Woolacombe and Mortehoe (North Devon coast)

We had booked a week with the holiday park Woolacombe Bay (part of Golden Coast Holiday Complex) Woolacombe Bay was one of four holiday parks scattered on the top of the hills above the village of Woolacombe (North Devon Coast).

Woolacombe beach

The village itself is situated in a charming and picturesque setting at the bay facing long stretch of golden sand beaches and calm and shallow sea. Very well organized parking in the village with huge overspill parking just off the centre of the village.  You can also park on the sea front road with pay and display ticket machine in operation.

Vilage of Woolacombe 

The place is very popular with families, surfing adventurers and seems to be a place where owners of vintage and refurbished VW campervans get together often. They seem to love to park their vans on the sea front road and this would create a lovely funky view. I saw at least 5 or 6, all different finishes and painted in bright, bold colours. This seemed to somehow greatly compliment the setting of the village.

All the usual was present in the village centre – the Post Office where one can withdraw cash with no charge (unlike pretty much the rest of the village and the complex where all of the cash machines were charging a fee), news agents and shops, cafés and restaurants, estate agents and more restaurants. Have to say, food price in the local shops were the average for the rest of Britain, I didn’t see any tourist overcharge. Also one could hire or buy swim suits for all ages, hire or buy surf board and take lessons surfing or kayaking.

Woolacombe Bay. Image taken from the Woolaombe Bay holiday park, above the village.

Buzzing and happy place, if the weather’s good everyone is walking with their beach outfits and this contributes to the overall holiday atmosphere.  Just above the village of Woolacombe  another village is hidden in the mountain hills – Mortehoe. Tiny little thing with narrow streets, English cottages painted white, traditional stonewalls dividing the properties and huge floral displays (perfect setting for a postcard), three restaurants and a fish and chips takeaway in the tiny village square.  Very picturesque, a little away from the hustle and bustle, quite high in the mountains (beach was not quite accessible) but with the most stunning sea views one can possibly imagine. Beautiful setting and views, couldn’t have asked for more. Would recommend to anyone, especially if you are looking for quiet surroundings with the opportunity for spectacular views, typical English countryside environment and spectacular walk ways.

Myself and my little girl on the beach of Woolacombe.

Both Woolacombe and Mortehoe are part of the North Devon Coast and are utterly popular with tourists.  

The Bay. Image taken from the grounds of Woolacombe Bay holiday park.