A Guide to Woolacombe

Feb 26, 2019

 The last major beach town on the north side of the southwest peninsula before everything goes a bit Bristol Channel is good old Woolie. Recognised as one of the best beaches in Europe, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) has an array of restaurants, pubs, bars, independent shops a deep surfing heritage and surfers to match. 
 
So grab your board as here’s all you need to know for your next solo, group or family surf trip to Woolacombe ….. 

The Village

The centre of the village is perched at the northern end of the beach with the majority of the shops and restaurants clustered around West Road, South Street, Mill Lane, adjacent to the beach facilities. Within the village you will find numerous surf, apparel and souvenir shops, a few convenience stores and the majority of Woolacombe’s pubs and restaurants. Plus two small cinemas for flat days.

The Surf

Stretching from Barricane Beach at the most northerly point all the way south to the cliffs of Baggy Point at Putsborough, there is plenty of room on this 3-mile stretch for all surfers, from beginner to expert.
Woolacombe’s open expanse of beach ranges from mellow log friendly peelers to punishing winter walls. Reliable, consistent and understandably popular with all kinds of surf craft. Can be a high tide right off the rocks but the main beach works on all tides. A great place for beginners and those who appreciate a steady procession of peelers. Without the serious threat from rip tides and a Blue Flag award for the quality of its water and facilities, it’s also a superb choice for those looking to chill on the beach and sea swim/ It is good though all stages of the tide. 

Quiet in winter, mad busy in summer, the beach has been the training ground for British/English champs like current UK Tour, English champ and WSL campaigner, Lucy Campbell. Her ex-pat bro Stu who also took the title back to Devon in 2011 out of the clutches of the Cornish and Geordie hands who’d hogged it since 1984. 

Need a little more space, just walk south!

Putsborough at the other end of the beach is the go to spot when it is all a bit stormy and windy for Woolie or Croyde. One of those places that can get surprisingly good, and it has a handy rip in the corner for experts.

Combesgate low tide peaks in the little bay just north of town.

Surf Schools

If you’re after a surf lesson for you or the family, there are plenty of surf schools and equipment hire shops in the vicinity.

Woolacombe Surf Centre: 

Based in the heart of Woolacombe, this professionally run surf centre is accredited as a ‘Centre of Excellence’ by Surfing England, the highest attainable level. Offering two hour surf lessons for all abilities, from £30 per person which includes all equipment and photos. Plus coasteering and kayaking sessions and stand-up-paddle-board, kayak and surf hire. All coaches are fully Surfing England accredited coaches and hold a beach lifeguard qualification.

Nick Thorn Surf Coaching
Nick Thorn Surf Coaching is a surf school offering Level 4 Master Surf Coach surf sessions for beginners, intermediate and advanced surf development. The sessions are fun and safe for all people from 6-80 years of age. Stand up paddle boarding, coasteering, junior lifeguard and lifeguard training specific sessions also available.
www.nickthorn.com

Hunter Surf School:
Located right on Woolacombe beach with access to showers, changing facilities, lockers and storage. Hunter Surf School offers lessons and courses to suit all ages and abilities, including group, one-on-one and family lessons. The Surfing GB qualified coaches will take you through the fundamentals of surfing while showing you how to stay safe in the water. Plus a great range of surfboards, bodyboards and wetsuits are available for hourly, daily or weekly hire.
www.huntersurf.com

Bay Surf Shop and Shore 2
Two shops in the centre of Woolacombe hiring out a variety of boards and wetsuits.

Where to Eat

For a fine dining option check out Noel Corston’s NC@EX34 (booking essential), for lunch or dinner with an ocean view try The Boardwalk Bar & Restaurant, The Red Barn is a popular choice for those with a penchant for BBQ or head to Barricane Beach Café for a legendary curry. For fish and chips there’s the Woolacombe Fryer on Barton Road’s and another tiny chippy up in the neighbouring village of Mortehoe.
The Red Barn has been home to Woolacombe’s surfers since the sport hit the beach. Amazing collection of classic local surfboards on display in the rafters either made or surfed by local surfing ‘legends’. Hard place to leave.
Post meal, if you are looking to party then the Marisco has played host to carnage since 1967 and is now the longest running nightclub in the country. Anyone who has surfed Wooly has ended up here at some point. Apart from under 18s …ahem.

Where to Stay

From cosy B&Bs, beach hotels, holiday cottages and holiday parks, there are accommodation options for families, couples or groups of friends.

View Woolacombe Cottages

View Woolacombe Holiday Parks

View Woolacombe Hotels

View Woolacombe B&Bs 

With it’s three-mile stretch of clean, safe and beautiful coastline matched with accommodation options for all, excellent village facilities and rolling unbroken surf, Woolacombe makes for an ideal UK surf getaway.
Head to www.stayindevon.co.uk for more information on Woolacombe and to book your accommodation.