Imagine standing at the edge of three miles of golden sand, with rolling Atlantic waves stretching out in front of you and a sea breeze that instantly makes you feel alive. That is Woolacombe Beach. And the best part? This extraordinary stretch of coastline is part of the North Devon World Surfing Reserve, a recognised gem for one very good reason: it is genuinely one of the finest beaches in the UK.
Whether you are here to surf, swim, build the sandcastle of your life or simply plant yourself in a deckchair and watch the world go by, Woolacombe delivers every time. The beach is wide and long enough that even in the heart of summer you can always find your own space. At the northern end, the distinctive rock formations frame the bay beautifully, while the southern stretch leads gently towards Putsborough Sands, giving walkers a brilliant coastal route with views that never disappoint.
Families are very much at home here. The long, gently shelving shoreline makes for safe, confident paddling for little ones, and the rock pools at each end of the bay are endlessly entertaining at low tide. During peak season, RNLI lifeguards patrol the beach, giving parents extra peace of mind while the kids do their thing in the surf.
Surfers of all levels will find Woolacombe welcoming. The waves here work at all states of the tide, and there are several surf schools based locally if you fancy giving it a go for the first time. On a good swell day, you will share the water with everyone from groms on bodyboards to experienced shortboarders threading through overhead sets.
Sunsets here are something else entirely. As the light fades and the sky turns deep amber and pink, Woolacombe transforms into one of the most beautiful evening scenes in the country. It is the kind of view that stops you mid-sentence and makes you very glad you came.
Parking is available in the village, and the town itself offers a great range of cafes, surf shops and restaurants for when you eventually decide to call it a day.
