what’s on in woolacombe
Our apartments are perfect for visits all times of year, so whether you are in need of some Vitamin C or Sea, we have you covered!
Spring and Summer offer warm days, spectacular sunsets and a buzzing village vibe.
Autumn and Winter are perfect for reinvigorating beach or coastal walks and cosy pub evenings.
To give you a taste of what you can enjoy when you stay at Byron we’ve pulled together a list of some of the best things to do in Woolacombe and the surrounding area.
Plus we have secured exclusive discounts within many of our top local attractions, ensuring you enjoy fabulous days out at a great price!
To explore our full partner offers, click here.
Enjoy our seasonal highlights are listed below!
Spring
Quince Honey Farm
Ever wanted to explore a day in the life of a busy bee? At Quince Honey Farm enjoy beautiful nectar gardens, guided tours exclusive bee-keeping experiences and a large soft play.
There is also a great family-friendly restaurant on site too to refuel after all that exploring!
Wildlife and Dinosaur park
10% off when you stay with us
This family-run wildlife & dinosaur park set in a Combe Martin valley offers over 28 acres of spectacular gardens within the North Devon Area of Outstanding Beauty! As well as lions, wolves, sea lions, primates, meerkats, penguins and more, you can enjoy some awe-inspiring life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and a gigantic indoor soft play and café area for active fun, whatever the weather!
Mullacot Equestrian centre
From sandy gallops along Woolacombe beach for experienced riders to learning sessions for nervous and novice riders, all levels and abilities are catered to. Open all year. Boots and hats provided.
BroomHill Estate
A sanctuary for the arts of North Devon!
Lose yourself in an ancient woodland forest where art & nature coexist, evolving in symbiosis. Features a 10 acre sculpture park, 200 sculptures, a hotel and restaurant, Broomhill is a great day out for families and couples alike!
Lynton and Lynmouth
These twin villages nestled into the cliff tops are interconnected by a funicular Cliff Railway, which is powered solely by water, a venture in itself. Lynmouth lies on the base, with plenty of quirky shops and cafes to peruse, before taking the trip up via the railway to Lynton and discovering more splendid local gems.
These villages have plenty to enjoy within any season but a clear spring day does offer some particularly stunning coastal vistas!
OSKC Water Sports
10% off when you stay with us
If you are looking for kayak or stand-up paddle board hire, sea kayak tours or lessons in Combe Martin then look no further! OSKC Watersports is located just 50m from Combe Martin beach North Devon, and is the premier kayak and stand up paddle board – SUP – hire and sales centre in the area.
They also offer various other watersport activities including our very popular sea kayak guided tours and trips, so please check out the links above for further information
Tunnels Beach
With the trend for wild swimming at an all-time high why not get all the family involved at this unique safe venue? This private beach is accessed through hand-carved tunnels leading to sheltered Victorian tidal swimming pools. Be sure to check the private website for bookings before you arrive!
Yoga and Pilates – Beachside
10% off when you stay with us
Sense greater peace through mind, body and soul practises by booking a bespoke treatment with SGP.
Offering sessions to individuals, couples and small groups of all abilities, through Yoga, Pilates, Meditation and Body Therapy.
With over 30 years’ professional experience Sue can help you relax, restore or work out, whatever is on your holiday agenda.
Sessions can be held in your luxury Byron apartment or at SGP’s local private studio depending on your requirements!
Summer
Cobbled streets of Clovelly
This 14th-century fishing village is a must-do when visiting North Devon, be transported back in time within the car-free cobbled streets and enjoy the steep descent to the picturesque harbour and rocking beach. With events throughout the summer months and donkey rides for children, it is worth keeping an eye on their website to see specific dates of interest to visit!
Woolacombe Surf School
10% off when you stay with us
Woolacombe Surf Centre is Woolacombe’s highest-rated & qualified surf school & water sports provider! Professionally run & based in the heart of Woolacombe, North Devon. WSC is accredited as a ‘Centre of Excellence’ by Surfing England, the highest attainable level!
All their coaches are fully qualified surf instructors & beach lifeguards with many years of coaching experience all over the world, with a true passion for surfing and watersports. They operate our surf lessons on the beautiful Woolacombe Beach, awarded the best beach in the UK 2015 & 2016.
They can also provide kayaking and coasteering trips, top quality surf hire equipment, from surfboards, bodyboards, wetsuits right through to stand-up paddle boards (SUP’S) and kayaks.
Cruises to lundy island
Lundy lies off the coast of North Devon, where the Atlantic ocean meets the Bristol Channel with nothing between it and America, a granite outcrop, three miles long and half a mile wide. In the hubbub of the modern world, it is a place apart, peaceful and unspoiled.
Enjoy the cruise along the North Devon Coast over to Lundy, keeping your eyes peeled for sea birds, dolphins and harbour porpoise. Then once you land at the Island, wander and explore, see the wildlife and birds, (including puffins in the Spring/early Summer) and then relax in the Marisco Tavern for a well-earned drink! Get the MS Oldenburg ship from Ilfracombe or Bideford from March to October!
Butterfly season
Butterflies vary in their flight periods and the type of habitat they use. Butterflies can be enjoyed in Exmoor throughout most of the year. June tends to offer the highest number of butterflies including the rarer fritillaries.
If you head along to the National Trust-managed Heddon’s Valley this micro-climate has allowed an endangered species known as the High Brown Fritillary to do particularly well.
30 different butterflies have been recorded on Devon’s heathland, including purple hairstreaks, silver-studded blues and graylings. Emperor and fox moths will be the most common of the moth species you’ll find.
Tractor Safari to Morte Point
Explore the North Devon Coast the easy way on our all-weather trailer out at Mortehoe.
Enjoy a trip down to Morte Point with a National Trust Ranger and hear more about the wildlife and wrecking history of this now tranquil and breathtaking coastline. Trips start from Mortehoe Museum at 10.30am, 12noon and 2.00pm and last approximately 40 minutes.
To book contact Mortehoe Museum on 01271 870028 or Woolacombe Tourist Information Centre on 01271 870553. Adults £6, Children 3yrs+ £3. Children 2 and under free if sitting on an adult’s lap.
Before your walk back to Woolacombe, make sure you stop at Miss Fea’s Bistro for a delicious choice of freshly made cakes, scones and hot and cold refreshments!
Hartland Abbey and Gardens
A former monastery turned into a stately home in 1157 this is one of only a few stately homes in the UK not owned by the National Trust but instead owned by the Stucley family. In 1539 Henry the VIII gifted Hartland Abbey home to the keeper of his wine cellar whose descendants still live here today. You can find many family memorabilia around the property and enjoy walled and woodland gardens as well as a quaint tearoom on site.
The Big Sheep Theme Park
If you are looking for a fun-packed family day with rollercoasters, soft play, animals, and outdoor adventure areas then this is your place! Boasting Devon’s largest indoor play area this is a great one for the list on a rainy day too!
Pets corner and laser tag are our favourites.
EASIGLIDE Segway Experience
10% off when you stay with us
EasiGlide offers Segway tours around North Devon and other areas of the South West. Rolling hills, ocean views, muddy fields, sand dunes as well as plenty of obstacle courses and games provide the ultimate thrill of riding a Segway.
Ilfracombe Princess Wildlife Cruises
The Ilfracombe Coastal Cruises provides spectacular wildlife and coastal trips aboard the Ilfracombe Princess which is the largest passenger vessel in Ilfracombe. From seals cruises, and waterfall discoveries to exploring old smugglers’ coves each cruise is unique and provides sightings of the amazing and unique wildlife within the area.
Autumn
September | October | November
Discount Shopping at Affinity!
If you fancy a bit of retail therapy during your North Devon holiday, then head to Affinity previously known as Atlantic Village where you’ll find 25 famous discount shopping outlets with names such as Next, Clarks and Crew Clothing offering up to 50% off!. There’s also the World of Wonder soft play centre for when the weather isn’t playing ball!
The Tarka Trail!
10% off bike hire when you stay with us
Inspired by the route travelled by Tarka the Otter, this 180 mile, figure eight route traverses unspoiled countryside, dramatic sea cliffs and beautiful beaches. The southern loop incorporates the longest, continuous off-road cycle path in the UK. Walking or cycling, you can experience the best this beautiful area has to offer. Along the route there are some amazing places of interest to visit and beautiful villages and towns to explore or find refuge within some great restaurants or cafes. You can hire bikes at various points along the route, for Byron guests visit out Partners page to book your bikes with exclusive guest discount!
THE Milky Way
A much-loved family day out in North Devon with rollercoasters, soft and adventure play and indoor activities to cover all weather conditions this is a great destination for all the family to enjoy a day out. Our personal favourites are the bird of prey show and the cosmic caterpillar!
Arlington Court
This stunning North Devon National Trust Estate is home to the National Carriage Museum including an impressive collection of horse-drawn vehicles. You can visit the house and explore the grounds which are perfect for spotting various wildlife and adventure play. The National Trust also put on various seasonal events for children throughout the year which are well worth a visit!
Ilfracombe Aquarium
Ilfracombe aquarium consists of local aquatic exhibits, pier café and a gift shop. It is a much loved, award winning and ever-evolving, all-weather, family-fun, educational attraction.
Conveniently located in Ilfracombe’s stunning historic harbour home to Damien Hirst’s Verity sculpture enjoy living exhibits, child-friendly quizzes, the café even the dog is welcome!
Winter
South West Coast Path
We’re located on the South West Coast Path and just a stone’s throw from Woolacombe Bay, part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to 500 species of wildflowers and rare wildlife. Our Favourite stunning local walks (which are good for all the family) to try are to Baggy Point onto Croyde, Morte Point stopping in at Mortehoe and over to Crow Point at the southern end of Braunton Burrows.
Christmas markets
Christmas markets in North Devon are abundant in their choice of local craft, food and drink, art and unique produce with a wealth of small businesses keen to show off their bountiful offerings for you to share with your loved ones on Christmas day.
North Devon Christmas markets are the perfect opportunity to pick up unique gifts and enjoy wintery treats while immersing yourself in the seasonal splendour within unique and beautiful surroundings.
Take a look at some of the best Christmas Markets for you to enjoy this festive season with ideas for the whole family to enjoy!
Exmoor Food Festival
Eat your way through Exmoor! Exmoor Food Fest traditionally starts at the end of January with a celebratory dinner at one of the participating Exmoor restaurants. And then it all go from February throughout the month.
Last year special guest Masterchef judge William Sitwell introduced the chefs.
Subscribers on our mailing list will always have first grabs at the tickets (you can sign up for the newsletter here).
Barnstaple Museum
The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon tells the stories of the people and landscapes of North Devon. Our collections include everything from our most ancient rocks to contemporary artworks.
Neo Cinema Woolacombe
NEO cinema is a short walk from Byron, a plush, retro-styled 30-seater hideaway. Sink into a sumptuous sofa for two, or a super-luxe armchair… the latest blockbusters and much-loved movies are shown daily. Classic cinema snacks are available from the NEO Bar, along with cocktails and G&Ts.
South Moulton Pannier Market
South Moulton is fringed on the Gateway to Exmoor. Its spacious indoor pannier market boasts over 70 stalls offering a wide variety to goods and services.
Open weekly on Thursdays and Saturdays, from 8:30am until 1pm. There is also various events throughout the year that can be found on this events page. At the weekly markets you will find the regular stall-holders offering fresh produce, meats, flowers, wools, cards, cheese, pet treats, books, sweets, gifts, household essentials, handmade goods, bread, cakes and a LOT more. You can also visit The Coffee Shop for hot drinks & delicious food. Check out the list of stalls to view some of the stalls you will find!
Rollerdome
Get your skates on and enjoy the largest soft cushion, sprung indoor Roller-Skating rink in the South West! With light effects, fog cannons and UV effects this is more then just skating! And when you need to take a break, you can refuel in the fully licensed restaurant (for the parents!) smoothies and shakes for the children.
They also have a Nerf licensed Battlezone arena for those that dare to enter! Perfect for a birthday celebration or an action-packed family day out.
Make sure you book your North Devon stay with Byron Woolacombe Holidays to receive exclusive guest discounts on many of these family days out!
check out seasonal events and activities with Woolacombe Tourist Information Centre Events Calendar
WTIC Weekly Events Calendar
Our friends at the Woolacombe Tourist Information Centre (WTIC) have created an events calendar which showcases all events running throughout the year. You can scan the QR code at the bottom right of the page to visit their online calendar or if you’d prefer you can pop in and visit them at The Esplanade, Woolacombe EX34 7DL.
Check the availability within our luxury holiday properties offering exclusive access to onsite pool, gym and games room facilities. With a selection of 1-4 bedroom coastal apartments some with sea views and many pet-friendly, you can reach bed to beach within four minutes.