Major city · United Kingdom
Woolacombe
One day on the beach is enough; add a night only if you want a surf‑focused stay or family lodging.
Woolacombe is a small North Devon seaside resort with a 3 km blue‑flag beach, surf shops and a few eateries. The winter population is under 1,000, but summer crowds swell. With limited bus links and most attractions on the sand, a single day covers the main activities; overnight stays suit surf enthusiasts or families needing self‑catering facilities.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- Jun–Sep
- avoid Oct–May (cold, limited services)
- Airport
- EXT
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Woolacombe999 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Woolacombe, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetyWoolacombe is generally safe; watch out for changing surf conditions and limited night transport.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers999 police / ambulance / fire · 101 Non‑urgent police
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckEXT Exeter Airport (About 30 km (19 mi) north‑east, bus or car hire to Woolacombe (check schedules).).EXT Exeter Airport (About 19 mi (30 km) north‑east, bus or car hire to Woolacombe (check schedules).).
- Getting aroundLimited bus service from Barnstaple and Ilfracombe runs Mon‑Sat; walk or cycle along the promenade for most sights.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at The Porthole£2–£3 (≈ US$3–4)
- Budget bedHoliday park lodge, a night, per person£35 (≈ US$50)
- Mid-range bedWoolacombe Bay Hotel double, a night, per room£120 (≈ US$160)
- High-end bedWoolacombe Bay Hotel double, a night, per room£180 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £30 (≈ US$40) · Mid £55 (≈ US$75) · High £85 (≈ US$120)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- EXT Exeter Airport (About 30 km (19 mi) north‑east, bus or car hire to Woolacombe (check schedules).)EXT Exeter Airport (About 19 mi (30 km) north‑east, bus or car hire to Woolacombe (check schedules).)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Feb
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Mar
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Apr
Avoid
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
May
Avoid
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jun
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jul
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Aug
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Sep
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Oct
Avoid
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Nov
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Dec
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Avoid: Oct–May. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Dec (13 rain days), driest Jun (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Woolacombe: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
12 rd
Feb
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
11 rd
Mar
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
10 rd
Apr
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
9 rd
May
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
8 rd
Jun
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
7 rd
Jul
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7 rd
Aug
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8 rd
Sep
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
9 rd
Oct
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
11 rd
Nov
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
12 rd
Dec
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
13 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Limited bus service from Barnstaple and Ilfracombe runs Mon‑Sat; walk or cycle along the promenade for most sights. No regular taxis; consider a rental car for trips to Morte Point or nearby villages.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Morte Point & Bull Point Lighthouse
goDoor to door: ≈30 min each way
Walk north along the coastal path, about 2 km (1.2 mi); bus from Mortehoe if you prefer not to walkWalk north along the coastal path, about 1.2 mi (2 km); bus from Mortehoe if you prefer not to walk
Lighthouse not open inside; enjoy views from the path.
Ilfracombe
cautionDoor to door: ≈20 min
Bus from Woolacombe, about 15 min
Limited service on Sundays; plan ahead.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park
Self‑catering lodges, apartments and caravan sites; 3 mi of beach access.
Woolacombe Bay Hotel
Small hotel on South St, close to the main beach.
Watersmeet
Upscale B&B in Mortehoe, £300 double room; no dogs.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £30–£50 (≈ US$40–70) excl. bed
- Mid
- £50–£80 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- High
- £80 (≈ US$110)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Holiday park lodge2 × 1 night × £55 | £110 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × £55 | £110 |
| Bus Barnstaple ↔ Woolacombe (return)2 × £12 · check | £24 |
| Surfboard hire (half‑day)2 × £20 · check | £40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £28 |
| Trip total≈ £156 per person per day, bed included | £312≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate in GBP; flights and long‑distance train not included.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at The Porthole | £2–£3 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Handmade fudge (small pack) | £2–£4 (≈ US$3–6) |
| Fish & chips at Beachcomber Cafe | £8–£12 (≈ US$11–16) |
| Bus ticket Barnstaple → Woolacombecheck | £5–£7 (≈ US$7–10) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Bus timetables are sparse; check the latest schedule before travel.
- Lifeguards only on the main beach; swim beyond the guarded area at your own risk.
- Surf conditions change with tide; check local surf reports.
Emergency numbers
- Police / Ambulance / Fire
- 999
- Non‑urgent police
- 101
Pocket card
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WoolacombeWoolacombe
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
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To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police / Ambulance / Fire999
- Non‑urgent police101
Embassy
UK citizens need no visa for short stays; see /united-kingdom/visa-requirements.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Barnstaple → Woolacombe bus: about £6 (≈ US$8) each way (check)
Say or show
- Sorry — Excuse me / Sorry (sorry)
- Thank you — Thank you (thank you)
- How much is it? — How much is it? (how much is it)
- Where is the beach? — Where is the beach? (where is the beach)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Woolacombe. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep · avoid Oct–May (cold, limited services) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a car hire for flexible access to coastal walks and nearby villages.
- Consider a surf‑lesson package at local surf shops for beginners.
Sources
Ask about Woolacombe
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