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Woolacombe
Spectacular coastline of cliff, coves, beaches, dunes and headlands
Woolacombe, Devon, EX34 7DL (Tourist Information)
Opening times for 2 April 2025
Asset Opening time Countryside Dawn - Dusk Marine Drive Car Park Closed Woolacombe Down Car Park Dawn - Dusk Please note the car parks will be locked overnight.
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- Car park
- Dogs allowed
- Toilet
Uneven ground. The furthest beach entrance (away from the town) is easier to access.
- Accessible toilet
- Designated parking
- Level access to food outlet
- Powered mobility vehicle available
A Tramper is available as part of the Countryside Mobility scheme from the Tourist Information Centre. It is best to book in advance. Telephone 01271 870553. There are three marked tramper routes - across the beach, across the dunes and up through Combesgate valley.
- Ramped access/slopes
- Seating available
- Wheelchairs available
- By road
Main access to the area is the A361 (Barnstaple to Ilfracombe). Turn on to the B3231 at Braunton for Baggy Point or the B3343 at Mullacott Cross for Woolacombe and Mortehoe.
Parking: There is a National Trust carpark located on Woolacombe Down, What3Words location: slicer.talkative.tight. Please note: car parking in Woolacombe Village is not National Trust; parking charges apply. Plenty of parking in Woolacombe, although it does get busy in the summer months. Mostly pay all day car parks.
- On foot
The South West Coast Path runs across this property from Croyde in the west to Ilfracombe in the east, passing through Woolacombe and Mortehoe.
- By train
Train station Barnstaple, about 13 miles.
- By bus
Lots of buses serve this area from Barnstaple, Croyde, Ilfracombe and Lynmouth: service 308 (Barnstaple-Braunton-Croyde-Georgeham) to Baggy Point, 303 (Barnstaple-Woolacombe), 31 and 31a (Ilfracombe-Woolacombe) for Woolacombe and Mortehoe, 300 (Lynmouth-Ilfracombe) for Torrs Walk coast path.
- Cycling
National Cycle Network route 27 runs from Ilfracombe to Barnstaple above Woolacombe Bay, passing close to Mortehoe and Baggy Point. It is part of the 100 mile 'Devon Coast to Coast' cycle route which travels south across Dartmoor to Plymouth.
Planning your visit
Article
Our work at Woolacombe
Discover how the National Trust protects and preserves the Woolacombe sand dunes, along with the surrounding coastline and countryside.
Article
Accessibility in North Devon
Find out about access at our places in North Devon, where you can hire Trampers and where there are accessible paths and activities.
News
Marine Drive
Marine Drive car park in Woolacombe is now managed and operated by the National Trust. Find out more about this change and how it will support our work.
What's on in Woolacombe
Discover the exciting events happening in Woolacombe. From rockpool rambles to silent disco beach cleans, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.
Highlights
Sandy beach
Award winning 3-mile sandy beach, recognised as one of the UK's best beaches.
Marine Drive car park
Running parallel to Woolacombe beach, which is recognised as one of the best beaches in the UK. Marine Drive car park will be managed and operated by the National Trust from April 2025.
Dunes
Dunes stretch the length of the beach, They are home to an array of wildlife and red ruby cattle.
Woolacombe Down
The Down can be found behind the Dunes, with panoramic views over they beach and village. A National Trust car park can be found here. (What3Words location: slicer.talkative.tight)
Porthole (not National Trust)
Small cabin serving hot drinks, ice creams and sandwiches, using local produce.
Town Farmhouse tea-rooms (not National Trust)
A small tea-room in the village of Mortehoe, serving homemade cakes and a range of refreshments.
Spotlight events
What's on at Woolacombe
Find out about events taking place at Woolacombe, from reptile rambles to tractor and trailer rides, there is plenty of fun for all ages to get involved with.
What's on across North Devon
Find out about events taking place at National Trust properties across North Devon.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to see and do at Woolacombe
From its ideal surfing conditions to its array of rock pools, Woolacombe remains one of North Devon’s best-loved beaches. Find out more about what you can see and do here.
Article
Explore Woolacombe by Tramper
All-terrain mobility scooters, called Trampers, allow you to enjoy a great day out at Woolacombe even if you have difficulty walking. Find out more about how to hire one.
Tide times at Woolacombe and Combesgate beach
Tp help plan your visit, take a look at the tide times for Woolacombe here.
Article
Eating in Woolacombe and Mortehoe
There are plenty of cafes, bistros and restaurants in both Woolacombe and Morthoe to discover. Find out more here.
What's on at Woolacombe
Find out about all our upcoming events here
Top trails
Trail
Woolacombe Down walk
Enjoy a scenic walk on Woolacombe Down, offering stunning views over Baggy Point and Woolacombe, especially on a clear day. This short route ends with a steep climb up Challacombe Hill, which comes alive with wildflowers in summer. For a longer adventure, continue onto Potter’s Hill and keep an eye out for Exmoor Ponies that can often be seen here.
Trail
Walk the Ilfracombe Torrs
Ascend the Torrs at Ilfracombe on this exhilarating walking trail, where you'll follow a path carved into the cliff face by the Victorians.
Trail
Woolacombe beach walk
This gentle circular wander takes you through the sand dunes and along the beach at Woolacombe, plus a stretch of the South West Coast Path.
Trail
Morte Point walk: seals and smugglers
Take in the dramatic views of Woolacombe beach and Baggy Point, and see if you can spot an Atlantic grey seal near the rocky outcrop of Morte Point on this fun trail.
Trail
Morte Point and Bull Point circular coastal walk
Discover rocky headlands, secluded coves, sandy bays and a lighthouse. Look out for seals and take in the heathland and grasslands, which are great habitats for other wildlife.
Trail
A short circular walk at Woolacombe via Combesgate
Explore the seafront and natural valley at Woolacombe on this easy 3-mile circular walk that is also suitable for access Trampers. Escape the crowds and enjoy shady woodland and panoramic views across the bay for a very different experience of Woolacombe that the whole family will enjoy.
Trail
Potters Hill and Woolacombe Down walk
A walk up Potters Hill and beyond will reward you with stunning views across the bay towards Baggy Point and Morte Point. It's just a stone's throw from the beach, but you'll feel like a million miles away from the crowds.
Trail
Octavia Hill walk at Morte Point
Enjoy the dramatic geology and sweeping coastal views of Morte Point on this short walk commemorating National Trust founder Octavia Hill.
Places to stay
Gordon's Cabin
In the tiny village of Morthoe, this cosy cottage has Woolacombe bay just round the corner.
The Slipway
With jaw-dropping sea views from nearly every window, this contemporary-style first-floor apartment is yards from a beautiful sandy beach.
West Challacombe Cottage
A countryside cottage with sweeping vistas and a country rustic interior.
Woolley Lodge
A Victorian lodge set within a secluded woodland on the Arlington estate.
Mortuary Cottage
A traditional Devonian cottage alongside the meandering River Yeo with an intriguing name…
West Challacombe Manor
A historic manor house with original features from the 15th century.
Outdoor activities
Trail
Trust10 Ilfracombe to Lee run
Enjoy this 10km run along the South West Coast Path in North Devon from Ilfracombe Torrs to Lee, which offers a memorable backdrop of coastal scenery.
Upcoming events
Event
Easter egg hunt at Woolacombe
This spring, treat the whole family to a world of adventure on the Woolacombe Dunes, on an Easter trail.
Event
Silent disco beach cleans at Woolacombe
Join our Woolacombe rangers for our monthly beach clean with a added bonus of a silent disco.
Event
Bull Point Tractor Trailer Rides
Explore the North Devon Coast the easy way! Enjoy the dramatic views as you drive down towards Bull Point and find out more about this unique place.
Event
Morte Point Tractor Trailer Rides
Explore the North Devon Coast the easy way! Visit Morte Point to learn more about the nature, wildlife and the dramatic history of this beautiful place.
Event
Meadow harvesting at Woolacombe Down
Celebrate National Meadows Day and learn about Meadow creation with the rangers while having a go at hand harvesting Yellow Rattle.
Event
Night-time Rockpool Ramble at Combesgate Beach
Are you ready to discover what rockpool residents come out after dark? Join the beach rangers with UV torches to explore the wonderful rockpools of Combesgate Beach, near Woolacombe.
Event
Woolacombe Beach clean and family activities
Join us for a beach clean and family activities at Woolacombe.
Event
Family volunteering - Bash and burn at Morte Point, Woolacombe
Can you help us create space for nature? Join the rangers at Morte Point for a day of family Volunteering
About Woolacombe
Stretching from the rocky headland of Baggy Point at Croyde to the rugged heights of the Tors of Ilfracombe, explore the best of North Devons beautiful beaches and coastline.
Climb or coasteer on Baggy Points impressive cliffs. Swim and surf in the shadow of dramatic hills at the popular three mile stretch of Woolacombe Beach.
Scramble up the stegosaurus' back of Morte Point's wild headland and spot seals basking in small coves. Or take your pick of beautiful beaches to relax, unwind and play.
Wander along the South West Coast Path as you come across small coves, outcrops and jagged slate cliffs. Connect with the Victorian past as you enjoy the Torrs walk above Ilfracombe, created for the enjoyment of Victorian tourists many years ago.
Our work
Article
Our work at Woolacombe
Discover how the National Trust protects and preserves the Woolacombe sand dunes, along with the surrounding coastline and countryside.
Article
South West Coast Path: creating a year-round economic asset in Devon
Thanks to funding from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, Woolacombe has started improvements to help make the South West Coast Path a year-round experience. Find out about other nearby places that have benefitted.
Project
Project
North Devon Grasslands project
Newly sown wildflower grassland will connect nature habitats in the North Devon countryside. The project will see grassland cover 1,275 hectares over pockets of land across 70 miles by 2030, from Torridge to west Exmoor.
News
Marine Drive
Marine Drive car park in Woolacombe is now managed and operated by the National Trust. Find out more about this change and how it will support our work.
Article
Climate Action in North Devon
Climate change is the biggest threat to the coastline, countryside and historic buildings we care for. Find out about the work we are doing in North Devon and the simple swaps in place to help reduce our emissions and environmental impact.
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