Explore Woolacombe and its Surroundings

Woolacombe Sand (1.0 miles)
At first glance, Woolacombe appears to have been somewhat swamped by modern holiday facilities, with rows of hotels, shops and cafes. Once on the beach, however, it’s easy to ignore the tussle of commerce going on in the town - extensive dunes shield the development and leave you to enjoy three miles of flat, wide sand. Even on the busiest summer day, if you’re happy to take a stroll along the beach, you’ll find a quiet spot to lay your towel.

Putsborough Sand (1.8 miles)
Renowned for its cleanliness and vast expanse of golden sand, Putsborough Sand is paradise for both swimmers and surfers.
www.putsborough.com

The Embassy Cinema (4.5 miles)
www.merlincinemas.co.uk

Otter Cycle Hire (4.9 miles)
Just 20 metres from the Tarka Trail…

Ilfracombe Aquarium (4.8 miles)
A fascinating insight into the life of water-dwelling creatures from the river to the sea.
www.ilfracombeaquarium.co.uk

The Elliott Gallery (4.8 miles)
A wide range of landscapes and abstract paintings alongside crafts, sculpture and stained glass.
www.theelliottgallery.co.uk

Saunton Golf Club (3.8 miles)
A magnet for the serious golfer, this links course is often rated as one of the finest in the country.
www.sauntongolf.co.uk

Westbeach Restaurant and Bar (.0 miles)
Exmoor venison, Torrington lamb and local seafood pepper the menu here.
www.westbeachbar.co.uk

The Quay (4.8 miles)
Try the tasting menu for a real event, or relax in the bar with a sophisticated snack.
www.11thequay.co.uk

The Landmark (4.4 miles)
A hectic schedule of plays, music and comedy.
www.northdevontheatres.org.uk

Surf South West (2.9 miles)
The first surf schools in the UK to be awarded the highest standard of Level 4 by the British Surfing Association. Beachside surf centres on Saunton Sands and Croyde Beach.
www.surfsouthwest.com

Nick Thorn Surf School (.0 miles)
www.nickthorn.com

Mullacott Equestrian Centre and Quads (3.5 miles)
Beach gallops, coastal hacks, gentle rides around the farm’s 270 acres of countryside or even carriage driving are on offer here.
www.mullacott.co.uk

Breathingspace (2.6 miles)
Choose from gentle activities like archery, clay pigeon shooting or falconry or try climbing, abseiling, coasteering or gorge scrambling.
www.breathingspace.uk.com

The Courtyard Restaurant (.1 miles)
Having decamped to north Devon from a variety of Michelin starred restaurants, Noel Corston is turning Woolacombe into a gourmet hotspot.
www.courtyardrestaurant.co.uk

Wild Thyme Juice Cafe (4.8 miles)
Perfect for breakfast - the morning menu is astonishing.
www.wildthymecafe.co.uk

Ilfracombe (4.6 miles)
One of the most popular seaside resorts in Victorian times, Ilfracombe has recently undergone something of a renaissance, with some of the most elegant Victorian architecture having been restored. Damien Hirst’s new restaurant here has put the spotlight on the town and drawn food lovers from afar.

Croyde Bay (3.3 miles)
Devon’s answer to Fistral Beach in Cornwall, Croyde Bay is one of the best known surf spots in the country. It draws a young and sporty crowd, and when the surf’s up, there’s a real buzz on this beach.

Rockham Bay (1.5 miles)
One of the few hidden little coves on this stretch of coastline, Rockham is also not the easiest beach to get to. A bit of a walk plus three flights of steps are off-putting for many, so if you’re after a bit of peace and don’t mind making the effort, this is a great choice.

Lee to Bull Point (2.3 miles)
There are lovely sea and valley views along a walk from the small coastal village of Lee, west of Ilfracombe to Bull Point. Take a route through Borough Valley and Damage to the Point, returning along the coast by the lighthouse. The Brumpus Inn at Lee is good for lunch.

Tunnels Beaches, Ilfracombe (4.3 miles)
A network of hand-carved tunnels leading to unique, sheltered beaches and a Victorian bathing pool.
www.tunnelsbeaches.co.uk

Croyde (2.9 miles)
Lots of old world Devon charm to be found here - Croyde is a tangle of narrow, twisty lanes and pretty cottages. The main attraction is, of course, the beach – a perfect v-shaped notch in the towering cliffs with fine, yellow sand. Croyde is a mecca for surfers due to the consistent waves that roll onto the shore, but even if you don’t fancy a dip yourself, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the location, from horse riding on the sand, walking the coast path or hiring a bike and setting off to explore the north Devon coast.