When younger you need a change of scene from the beach, Funder Island is exactly where you want to be. Right in Woolacombe village, just a short walk from the main beach, this family amusement facility offers a relaxed, pay-as-you-go afternoon out without any of the planning or driving that bigger attractions require.
The 18-hole adventure golf course is pirate-themed and genuinely well-designed for all ages, competitive enough for adults, visually exciting enough for younger children, and set out in a way that keeps everyone moving at their own pace. Beyond golf, there are bumper boats, go-karts, quad bikes for the younger riders, and a gold digger attraction that children tend to want to do repeatedly.
The system is refreshingly uncomplicated: you pay per ride or activity rather than a flat entry fee, so you can do exactly what you want and move on when you are ready. There is no pressure to stay for a full day, which makes it an easy afternoon option alongside a beach morning or a walk.
Funder Island is the kind of place that takes the edge off a showery afternoon or provides a perfect wind-down after the beach when the children have energy left to burn. It is within easy walking distance from most accommodation in Woolacombe, and the low-key, friendly atmosphere suits the village perfectly.
Open daily during the season. Look out for the flags on Barton Road.
Funder Island is also well-placed for combining with a beach morning or an ice cream stop in the village. The location on Barton Road puts it within a short walk of the main beach car park and the village centre. Opening hours follow the season and the weather to some extent, so it is worth checking before building your afternoon around a specific visit. For families with children aged roughly 3 to 12, it is consistently one of the most popular activities in Woolacombe itself.