Woolacombe, A surfers paradise
The best surfer out there is the one having the most fun!
With its sweeping stretches of sandy beaches and some of the clearest waters along the UK coastline, Woolacombe has long been known as one of the top surf destinations in the UK and with the recent news that North Devon is to become the first place in the UK to be selected as a World Surfing Reserve (WSR), joining a list that includes Malibu and Santa Cruz in California, and the Gold Coast and Manly in Australia, it’s clear that the region is getting the recognition it deserves.
The WSR was launched in 2009 with the aim of protecting surf ecosystems around the globe, it recognises the quality of surfing in North Devon as well as the sport’s importance to the wider community. Find out more about this surfing preservation programme and what it means for Woolacombe and the wider area.
Surf-cation destination
Woolacombe in North Devon has a long-held reputation as being one of the most beautiful UK holiday destinations. Surrounded by National Trust landscape, its rugged scenery encapsulates the natural beauty of rural Devon, it is no surprise that Woolacombe beach has been voted The Times Best Beach 2021 ‘as a perfect post-pandemic summer beach with three miles of beach, benign surf, food trucks and huts for hire.’
Also voted as TripAdvisor’s Traveller choice best UK Beach 2020 and 13th best beach globally beating famous coastlines in Turkey, Florida, and Costa Rica making it the top spot in the UK. Read more about Tripadvisors favourite reviews of Woolacombe here
So what makes Woolacombe a surfer’s Mecca?
With its reef break which produces some very good waves and its long shallow beach Woolacombe can be surfed on all tides and is a great place for learners and advanced surfers alike. There is often plenty of good surf as the break is exposed to westerly and north-westerly swell allowing for some impressive waves for more advanced surfers, those who are not happy to paddle out back will have plenty to enjoy in the white waters!
Locals surf tip!! (shh…don’t tell everyone!) – If it’s windy and the waves at the Woolacombe end of the beach are messy head to the Putsborough end of the beach, this side is more sheltered from Southerly and South Westerly wind and can often produce some cleaner waves.
Also, why not try walking around the corner to Combesgate beach (towards Mortehoe) where the waves are sometimes smaller but nicely formed – this beach is also pretty sheltered and can be a little quieter, but keep an eye out for tide times this beach is best on low tide due to some rather sharp rocks in-shore! As Woolacombe stretches out for miles it is easy to avoid the crowds even on the busiest of days if you are happy to walk a little down the beach. For more information on tide times you can visit Tideschart.
If you are planning to get in that ocean, do stay within the red and yellow flagged lifeguarded zone. Woolacombe is very lucky to be closely monitored by the RNLI Lifeguards which again makes it an amazing spot to enjoy the sea but be aware, all that amazing surf means there will be rips and currents! Click here to read more tips from the RNLI on how to keep safe on the beach!
Surfing at Woolacombe – Schools and Equipment
There are plenty of surf schools along the village front that provide equipment hire and lessons for all levels, so whether you are wobbling in the white water or shredding the green waves outback, here are a few of our recommendations.
Nick Thorn Surf Coach. Nick offers Byron guests an amazing 15% discount on surf hire and lessons using code ByronNTSC including these additional extras;
- Special delivery to your private onsite Byron Surf shed
- Special discount vouchers for retailers (tbc)
- Multi Activity Package weekend (3 sessions surf, coasteering and SUP) at £95 instead of £105
Woolacombe Surf Centre offers Byron guests a 10% discount on equipment hire and lessons! They also include free photos within their two-hour surf lessons as a great memento of your glory moments!
Hunters Surf shop offers Byron guests an exclusive 10% discount on their rental equipment and surf lessons.
Don’t forget!
At Byron all our luxury holiday apartments come with surf shed storage as part of your booking and we have an outdoor heated surf shower so you can wash off sandy boards and salty wetsuits before heading back to your apartment!
fancy something a little different?
Don’t fancy getting on the board but still want to get in the sea? How about a spot of Kayaking along some of the amazing North Devon cliffs, spotting the rare wildlife we are lucky to have including perigean falcons, seals, and porpoises!
We can also offer beachside yoga, Pilates, and wild swimming classes, check out our Partner Pages for more information and Byron guest discounts on local businesses!
Post surf fuel!
The perfect reason for Woolacombe self-catering accommodation is the options you have to try! The beach food in Woolacombe is more California than traditional fish and chips!
- With the red hipster pizza van of dreams demanding attention along the beachside Esplanade car park aptly named ‘Stoned’ serving up some of the most delicious wood-fired pizzas you will find – offering classic, gourmet and vegan options, all tastes and dietary requirements are covered! This is far from the bucket and spade takeaway dinners of yesteryear!
Open from 5pm, it’s the perfect post-surf fuel, check out the menu here
- When in Devon a pasty is a must-do and nobody does ‘pasty’ better then Fudgies Bakehouse! Try the chicken and chorizo for something different or the Spinach and Ricotta for a delicious veggie option!
- Need to get your caffeine fix or have a hankering for an ice cream (of course you do!) head to Beach Comber cafe just overlooking the bay, they also offer a selection of lunch and breakfast options including some of the most delicious vegan brownies you can ever imagine.
- For a nostalgic surf foodie experience, you must head to the Red Barn, where surfers have historically gathered for a post a surf drink for countless years. With a ceiling lined with surfboards and historic memoirs of the Woolacombe surf culture kept around the restaurant, this is a great venue to come and enjoy the classic surf vibe with a meal, we recommend the burgers!
- Fancy a sundowner with one of the best views in Woolacombe? Then head to our neighbouring Bar restaurant Brundle’s! With one of the best positions overlooking the bay catching the last of the sun Brundle’s often runs two for one offer on some of the yummiest cocktails in town! Try the Solero for something sweet or the classic Margarita!
4 minutes from bed to beach!
Looking for self-catering holiday rentals in Woolacombe? Byron Woolacombe Holiday Apartments are perfectly situated in Woolacombe Village to allow you quick and easy access to a fantastic number of beaches. Once you are parked up take the short walk down Sandy Lane and follow the path (& the sound of waves) to either Woolacombe, Putsborough, Barricane or Combesgate Beach.
Sandy toes guaranteed in less than 4 minutes!
Don’t forget to share your surf adventures with us by using the hashtag #ByronWoolacombe and we will share a selection of your photos on our social media pages.
No posts
If you are looking for accommodation for your next North Devon beach-side holiday, make sure you check in to Byron’s luxury self-catering apartments!
