The combination of Woolacombe’s south westerly position, beautiful golden beaches and picturesque scenery has drawn visitors from all over England and, latterly, Europe. With the weather and financial circumstances deterring many from overseas travel, the location is seeing a resurgence in tourist traffic – and with good reason.
Simple Family Holidays In and Around Woolacombe
Located within reach of Exmoor, the walkers’ paradise, there are a number of bed and breakfast establishments, chalet and caravan parks, campsites and small hotels in the vicinity which allow for easy and simple family holidays.
Long sunny days can be spent on the beach simply enjoying the weather, constructing sandcastles, playing beach tennis or frisbee, digging holes or taking advantage of the coastal winds to fly kites. Out of season, dog walkers and horse riders will enjoy the conditions too, large expanses of sand backed by rocks to allow for all kinds of exercise. There are also opportunities for surfing, windsurfing, walking, horse and cycle riding and quad-biking.
Many Local Attractions within Easy Reach of Woolacombe
There are many attractions within reach for those days when the sun doesn’t want to play, including the Dartington Crystal factory, the historic village of Clovelly and the Eden Project over the border in Cornwall. The neighbouring town of Ilfracombe is worth a visit, from there it is possible to take a ferry to the island of Lundy (advance booking is recommended in high season). Lynmouth, which suffered a flood similar to Boscastle’s recent inundation, and its clifftop twin town of Lynton, are worth the journey, even if entering and exiting Lynmouth is as fraught with difficulty now as it was when the port was operational.
Walking is Easier than Driving in Woolacombe
The area around Woolacombe is also criss crossed by numerous public footpaths allowing for safe access on foot to a number of areas less accessible by car. The roads back from the beach are steep, hilly, narrow and usually reserved for private parking by residents only, so if the option is available to leave the car at the campsite, it is advisable to do so.
Sunhats and Sunglasses at the Ready – This is Woolacombe in the Summer
Wall-to-wall sunshine, rich, creamy Jersey ice cream, original cream teas (clotted cream, strawberry jam, home-made scones), sandcastles, pasties: these are the things of which holiday memories are made. Long lazy days on the beach, or exploring rock pools, caves and cliffs for the more adventurous. Many holiday parks have organised games for the children and other on-site facilities such as a bowling alley, swimming pool, arcade, tennis court, pool or table tennis areas.
A Walk Along Woolacombe Seafront
If coming to the town by car, parking is difficult in high season, but it can be done for free with an early arrival, luck and a wish to walk. Or else visitors will have to pay a flat fee of £5.00 or £6.00 to use one of the town centre car parks, no matter the time of arrival.
A short walk across the greensward and onto the prom, then either clamber carefully down the steps made slippery by blown sand or over the sharp edged rocks to the beach. The golden sand is fine grained and tends to go everywhere, except where last night’s tide has watered it down and made it firm. Rock pools formed by the tides swirling round the rocks provide a hiding place for hermit crabs, barnacles and anemones and a play area for younger children.
A Cream Tea is a Necessity in Woolacombe
No visit to Woolacombe is complete without a cream tea. One of the best places to sample this West Country delicacy is at the Beachcomber Cafe at the far end of the promenade near the car parks. A jauntily decorated place with a pirate theme, it never appears too busy in mid-afternoon and service is prompt and friendly. Each person receives a boulder-like scone accompanied by two pots of strawberry jam and a generous helping of rich, thick, clotted cream. Teapots and cups are also on the generous side, with four adults sharing between them the contents of a large pot of tea, the same of hot water and a further small pot of tea with a milk jug of the same size. This equates to at least two cups of tea each. No pressure is exerted to eat up and leave, meaning that ample time is allowed to people-watch the crowds on the beach below. The view extends as far as the cliffs on the far side of the bay, where seagulls and hang-gliders can be seen taking full advantage of the updraughts.
A Beach with Good Facilities
The beach has a hire point for windbreaks and beach shelters (similar to small pup-tents), a van selling chips and a large skip for the litter. There are ice cream vendors and several cafes serving hot or cold drinks and snacks.
For a family seeking a simple holiday or a couple of any age needing to find cheap accommodation, Woolacombe is an ideal location. A slice of seaside holidays as they used to be, a visit to this delightfully pretty area of south western England is highly recommended.
Paula Thomas - Paula is, among other things, an editor & proofreader. She also enjoys technology - retro or modern - travel, music, motorsport and ...
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