Woolacombe & Mortehoe

Woolacombe, a lively village, 6.7 miles from Ilfracombe, with a friendly, laid-back atmosphere, is best known for its long sandy beach beloved by families and surfers. The beach has been voted one of Britain’s best and lies between Morte Point and Baggy Point. Lifeguards ensure safe swimming during the summer and surfers come from all over the country to enjoy great waves and clean water.

There are several other beaches in Woolacombe Bay, Barricane beach is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest because of the tons of shells of all shapes and colours which reach this small inlet from the Caribbean. Further along Combesgate beach is made up of fine golden sand, the next beach, Grunta, earned its name when a ship with a cargo of pigs ran aground here, it’s harder to reach but worth the effort for its tranquillity.

The nearby village of Mortehoe is of interest as some of it dates back to Norman times, the church there is worth a visit. The Mortehoe Heritage Centre is based in the Cart Linhay building and on the upper floor is a museum of the history of the most north-westerly tip of North Devon.

Bull Point Lighthouse, about one mile from the village was automated in 1995, can be seen from an adjacent public footpath.