lifeguards, beach hut rentals, and stunning coastal views.

Woolacombe Beach is widely recognised as one of the best beaches in the UK and winner of the Sunday Times 2021 Beach of the Year Award. Located on Devon's north coast between Croyde and Ilfracombe, this 3-mile golden sandy beach offers a traditional seaside experience suitable for families of all ages. The beach features excellent amenities including daily cleaning, beach hut rentals, and lifeguard services throughout the season. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities such as swimming, kayaking, kitesurfing, and surfing, as well as coastal walks along the scenic South West Coast Path. The beach is bordered by natural sand dunes and offers superb views towards Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel. Woolacombes Beach appeals to families seeking outdoor recreation and natural beauty. The venue is dog-friendly and pushchair-friendly, with food available at nearby facilities. A fascinating piece of history can be discovered at the stone memorial on the grassy headland at the north end of the beach, commemorating the US Army's amphibious landing training during World War II. The beach has been privately managed since 1848 and continues to be well-maintained for all visitors.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Venue Details

Venue Type

Outdoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Walk-in

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly
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Google Reviews

4.8(3.5k reviews)
A
Andrew Thomas

Andrew Thomas

a week ago

This huge sandy beach on the North Devon coast is one of the finest in the country, with an abundance of space and 3 miles of unspoilt sand. For scenic walks on an expanse of sand, it's hard to beat. The beach is accessible from the South West Coast Path, and there's a large parking area in the village at the north end of the beach for easy access. The beach is kept very clean, making it ideal for families, and dog friendly areas are marked. Lifeguards are on standby so those partaking in water sports have added peace of mind. There are excellent walks further afield to Baggy Point and Morte Point if you've got a few hours to spend. Those interested in history can seek out the memorial stone on the north headland. This commemorates the US servicemen who trained for the Normandy landings at Woolacombe during WW2. The beach is very popular in the summer season, when parking spaces fill up quickly, so arrive first thing to find a spot. Fortunately, the beach is so large that there's always open space to be found, with the majority of visitors congregated by the village at the north end.

L
L's Family

L's Family

a month ago

What an amazing beach!!! I wished I lived closer to visit this more often! We visited this beach in June 2026 and loved it, dog friendly areas (clearly detailed no dogs, dogs on lead and dogs off lead areas). sand is beautiful and the sea is clear. large beach when sea is out and plenty of sand dunes. we walked down from Woolacombe Sands Holiday park and also parked at National trust car park. can't wait to come back!

J
Jes Jeans Hibbert

Jes Jeans Hibbert

2 months ago

Absolutely loved this beach. Dog friendly one side and even when busy it’s so big that it doesn’t feel it. Will definitely go again

G
Georgel Glodeanu

Georgel Glodeanu

2 months ago

Woolacombe Beach is an absolutely stunning, expansive sandy beach perfect for a day out, though the flat parking fee can be a bit steep if you aren't staying long. * The Good: Beautiful clean sand, great waves, and plenty of space even on busier days. Excellent for families and walkers alike.

M
Martin Krzan

Martin Krzan

3 months ago

Woolacombe Beach is a beautiful beach with stunning views and soft sand, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. However, it can get very crowded, especially on busy days, so it is worth going early in the morning or late in the afternoon if you want a quieter experience. Despite the number of people, it is still a fantastic place to visit and enjoy the coastline :-)

Reviews last updated: 6 October 2026

Events at Woolacombe Beach

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 6 October 2026

Frequently asked questions about Woolacombe Beach

Is Woolacombe Beach free to visit?

Entry to Woolacombe Beach is completely free — there are no admission charges, making it a great no-cost option for a family day out.

Is Woolacombe Beach dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at Woolacombe Beach.

Is there parking at Woolacombe Beach?

Yes — Woolacombe Beach has on-site parking, plus additional parking nearby.

Is there food at Woolacombe Beach?

Yes, food is available on site at Woolacombe Beach.

Is Woolacombe Beach pushchair-friendly?

Yes, Woolacombe Beach is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at Woolacombe Beach?

Woolacombe Beach is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to Woolacombe Beach by public transport?

Woolacombe Beach isn't on a major public transport route — driving is recommended.

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