Woolacombe Bay in Devon is home to one of the best beaches in the country, but you’ll need to plan your route there in advance as there’s no train station with direct access
Devon boasts some of the UK’s most stunning beaches – and Woolacombe Bay is a gem that’s a bit off the beaten track.
Without a direct train service, you might need to hop in a taxi if you’re not driving, but the effort to get there is well rewarded. The bay features a breathtaking three-mile stretch of golden sands that has bagged numerous national accolades.
Woolacombe town itself is a perfect holiday spot, complete with seaside snacks, buzzing bars, cosy pubs, and a variety of eateries. To reach Woolacombe Bay, aim for Barnstaple station and then take a taxi for about half an hour, which will set you back around £30.
Nestled between two headlands, the beach offers everything from sandcastle building and rock pool exploring to simply unwinding with a book. For those after a thrill, there’s a range of watersports available, with surf schools dotting the beach and shops renting out kayaks, bodyboards and stand-up paddleboards.
Some beach connoisseurs have even likened Woolacombe Bay to Australia’s iconic Bondi Beach. Verdant Leisure, a holiday park operator, has remarked that Devon’s “stunning coastline” could make visitors feel as though they’ve landed on “Australia’s infamous Bondi Beach”.
They continued: “While the UK can’t promise warm sea water all year round, it can boast about its unparalleled natural beauty spots like Woolacombe beach.”
Woolacombe Bay often gets heaps of accolades, with a visitor gushing on TripAdvisor: “Absolutely beautiful beach, clear blue sea – stunning! Yes you have to pay for parking, but it’s worth every penny. The car park staff were helpful and friendly, the beach was beautiful and so clean!”
“The toilets next to the beach were very clean and still had toilet rolls at the end of the day! The kiosks on the beach were easy to get to and reasonably priced with happy staff. We will be back!” Another enthusiast remarked that it is “a life-affirming place to be at any time of year and I cannot recommend it highly enough.”
Not only is the scenery a catch, but Woolacombe town itself captivates with its charm, reports the Express. Known to be a haven for dog lovers, most local highlights and lodgings offer dog-friendly options.
Canines are even welcomed on the beach throughout the year, albeit with some summer restrictions. In the heart of the village stands a Pirate-themed mini-golf attraction, just one reason why Woolacombe is so adored as a holiday spot, not to mention its selection of holiday parks, hotels, and Bed & Breakfasts.
Yet, there’s a flip side to the tourism buzz for the locals who grapple with exorbitant housing costs and fluctuating incomes outside the peak season.