Holiday rentals and lettings in Woolacombe

Table of contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday home in Woolacombe?
• Holiday rentals in Woolacombe: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Woolacombe: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Woolacombe?

• Coastal homes and cottages: Woolacombe's holiday homes suit couples, families and groups; many are within easy walking distance of the beach.
• Where to stay: The lively seafront, the quieter twin village of Mortehoe and peaceful spots inland each offer something different.
• Loved by guests: Guests praise our Woolacombe rentals for sweeping sea views, easy beach access and the warm welcome from local hosts.
• When to visit: Summer brings golden sands and lively surf, whilst spring and autumn offer quieter beaches, gentle walking weather and lower rates out of season.
• Things to do: Surf Woolacombe Beach, walk the South West Coast Path, try zorbing for a laugh or head into Exmoor National Park for cliffs and dark skies.

Woolacombe's holiday homes range from cosy seaside cottages and converted barns with open fireplaces and oak beams to bright self-catering apartments with panoramic sea views. Larger holiday homes suit groups and families, whilst couples will find snug boltholes close to the beach. Expect comfortable rental with all the amenities you need:

• Sea-view balconies and panoramic windows
• High-spec, fully-equipped kitchens
• Private gardens and terraces
• Pet-friendly options in most properties
• Private and heated pools

For a holiday closer to nature, glamping stays near Woolacombe add a touch of the outdoors to your trip.

What are the best areas to stay in Woolacombe?

The best base for most visitors is the Woolacombe seafront, just steps from the sand, though the twin village of Mortehoe offers a quieter, more traditional feel. The table below details areas for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Holidaymakers consistently praise Woolacombe's self-catering properties for their sea views, spotless interiors and warm welcomes from local hosts. Many guests return year after year, drawn by the easy beach access and the calm of out-of-season stays.

Here are our top-rated holiday rentals from the past year:

1. Soft Sands - 10.0: A spotless cottage for four, praised for its cosy interiors and the short stroll down to the golden sands.
2. The Penthouse - 10.0: A bright apartment sleeping six, with sweeping sea views, a smart kitchen and a prime spot near the seafront.
3. Superb Panoramic Sea Views Sleeps 10 Pet Friendly - 10.0: A roomy pet-friendly house for ten, loved for its panoramic coastal views and beachside location.

Woolacombe sits on the North Devon coast in South West England, where the South West Coast Path winds above a three-mile sweep of Atlantic-facing golden sand, with Exmoor National Park rising just inland.

✈️What is the best way to get to Woolacombe?

Getting to Woolacombe is straightforward, with options by car, rail and coach. Here are the most common ways to get to the village:

• Car: Leave the M5 at junction 27 and follow the A361 North Devon Link Road towards Barnstaple, then the A3123 and local B-roads down to the coast — roughly an hour from the motorway. A car is handy for reaching nearby beaches, Exmoor and the quieter coves, and most rentals offer parking.
• Train: The nearest railway station is Barnstaple, the terminus of the scenic Tarka Line from Exeter, which connects to mainline services from London Paddington and the Midlands. On arrival, a short taxi or local bus ride of around 30 minutes takes you to Woolacombe.
• Coach: National Express coaches serve Barnstaple from major cities, with onward local bus connections to Woolacombe and Mortehoe, which run more frequently through the summer season.

🥗Where to eat in Woolacombe?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, The Red Barn is the best-rated restaurant in Woolacombe. Below is a table showing the top 5 highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers Hannah and Tom recommend The Mill Rock in Woolacombe: a relaxed spot for a sundowner after a day on the sand, with friendly service and generous sharing plates.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Woolacombe is from late May to September, when the beaches are at their warmest and the surf schools are in full swing. For quieter sands and gentler prices, spring and the autumn half-term are ideal, offering crisp coastal walks and room to breathe away from the peak-season crowds.

Summer

• Best for: Families, surfers and beach days on the golden sands.
• Weather: Warm and bright, with sea temperatures at their most inviting.
• Atmosphere: Lively and buzzing, with busy beaches and full bars at the weekend.

Autumn

• Best for: Walkers, couples and out-of-season value seekers.
• Weather: Mild and often settled, with dramatic Atlantic skies.
• Atmosphere: Calm and uncrowded, with space to enjoy the coast path.

Spring

• Best for: Nature lovers and those after a quiet escape.
• Weather: Fresh and breezy, with lengthening, sunny days.
• Atmosphere: Relaxed and gentle, as the villages reawaken for the season.

⭐Our hosts' recommendation: Our Woolacombe local expert, Sarah of this five-bedroom pet-friendly holiday home, recommends walking the South West Coast Path towards Morte Point at sunset to spot grey seals and Atlantic swells. You can read more local tips on Sarah's page.

1. Surf the waves at Woolacombe Beach
2. Walk the South West Coast Path to Morte Point
3. Roll downhill zorbing for a laugh
4. Explore Exmoor National Park and its dark skies
5. Cycle part of the Devon Coast to Coast

1. Surf the waves at Woolacombe Beach

   Riding the Atlantic rollers is Devon's favourite pastime, and Woolacombe Beach is one of the finest spots in the country to try it. The Woolacombe Surf Centre runs group and private lessons with qualified instructors and supplies all the kit, so beginners are well looked after. Prefer to stay upright? The same waves are great for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.

2. Walk the South West Coast Path to Morte Point

   The South West Coast Path delivers some of North Devon's most spectacular walking right from the village. Head north towards Morte Point, where rugged headlands drop to the sea and grey seals are often spotted on the rocks below. Soaring cliffs, rolling farmland and wide ocean views accompany you the whole way, and the route links Woolacombe with the quieter twin village of Mortehoe.

3. Roll downhill zorbing for a laugh

   For something a little different, zorbing is guaranteed to raise a smile. Climb inside a giant inflatable ball and tumble downhill, bouncing and spinning the whole way for an exhilarating few minutes the whole family will remember. A brilliant way to fill an afternoon when you fancy a break from the beach.

4. Explore Exmoor National Park and its dark skies

   Just inland, Exmoor National Park serves up soaring cliffs, ancient woodland and rolling moorland laced with bridleways perfect for horse riding. As an International Dark Sky Reserve, Exmoor is also one of the best places in the country for stargazing, with the Milky Way often visible on clear nights.

5. Cycle part of the Devon Coast to Coast

   Cycling fans can tackle a stretch of the 100-mile Devon Coast to Coast route, much of it following traffic-free trails and old railway lines through gorgeous countryside. If you fancy extending your trip, there is plenty more to explore nearby, from camping in Devon to characterful cottages in Cornwall just across the county border.