Villas in Woolacombe
Woolacombe suits surfing families who want a long, gently sloping sandy beach on the North Devon coast, backed by dunes. The coast path runs straight out to Morte Point. These homes are a short drive inland rather than on the seafront, and the village is far quieter in winter.
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About Woolacombe
Woolacombe is a small seaside resort at the mouth of a combe in Mortehoe parish, home to about 700 people in winter and far more in summer. The beach runs for about three kilometres of sand, sloping gently between low cliffs, with dunes behind and Lundy on the horizon. Atlantic swell makes it a surf beach; waves are gentler at low tide, and past Mill Rock the beach is quieter and open to dogs. The village has surf shops, beach cafés and a surfers' pub with live music some nights. These homes lie a short drive inland, sleep two to eight, and most list a pool; check each listing.
Is Woolacombe right for you?
- Best for
- Surfers and beach families who will drive to the sand
- Not for you if
- You want to step out of the door onto the beach, because these homes are inland of the village.
Near Woolacombe
Barricane Beach
A smaller, more sheltered beach round the corner from the main sands, better for children when the surf at Woolacombe is rough.
Morte Point
The headland reached on the South West Coast Path, which runs through the village; walk on to Bull Point lighthouse and check bus times back from Mortehoe.
Putsborough
A beach nearer Croyde, worth trying when the surf at Woolacombe is poor.
Getting to Woolacombe
Exeter is the nearest airport, about an hour and a half away by car. By rail, take the train from Exeter St Davids to Barnstaple and a taxi on. Buses from Barnstaple and Ilfracombe are few and do not run on Sundays, so you really need a car.
When to go to Woolacombe
Summer is when Woolacombe fills, and the late-night club opens only from Wednesday to Saturday in high summer. In winter the village shrinks to about 700 people, and the coast path out to Morte Point is the main draw.
Villas in Woolacombe
Trimstone Manor - Lee, Studio Apartment
Woolacombe, South-West, England
2
1
0
MicrowaveParkingPool+4 more
Trimstone Manor - Manor Cottage
Woolacombe, South-West, England
5
2
0
DishwasherMicrowaveParking+6 more
Trimstone Manor - Mill Cottage
Woolacombe, South-West, England
6
3
0
DishwasherMicrowaveParking+6 more
Trimstone Manor - Granary Cottage
Woolacombe, South-West, England
8
3
0
DishwasherMicrowaveParking+6 more
Trimstone Manor - Paddock Cottage
Woolacombe, South-West, England
7
4
0
DishwasherMicrowaveParking+6 more
Trimstone Manor - Mill Apartment
Woolacombe, South-West, England
2
1
0
DishwasherMicrowaveParking+6 more
Woolacombe villa holidays: questions answered
Is Woolacombe beach sand or pebble?
Sand. The main beach is about three kilometres of gently sloping sand facing the Atlantic, backed by dunes, with low cliffs at each end. It has held a Blue Flag in several years.
Are dogs allowed on Woolacombe beach?
Yes, past Mill Rock, where the beach also gets quieter. Note that lifeguards cover only the main beach.
Is Woolacombe good for beginner surfers?
It can be. Big Atlantic swells make it a well-known surf beach, but waves are gentler at low tide and rougher at high tide. When it is too rough, Barricane, Combesgate and Putsborough are calmer options nearby.
Why is there a war memorial on Woolacombe beach?
During the Second World War the US Army trained here for the Normandy landings, as the beach resembled Omaha Beach. A stone memorial from 1992 stands on the grassy headland at the north end.
Nearby towns to Woolacombe
Written by the TrustedVillas team. Last reviewed November 2026.
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