#694 European Rank Blue Flag Certified
Woolacombe Beach
North Devon, United Kingdom•Bristol Channel (Atlantic)• Best Season: June, July, August, September
Photo: Herbythyme (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikimedia Commons source
EDITORIAL SCORE
4.04/ 5.0
SEA TEMPERATURE
17.4°C
August 30-year average
DAILY BUDGET
€40/day
SAND & SHORELINE
Golden Sand
Shallow & Gentle
Sea Temperature by Month
30-year monthly averages for North Devon · NOAA satellite dataSwipe 12 months ⇄
Refreshing Plunge
Jan
9.5°C
Air 8°C
Feb
8.8°C
Air 8°C
Mar
9.1°C
Air 10°C
Apr
10.6°C
Air 13°C
May
12.8°C
Air 16°C
Jun
15.2°C
Air 19°C
Jul
16.8°C
Air 21°C
Peak
Aug
17.4°C
Air 21°C
Sep
16.5°C
Air 19°C
Oct
14.6°C
Air 16°C
Nov
12.4°C
Air 12°C
Dec
10.6°C
Air 9°C
Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology
Peak 17.4°C in August · cold-water plunge / wetsuit season
30-year NOAA satellite climatological mean (1991–2020).Explore all United Kingdom Sea Temperatures
Score Breakdown
Scenery & Setting4.1 / 5
Water Clarity & Cleanliness4.8 / 5
Sand & Shoreline Quality4.7 / 5
Atmosphere & Safety4.8 / 5
Accessibility & Entry Ease4.2 / 5
Affordability & Fair Pricing4.6 / 5
About Woolacombe Beach
A 3-mile expanse of golden sand holding both Blue Flag and Seaside Awards, consistently ranked among Britain's best family and surf beaches.
Destination Advisory & Classificationcold-water destination (17.4°C peak) — aesthetic/scenic ranking rather than warm swimming
Key Beach Facts
Official Records•Access: Level access paths to main entry points from parking areas, seasonal beach wheelchairs available for hire.
•Protected Status / Environment: Part of the North Devon Coast National Landscape (AONB) and North Devon World Surfing Reserve.
•Notable Feature: 3-mile expanse of golden sand, famous surf breaks, and South West Coast Path trailheads toward Morte Point and Baggy Point.
Amenities & Facilities
Bathrooms
YesShowers
YesFree Parking
NoFood / Tavernas
YesGood for Kids
YesDog Friendly
YesLifeguard on Duty
YesSunbed & Umbrella Rentals
YesNatural Cliff/Pine Shade
NoWheelchair Accessible
YesSnorkeling & Watersports
YesNudist / FKK Friendly
NoGetting There & Local Notes
Getting there:
From Barnstaple, drive 20 minutes northwest on the A361 and B3343 directly to Woolacombe.
•Consistent Atlantic groundswells make it one of the premier surf spots in the UK
•Gentle shallow slope and RNLI lifeguards create a very safe family swimming environment
•Enjoy traditional Devonshire cream teas and pasties at village cafes overlooking the bay
Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway
INTL · 40m driveConvenient highway or local transit access across North Devon, United Kingdom.
Are you a Venue Owner or Promoter at Woolacombe Beach?
Promote your beach club, summer residency, or submit photo & data updates to Shores.
Frequently Asked Questions about Woolacombe Beach
What is the water temperature at Woolacombe Beach?
The peak summer sea surface temperature at Woolacombe Beach averages 17.4°C (63°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.
What type of coast or sand is Woolacombe Beach?
Woolacombe Beach is classified as a golden sand shoreline located in North Devon, United Kingdom.
Is Woolacombe Beach good for families with kids?
Yes, Woolacombe Beach is suitable for families and children with manageable water entry.
Are there parking and facilities at Woolacombe Beach?
Parking arrangements vary locally. Restroom facilities are present.
More Beaches in United KingdomRegional Guide
4.3
North Norfolk, United Kingdom•Atlantic Ocean
2nd Clearest water in United Kingdom
16.4°C sea
44/day
Golden Sand
27°C• Scenic
Cars from €38/d
4.2
Northumberland, United Kingdom•Atlantic Ocean
3rd Clearest water in United Kingdom
14.5°C sea
43/day
Golden Sand
25°C• Scenic
Cars from €38/d
4.2
Sutherland, Scotland, United Kingdom•Atlantic Ocean
13.5°C sea
43/day
Golden Sand
24°C• Scenic
Cars from €32/d
4.2
Bigton, Shetland, United Kingdom•Atlantic Ocean
12.7°C sea
50/day
Golden Sand
23°C• Scenic
Cars from €35/dWarmest European Beaches this SeasonNOAA Climatology
4.7
Alanya, Turkey•Mediterranean Sea
Warmest water in Mediterranean Sea (Aug)
29°C sea
44/day
Golden Sand
37°C• Kids
Cars from €26/d
4.5
Antalya, Turkey•Mediterranean Sea
2nd Warmest water in Mediterranean Sea (Aug)
29°C sea
43/day
Pebbles
37°C• Kids
Cars from €20/d
4.8
Antalya (Kalkan), Turkey•Mediterranean Sea
3rd Warmest water in Mediterranean Sea (Aug)
28.9°C sea
45/day
White Sand
32°C• Kids
Cars from €22/d
4.8
Antalya (Kemer), Turkey•Mediterranean Sea
3rd Longest swim season in Mediterranean Sea · 200 days
28.9°C sea
20/day
White Sand
33°C• Kids
Cars from €22/d