Woolacombe Beach

North Devon.

Woolacombe is a nice seaside town with a huge sandy beach which stretches south for about 2 miles. The beach is popular with surfers and families and there are plenty of facilities and parking. To the north of the main beach is a large rocky area and beyond that there are two smaller beaches Barricane Beach, which is quite small and narrow and Combesgate Beach which is larger.

Signs warn of strong undercurrents and rip currents, high breaking waves, risk of getting cut off at high tide. Also do not wind surf or kite surf. Lifeguards in summer. See Beach Safety Guide.

At Woolacombe, access is via 2 short sloping paths. South of the town there are various paths through the dunes to the beach. At Barricane Beach and Combesgate Beach, access is via steep paths.

Dogs banned from Good Friday or 1st April until 30th September on Woolacombe Beach from the rocks to the stream (Zone A). South of the stream until Mill Rock (Zone B), dogs must be on leads from 1st May until 30th September. South of Mill Rock (Zone C), dogs are allowed all year without restriction. At Barricane Beach, dogs must be on leads from May to September.

Woolacombe is about 14 miles from Barnstaple in North Devon. There are various routes into North Devon to Barnstaple such as the A39 from Cornwall or the A377 from Exeter. At Barnstaple take the A361 on the road bridge over the River Taw. Then at the Braunton Road Junction turn left for Ilfracombe. Continue on the A361 through Braunton towards Ilfracombe. Then at the Mullacott Cross roundabout turn left onto the B3343 signposted to Woolacombe. Follow the B3343 for about 3 miles to Woolacombe.

EX34 7DJ.

3 car parks in the town a short distance from the beach. To the south of the town there is also parking along Marine Drive. There is some road parking by Barricane and Combesgate Beaches.

Yes, at various locations.

Cafés, beach shops.

Surfing.