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North Devon

10 things you’ll only get if you’ve been on holiday to Woolacombe

12/01/2024

The little town of Woolacombe in North Devon is a much-loved holiday destination amongst us Brits. If you’ve ever visited this seaside paradise, we can guarantee that you’ll understand these ten shared experiences.

1. Driving to Woolacombe and seeing the coastline in the distance

There’s nothing quite like exiting the M5 and driving toward your favourite holiday parks in Woolacombe. As soon as you see the ocean on the horizon, that feeling of excitement kicks in!

View of Woolacombe in summer

2. The fact that Devon has a different climate to the rest of the UK

Why is it that as soon as you enter Devon in summer, you feel like you’re abroad? Forget the feeling of the hot air hitting you when you step off the plane; just step out the car in Woolacombe. In June 2023, Devon was named the hottest place in the UK by Devon Live.

Check out the best caravan holidays and accommodation in Woolacombe by clicking here.

The Old Mill Inn

3. Swimming outdoors

Thanks to this gorgeous weather, Woolacombe is one of the only places in the UK where we would dare to swim in the sea without a wetsuit. Can you imagine doing that in Scotland? Freezing! Plus, at Golden Coast Leisure Park, we have outdoor pools for our guests to enjoy during the hot weather.

Outdoor swimming pool at Golden Coast

4. Doing the Morte Point walk

It’s not a Woolacombe holiday unless you’ve added this walk to your itinerary, and taken plenty of photos of the rocky headlands, especially with your four-legged friend by your side. (Bonus points if you manage to spot a seal).

Click here to see dog-friendly holidays in Woolacombe.

Morte Point walk Woolacombe

5. Visiting Tunnels Beaches

We might have muttered complaints in the queue about having to pay a small fee for the beach, but quickly realised that it’s so worth it. Parents love reading the historic information on the tunnel walls, while the kids can’t wait to swim in the rock pool.

Tunnels Beaches

6. Seeing surfers everywhere you turn

It’s no wonder Woolacombe Beach is famed for being a surfing paradise, for both experts and learners alike. There are plenty of surf shops in the town, as well as surf schools if you’d like to have a go yourself.

P.S., Golden Coast guests can save 10% at Woolacombe Surf Centre.

Surfing at Woolacombe Beach

7. Spending a full day at The Big Sheep

You haven’t been to The Big Sheep if you haven’t been on the Rampage – North Devon’s biggest and fastest rollercoaster. Plus, meeting and feeding the animals could possibly be the cutest moment of your whole year.

Next time you book at Golden Coast or Cleavewood Leisure Park, make use of up to 25% off at The Big Sheep Farm and Theme Park.

Vinnie at The Big Sheep

8. Trying to stay afloat on the Woolacombe Wave

One of the most popular activities at Golden Coast Leisure Park, the wave surfing simulator will put your surfing skills to the test! There’s no better feeling of smugness than managing to stay on your board longer than your sibling.

Looking for family holidays in Devon? Click here to have a browse.

Wave surfer

9. Heading to Woolacombe Beach as soon as the sun comes out

Need we say more? North Devon boasts some gorgeous beaches like Combe Martin, but we all love holidays at Woolacombe Beach. See how many you can check off on our beachy bingo:

  • Building a sandcastle
  • Going surfing
  • Exploring the beach huts
  • Devouring an ice cream
  • Paddling in the sea
  • Walking the whole length of the beach
  • Getting sand in your sarnies
  • Taking at least 10 pictures
Woolacombe beach

10. Eating a curry at Barricane Bay

This is one that makes you think: I’ve never had an original experience in my life. Before visiting Woolacombe, we’d heard of eating ice cream, sandwiches, and crisps on the beach, but curry?! As it turns out, it’s amazing, and the curry from the mini café at Barricane Bay is delicious.

Barricane Bay at Woolacombe

All this reminiscing is making us miss being on holiday in Woolacombe. Are you ready to visit again too? Check out our self-catering North Devon holidays at Golden Coast and Cleavewood Leisure Parks.

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