Woolacombe on Devon’s north coast is a popular family resort with the most perfect stretch of pristine, award winning sandy beach; a great spot for a cottage holiday by the sea!

The centre piece of the village is without doubt its beach; three miles of sand that has received a lot of praise over the years including an ‘England for Excellence Gold Award’, Blue Flag status and Premier Seaside Beach awards for its water quality, facilities and cleanliness. The beaches’ lifeguards will ensure that the young ones are safe during the summer season and water sports enthusiasts will find plenty to do here including some excellent surfing.

In the village there is laid-back atmosphere, a good selection of restaurants and plenty of pubs, and close by the village of Mortehoe has some very ancient buildings that are well worth visiting.

For days out along the coast to the north is the Victorian seaside resort of Ilfracombe, where visitors can take pleasure cruises to Lundy Island which lies off the north Devon coast. The island is rich in wildlife and sea birds and has wonderful views of the Devon coast. Also to the north is Lee Bay; an extremely pretty village occupying a rocky cove, with rockpools and a sandy beach.

To the south is the bustling coastal town of Barnstable where you’ll find plenty of speciality shops, restaurants and pubs; well worth visiting during your stay.

The Tarka Cycle Trail forms part of the National Cycle Network and is a most beautiful scenic circular cycle trail right on the north Devon coast. It includes two traffic free stretches and a National Trust coast route that passes beside the sea at Woolacombe Sands; a great way to explore the country roads, magnificent Devon countryside and picturesque villages.

If you’re considering a seaside holiday in Devon, see our excellent selection of cottages in Woolacombe.