Woolacombe is one of the loveliest parts of our beautiful county. For many years a favourite holiday ground, its popularity has never been greater than at present, although railway services have disappeared, car, coach and bus not only provide easy means of access but make it convenient to visit and stay in many outlying combes and villages formerly known to few but experienced walkers and cyclists.

Fields of corn crowning the summit of the hills, and, at one’s feet, a million dancing , quivering waves.” It is not surprising that with such wealth of beauty Woolacombe is a seaside resort of rapidly growing importance.

A very few years ago it consisted of a farm and some labourers cottages. Now it has many hotels and boarding-houses, attractive private residences, banks and rows of shops. The site has been judiciously laid out, and building regulations prevent erections which would degrade the character of the place.

Woolacombe has grown up at the end of the usual Devon combe, which, however, is much more open and less wooded than some, giving a impression of freedom. On the east, olive-tinted, white-fringed rocks lie like monsters out to sea, separated by lovely sandy coves. Here and there are gleaming white quartz veins in the grey cliffs, gloriously crowned with grass and yellow sea flowers.
Woolacombe beach
The main Woolacombe beach is a two mile stretch of fine, golden sand gently shelving into the sea. It is a surfing beach, patrolled in the season by life guards.
There is plenty of room for beach games and at the Northern end rocks for climbing, rock pools and all the amenities of a popular beach.

Parents find Woolacombe a paradise for children, who have for their enjoyment a fine stretch of sands, perfectly safe, about 3 miles in length. Such a superb stretch is in delightful contrast to the severity of the surrounding rock and cliff. Croyde and Saunton, farther south , are the only other places on the North Devon coast where such sands are found.

Surfing is excellent and is very popular.
It is claimed that Woolacombe, being sheltered from the north, east, and south-east, facing due west, and overlooking the open Atlantic, has a far more bracing air than any place on the South Coast open only to the south.

Alstone Wildlife Park, Alstone Road, Highbridge. Meet Thadore the Camel, handfeed the red deer. Meet loads of rriendly animals. This is a non profit making animal park 01278782405

Barrington Court Garden & Court House
Barrington, Tel: 01460241938

Bath and West Showground Shows through out the year. Bike Shows, Royal Bath and West , Bristol Flower Show, National Amature Gardening Show, The Dairy Show. 01749 822200

Hinkley Point Power Station Bridgwater, Somerset, Tel: 01278654334

Bristol
Bristol Zoo Gardens. Over 300 species of wildlife in beautiful gardens. 0117 973 8951

Animal Farm Adventure Park, Red Road, Berrow, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset. Play all day at Somerset's all weather animal, adventure Park. The regions biggest indoor slides. Cuddle pets, nature trail, trampoline, friendly animals. 01278 751628

Cricket St.Thomas wild life park with over 600 animals a fun family day out. contact 01460 3011

Hornsbury Mill, Eleighwater, Chard
Somerset Tel: 0146063317

Aquasplash leisure Centre Swimming pool, waves and slide. Gym, Sauna, Steam Room, Jacuzzi. 01643 708000

Exmoor Falconry and Animal Farm. Near Alerford 01643 862816 W

Monksilver
Exmoor Adventures, Mark Stoddart
Combe Sydenham Country Park
Monksilver, Somerset. TA4 4JG 01984 624794

Sheppy's Cider Farm Centre
Wander through the orchards and share the art of cider making in the museum. Cider tasting is available in the shop. Open Monday to Saturday all year; Sundays Easter to October. 01823 320201

Willows & Wetlands Visitor Centre Meare Green Court, Stoke Street, Gregory, Taunton, Somerset
Tel: 01823490249 When you visit please mention westcountrylinks.

English Basket Centre, Curload, Stoke St. Gregory, Taunton. Tel: 01823698418

Watchet
Cleeve Abbey, Washford, Watchet
Somerset, Tel: 01984640377

English Heritage, Washford, Watchet
Somerset, Tel: 0198440377

Staplecombe Vineyard, Burlands Farm
Staplegrove, Taunton, Somerset
Tel: 01823451217

Caravan Club, Willingcott Farm, Mortehoe, Woolacombe, Devon. EX34 7HS
Tel: 01271870554

North Devon Static Self Catering Holidays, Ideal for family self-catering holidays all year round, some allow pets, weekends, half term or just a short break !

Watersmeet Hotel Woolacombe. In a setting of incomparable beauty the Watersmeet is situated in one of the finest and most dramatic locations, commanding an elevated position at the waters edge directly above Combegate Beach with private steps leading directly to the sandy beach. The reception rooms enjoy spectacular sea views, all recently refurbished to a luxury standard. The delightful restaurant with AA awarded cuisine is truly unique, all tables with stunning views overlooking the sea, where sunsets may be enjoyed by candlelight. Heated outdoor and indoor pool with steam room and hot spa. Smart/Casual dress code at dinner ? no jeans or trainers permitted. Ground floor rooms if preferable, lift to all floors.

North Devon Hotels

Links to Devon Holiday Parks

Devon Cottages

Cosy properties in delightful settings,

town or country. 0845 268 1255