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So, you’re heading to Cornwall this summer break and have decided to spend your getaway at Woolacombe?
Pat yourself on the back, for you’ve chosen the best beach destination. While it’s famed for its 3-mile stretch of sandy beach, it’s packed with countless attractions. Activities like hiking, trailing, quad biking and surfing await you at Woolacombe.
Whether you’re looking for a picnic spot at the beach town or a place from where you can witness the beauty of the setting sun, Woolacombe has everything you’re searching for. To save you from the hassle of scouring tons of guides, we’ve shortlisted the best things to do at Woolacombe.
Read this guide, shortlist the spots, book tickets, and you’ll be good to go!
10 Things To Do: Woolacombe, North Devon
1. Hit The Woolacombe Beach
Renowned for its clear waters and golden sand, Woolacombe Beach has been crowned the best beach in the U.K. This 3-mile stretch award-winning beach is among the top attractions in Woolacombe, North Devon Coast.
It’s a great place to go swimming or surfing with the family on holiday, so pack your swim attire and splash about in the clear waters of Woolacombe Beach with your whole family. The swimming spot is also patrolled by Royal National Lifeboat Institution lifeguards.
If you’re on the quest for something more exhilarating, why not go surfing? Head a little further out, and you’ll reach the surfing area, where the waves promise a wild ride.
When tired, hire a beach hut, take some eatables from the outside, and you can relax for a while.
2. Explore Marine Life At Ilfracombe Sea Safari
Discover the sea safari at Ilfracombe, where you’re sure to catch glimpses of seals, whales, dolphins and so much more! Ilfracombe Sea Safari is one of the best places where you can set out on an adventure, a fun ride, or simply on an educational tour.
Book 1-hour guided tours along the North Devon coast and explore the stunning views of Bull Point Lighthouse on the west and Smugglers Caves to the east. With experts on board, rest assured that you won’t miss any opportunity to spot porpoises, dolphins and lots of birds.
Then, treat yourself to a half-hour sunset safari, where you can witness the breathtaking beauty of the setting sun. Don’t forget to charge your phones or take along your cameras, so you won’t miss any opportunity to capture pictures.
You can also opt for a waterfall, seals and lighthouse safari, or a dolphin safari ride. For the ultimate wildlife experience, a trip to Lundy Island on a private charter would be ideal for all ages.
3. Combe Martin Wildlife And Dinosaur Park
Your kids will have a ball at the Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park, where life-size animatronic dinosaurs will make them squeal out of fun. A gigantic Dinosaurus play zone is a must-visit for dynamite fun.
African lion, African penguin, alpaca, capybara, California sea lion, coati and laughing kookaburra are some unique inhabitants of the Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park. Book an experience to see these lovely animals feeding, sleeping and playing right in front of your eyes.
Want discounts on your bookings? Stay at Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks in North Devon to save money on your bookings.
4. Stroll Down To The Bull Point Lighthouse
Around 3 km beyond Morte Point on the rugged coastline is the Bull Point Lighthouse, a fascinating slice of naval history. This lighthouse was built in 1879 but refurbished in 1975.
To reach the lighthouse, start your walk from Morte Point. With sandy bays, secluded coves, and rocky headlands, this stretch of coastline offers dramatic scenery. Keep your eyes peeled on the rugged, uneven path, but don’t forget to stop by the 2 stunning beaches- Rockham Beach and Woolacombe Beach, to soak in their beauty.
Want to spend the night near the lighthouse? Hire a holiday cottage to experience what life was like for lighthouse workers who lived in them previously.
5. Relax At The Barricane Beach
Barricane beach isn’t as large as Woolacombe Beach, so you won’t be able to surf or enjoy other water sports. But don’t be fooled, for it’s a mighty beach. With crystal-clear rock pools, golden sand dunes and jaw-dropping sunsets, it offers plenty of space to relax and unwind.
This sandy beach is located right in the heart of Woolacombe, so travelling won’t be an issue.
6. Keypitts Off Road Adventures
Keypitts Off Road Adventures is worth visiting when in Woolacombe for adrenaline-pumping activities.
If you’ve never gone axe throwing, Keypitts offers an excellent opportunity to try the fun sport. Experienced people get the chance to hone their axe-throwing skills, so it’s a must-visit destination for families.
Up for something exhilarating yet challenging? Quad biking and the 200 acres of scenic yet challenging terrain await you.
You can also experience off-road driving in a Land Rover for 30 to 45 minutes. And while you drive a real land rover, Keypitts offers a mini land rover for children between 3 and 10 years of age.
7. Cycle Or Hike At The Tarka Trail
Nature enthusiasts visiting Woolacombe must take a day to visit the Tarka Trail. Tarka Trail offers a series of cycle paths or footpaths (hiking trails) that allow visitors to explore the unseen side of Woolacombe.
Tarka trail is named after Tarka the Otter, a fictional character who took the route in 1927. The cycling section follows the Torridge and Taw estuaries and passes by charming riverside villages like Instow and Appledore.
Meanwhile, the hiking section follows the South West Coast Path around Woolacombe. Even if you are unable to reach the endpoint, rest assured you’ll have an enjoyable time at the Tarka trail.
8. Big Sheep Farm And Theme Park
Be it kids, adults or elderly family members, The Big Sheep Farm and Theme Park has something for everyone! This farm and theme park is the most popular family attraction in North Devon; hence, you cannot afford to miss visiting it.
Head to the nursery barn to meet newborn lambs- we bet you haven’t seen them before. Meet litters of purebred collies and make friends with ducklings, goats and other animals at the petting farm.
If you’ve never fed a hungry sheep, The Big Sheep lets you feed them lunch, so when buying lunch for yourself, buy some for the sheep too. Besides, giant jumping pillows outdoors offer endless opportunities for kids to have fun!
Let them run free and watch them roll around, bounce and have a ball.
9. Exmoor Zoo
Exmoor Zoo of Woolacombe allows visitors to get up close and personal with wildlife. At Exmoor Zoo, be prepared for black leopards and Exmoor beasts feasting on their prey.
Mammals like sand cats, squirrel monkeys, singing dogs, tayra, silvery marmosets and dwarf mongooses are easy to spot at this zoo.
Have you ever seen how beautiful a vulturine guineafowl is? If not, the Exmoor Zoo offers you the opportunity to witness this stunning animal. Other than that, crowned cranes, white storks, Orinoco goose, festive Amazon parrot and bald ibis are among the species you’ll come across at the zoo.
This zoo also has reptiles like panther chameleons, green tree pythons, and tokay geckos. Even arthropods like giant Ghana snails and Madagascan hissing cockroaches, as well as a huge variety of amphibians like cane toads and dyeing poison frogs, can be spotted at the zoo.
10. Visit Croyde And Bask On Its Beach
Near Woolacombe is a clean, picturesque beach, Croyde, which tops the bucket list of every tourist visiting Cornwall. So, when you arrive at Woolacombe, don’t forget to spend a day at Croyde, which is on the other side of Baggy Point.
Although this beach is the busiest, it’s still worth visiting. You can either bask in the sun or catch some waves yourself- either way, you’ll enjoy your time.
Wrapping It Up
Woolacombe isn’t short of tourist attractions. Its dramatic landscapes and stunning sandy beaches make it a lovely place to spend your summer break with family and take short trips.
From canoeing and kayaking to spending a day with animals, there are plenty of things to do at Woolacombe. Bear in mind that this isn’t a comprehensive list of everything you can do while residing at Woolacombe. You can do many more things while vacationing in this small part of England.
Love rides and attractions? Book tickets to the Milky Way Adventure Park and indulge in fun-filled activities. Wish to explore the botanical gardens at Woolacombe? No worries; the Watermouth Family Theme Park and Castle has got you covered.
Wherever you plan to go, just make sure to book tickets in advance to save yourself from last-minute hassle and disappointments.
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