Top 7 things to do in Woolacombe

Woolacombe is a North Devon coastal village with a stunning beach that is widely regarded as one of the best in Britain. There’s no wonder that the beach is one of the main reasons that Devon residents and visitors alike flock here for day trips and short breaks in the summer. Don’t worry, though – at 3 miles, it’s the longest sandy beach in the country, so there’s room for everyone.

There are lots of other things to do in Woolacombe or just a short drive away; here’s our guide to some of the top attractions to help you plan the itinerary for your holiday, whether you’re bringing your partner, kids, friends or even your dog. 

We have hundreds of holiday cottages in Woolacombe, so no matter if you’re looking for somewhere large or small, budget-friendly or luxurious, you’ll be spoilt for choice. You can check out our collection of cottages in Woolacombe by clicking on the button below. 

Skip to:

1. Woolacombe Beach and village
2. Walk along the South West Coast Path
3. Woolacombe Riding Stables
4. Borough Farm Sheepdog and Falconry Displays
5. Visit Lundy 
6. Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park
7. Exmoor Zoo

Woolacombe Beach and village

Woolacombe Beach tops our list of the best beaches in North Devon. It is renowned for its soft, golden sand, clean and clear water, and waves which attract surfers of all skill level – and it is one of our top things to do in North Devon. It regularly receives the Blue Flag award which recognises its excellent water quality, cleanliness and facilities. There are lifeguards on duty in the summer months, helping to keep everyone safe as they go swimming, bodyboarding, surfing, kitesurfing or kayaking in the water. You can hire equipment and wetsuits, and book surfing lessons on the beach too.

If you prefer to keep your feet on dry land, you can examine the rockpools for marine life. There’s also ample opportunity for leisurely walks on the beach, sand dunes and rolling hills behind, or in the village, which has a variety of shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs. 

Walk along the South West Coast Path 

Woolacombe is located on the South West Coast Path, and we think it’s a good starting point for a walk. You can enjoy everything from a sedate stroll to an adventurous hike. For example, you could take a 2 or 3-mile walk to the clifftop village of Mortehoe and, although it’s steep in places, you’ll enjoy some amazing views along the way. Mortehoe has a museum which shows what coastal living used to look like, information on Mortehoe's many shipwrecks, and insights into the development of local tourism, farming and country skills. 

There are several ways to walk to Putsborough so it’s easy to make this a circular walk, and it’s worth it for the views, whichever way you go. The coast path from Woolacombe to Ilfracombe is around 8 miles, and you could catch a bus back – but be sure to check times in advance. 

Woolacombe Tourist Information Centre can help you plan your route and stocks a wide range of walking maps and books. The self-guided Woolacombe Wildlife Trail can be downloaded online too. 

Woolacombe Riding Stables

Woolacombe Riding Stables offers horse rides for adults and children of all abilities – though riders must be at least 4 years old and weigh under 15 stone. You could have instruction in the arena or enjoy an escorted ride either through 200 acres of spectacular countryside or on the beach, so there’s something for everyone. Boots and hats are provided. This is sure to be a memorable experience for horse lovers. 

Borough Farm Sheepdog and Falconry Displays

For an unforgettable country evening, head to Borough Farm to see some impressive collies at work keeping eight unpredictable ducks in check, and some breathtaking falconry displays with Martin Simkins. The Borough Farm sheepdogs are famed for the Mist: Sheepdog Tales TV series that farmer David Kennard created and ran on Channel Five for 10 years. Martin’s team of display birds includes a falcon, Bengal eagle owl, Harris hawks, kestrels and a little owl. After the show, there’s a chance to see the birds up close and take photos of them on their perches.

Visit Lundy Island

On clear days, you can see the island of Lundy, which sits around 15 miles offshore, from Woolacombe. Lundy – owned by the National Trust and managed by the Landmark Trust – is 3 miles long and half a mile wide, and a day trip there is a great experience, especially if you enjoy hiking and wildlife-spotting – keep your eyes peeled for puffins (from late April to August) and seals. From late March to late October, you can catch a ferry, MS Oldenburg, from Ilfracombe or Bideford to Lundy Island. During the winter months, a helicopter service runs from Hartland Point.

Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park

Photo credit: Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park

Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park is a popular attraction just over a 20-minute drive from Woolacombe. Animals include the raccoon, California sea lion, Amur leopard and Cape porcupine. But the park is famous for its impressive dinosaur models – some animated and some static – including a full-scale T-rex. New for 2025 are more animatronic dinos and a covered wild play area for under-5s. 

Exmoor Zoo

Exmoor Zoo is just under a half-hour drive away from Woolacombe and offers fun for every member of the family. It has an eclectic range of mammals (from the black leopard to the red panda), birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates – including many unusual creatures which you may well have never seen before! There’s a range of daily talks and animal encounters. Perhaps to celebrate a special occasion, you could book an animal experience to get really close to your favourite and help to feed them. 

Map of things to do in Woolacombe

Please find all the above top things to do in Woolacombe with the help of our handy map.

Stay with us in one of our Woolacombe cottages

We have hundreds of self-catering accommodation options in Woolacombe and across North Devon, so whether you’re keen for a sea view, a short walk to the beach, or even a hot tub in which to relax at the end of a long day of catching waves or exploring the beautiful Devon countryside, we’ve got plenty of choice for you. 

From spectacular penthouses to cosy cottages, there’s something for everybody. Browse our range of Woolacombe cottages by clicking on the button below and start planning your perfect North Devon beach break today.