12 Best Things To Do In Woolacombe, Devon

12 Best Things to do In and Around Woolacombe

Are you going on holiday to Woolacombe and looking for things to do?. Whether you want to relax on a beautiful beach, hike, do action packed activities or find some fun days out you’ll find plenty of attractions and activities to suit the whole family in this beautiful part of the UK.

Take The Family To Watermouth Castle

Approximately 9 miles from Woolacome, you’ll find Watermouth Castle which is a castle like no other. This is a fantastic attraction for younger kids aged between 3 and 10, although there’s something fun for all ages.

Visit the castle which has some weird and wondrous things to see inside. Kids will love the rides, the gnome village, old arcades and crazy golf. Toboggans are a particular hit! The gardens are also beautifully kept.

Top tip : Take some 2ps and 10ps as there are lots of Victorian slot machines and old arcade machines.

Find out more at Watermouth Castle

Build Sandcastles on Woolacombe Beach

Image : Woolacombe Beach

You can’t have a list of things to do in Woolacombe without mentioning its magnificent beach.

Woolacombe Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK. It’s ideal for building sandcastles, bodyboarding and surfing.

It’s a lifeguard manned which gives extra peace of mind. There is a section of the beach for dogs and another section which is dog free.

The large stretches of sand make it an excellent beach for a game of cricket or football when it’s not too busy.

It’s also ideal for surfing and bodyboarding.

Find out more at Woolacombe Beach

Watch The Amazing Borough Farm Sheepdog and Falconry Show

Image : Lawrence Wright / Flickr Creative Commons

If you’re looking for an evening of unique and fun entertainment, this is not to be missed. The show takes place on Wednesday evenings at 6pm at Borough Farm (just under 3 miles from Woolacombe). The show revolves around amazing sheepdogs and breath-taking falconry.

The sheepdogs are highly trained and incredible. There is lots of audience participation and there are highly entertaining and hilarious ducks too.

Find out more at Borough Farm

Go Back in Time at Mortehoe Museum

Image : mortehoemuseum.org.uk

Mortehoe Museum is free museum in the picturesque village of Mortehoe which is approximately 5 miles north of Woolacome. The museum is small but contains a lots of information, memorabilia and photos that gives you a great idea of how people lived in the area in the past.

There’s stories of local shipwrecks, military training and D-Day preparation. It’s run by volunteers so although free, if you enjoy it consider making a donation.

There’s a playground outside for kids to enjoy. Quite often the museum provide activities and a questionnaire for kids too.

Find out more about Mortehoe Museum

Take a Surfing Lesson : Woolacombe Surf Centre

Image : Woolacombe Surf Centre

Looking for something action packed? Why not book a surf lesson with a trained instructor at Woolacombe Surf centre. Send them an email or pop into their shop in Woolacombe for more information.

Find our more at Woolacombe Surf Centre

Eat Curry On Barricane Beach

Image : travellight / shutterstock

This area of North Devon is blessed to have some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Another small but beautiful beach at the end of Woolacombe Bay. Amazing for sea shells and really good for finding crabs, jelly fish and other sea creatures.

Check out Barricane beach cafe which serves baguettes and lunch during the day and Sri Lankan curry in the evening (between about 5pm and 7.30pm) – check their website for up to date details.  

Find out more about Barricane Beach 

Explore the Rock Pools at Combesgate Beach

A little further down from Barricane Beach, you’ll find Coombesgate beach. It is a truly beautiful beach. It tends to be a lot quieter than Woolacombe beach. When the tide is out, there is plenty of sand and space for building sandcastles and family games of frisbee, cricket, football etc. There are lots of rock pools that kids will enjoy exploring.

When the tide comes in, it does cover the whole beach so it’s worth checking the tide times before you go. Also there are quite a few steps to get down to the beach and there are no facilities.

Find out more at Combesgate Beach

Go on a Hike

Image : View on a Woolacombe Circular Walk

There are lots of hiking trails and walks all around Woolacombe. Here are some favourites:

Woolacombe Circular Walk

A beautiful 3 mile circular walk starting from the Esplande car park in Woolacombe. You’ll walk along the sea front, climb a scenic grassy combe and walk through woodland. So many different but beautiful types of terrain on one walk.

Find the National Trust’s Guide here.

Walk Morte Point Trail

Walk out to Morte Point and try and see the seals. Walking this way is stunning with amazing views. You can park in Morthoe and walk from there. If you want to extend your walk, continue to Bull Point and do a circular option.

Check out a map from the National Trust website. 

Woolacombe to Putsbourough Sands

Stroll along the beach from Woolacombe for approximately 2.5 miles, where you will arrive at Putsborough Sands. Treat yourself to refreshments and amazing views of the beach at the cafe before a relaxing walk back.

Challenge Family and Friends at Crazy Golf

Funder Island is  a pirate themed 18 hold miniature golf course for the whole family situated in Woolacombe. After your game you can pick up most amazing waffles and ice cream at Big Chief Waffles just outside!

Wonder at the Aquatic World at Ifracombe Aquarium

Image : Ifracombe Aquarium

Ifracombe is 6 miles away from Woolacombe and there is lots to there so it’s well worth a visit.

The aquarium great choice for a rainy day. It’s fairly small but the staff are very knowledgeable which makes the aquarium a fantastic educational experience. The aquarium houses a diverse collection of local aquatic life. For kids there are often quizzes and fun trails to partake in. You can finish your visit with a trip to their cafe which sells locally sourced and delicious food.

Find out more at Ifracombe Aquarium 

Learn About the History of Tunnels Beaches

Image : Duncan c / Flickr Creative Commons

For a beach with a difference go to Tunnels beaches. You arrive at the beach through tunnels carved out through the cliffs. It’s interesting to learn about the  history here. There’s a small charge for entry (currently £3 at the time of writing).

The beach itself has plenty of rock pools to explore and it’s a nice place to relax for a couple of hours.

Find our more at Tunnels Beaches

Take a Boat Ride on the Sea

Photo : Michael Day / Flickr Creative Commons

Experience the Excitement of a Sea Safari

For a boat ride with a difference try a sea safari from Ifracombe. Hop aboard a Humber Rib which travels at a speedy 20 knots but is still surprisingly stable. Perfect for searching for seals, dolphins and porpoises.

Enjoy a Princess Cruise

For a gentler boat ride, try the Princess Cruise from Ifracombe. There are different trips to choose from. What about a seal cruise or a bird cruise where you go to see the best places to spot wildlifer

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