Surf, sand, scenery and outdoor adventure; if you’re in search of the perfect all-rounder for your seaside sojourn, Woolacombe is the place! With its 3-mile stretch of golden sand, a shimmering wave-lined bay and plenty of opportunity for both water and land-based adventure, it’s no wonder this special spot is a firm favourite for family holidays on Devon’s beautiful north coast.

Keen to know more about the fresh air escapades on offer when you holiday in Woolacombe? We’ve rounded up 5 of our faves for you to look forward to…

 

photo credit: Visit Devon

Surfing in Woolacombe

Unsurprisingly, Woolacombe life centres around the beach, so if your family is partial to sunbathing, sandcastle-building, swimming or surfing there’s no better place.

Voted as one of the best beaches in the UK, here you’ll discover clear water, clean sand and excellent conditions for surfing and bodyboarding. In fact, North Devon’s coastline has recently been designated as one of only 12 World Surfing Reserves around the globe (you can read more about this on Save The Waves Coalition website), so you’ll find lessons and equipment hire from excellent local companies like Woolacombe Surf Centre right by the beach, who are super qualified to get all members of the family riding the waves.

 

 

Rock pooling 

For parents with younger children there’s really no better way to enjoy a day at the beach than with a spot of rock pooling and nearby Combesgate Beach is ideal for these mini marine adventures.

Just a 2-minute drive from Sandy Burrows car park in Woolacombe, this sheltered crescent of sand is best visited at low tide when a series of rock pools, each crammed with crabs, starfish, barnacles, sea anemones and other creatures, lies waiting to be discovered by explorers both young and old(er).

 

 

Horse riding in Woolacombe

If you’re eager to explore a sport that doesn’t revolve around water or waves, look no further than the equestrian center at Woolacombe Riding Stables. Here, you can embark on a different kind of exhilarating outdoor adventure.

Catering to individuals of all ages and skill levels, they offer guided horseback riding experiences through picturesque landscapes. Whether you’re trotting across the sandy dunes or meandering through the vast 200 acres of surrounding countryside, it’s a delightful opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this region.

 

photo credit: Visit Devon

 

Walking and cycling

North Devon’s coast including Woolacombe lies within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and one of the best ways to take in the magnificent scenery surrounding the bay is along the South West Coast Path.

Walkers can take a leisurely stroll around Morte Point, soaking in the beauty of the rugged coastline including magnificent views over to Lundy Island, while cyclists can delight in a scenic ride along a portion of the Tarka Trail, spanning 10 kilometers to the quaint village of Georgeham while enjoying outstanding views over the bay along the way.

 

 

 

 

Coasteering

An exhilarating, out of the ordinary way to get up close with our beautiful section of coastline, this experience is suitable for almost anyone and includes daring deep-water jumps, easy rock climbing, cave exploration and wild swimming to name a few.

Based at Baggy Point in nearby Croyde, H2Outdoor has qualified and highly experienced who instructors will guide you on a choice of routes that are suitable for both beginners and groups with mixed abilities, even tailoring the experience to suit your specific needs – a terrific way to spend the day and for making memories together.

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