This UK beach boasts three miles of golden sand
With the UK facing a string of heatwaves this year, it’s hardly surprising that many Brits are considering keeping their summer getaway closer to home rather than seeking sunny skies abroad. Staying home for the summer isn’t such a bad option, considering the UK boasts some of the most scenic beaches in the whole of Europe.
One of the most spectacular spots worth adding to your summer bucket list is Woolacombe beach in North Devon. This award-winning stretch of coastline has been praised as one of Britain’s best and draws in holidaymakers, families and water sports enthusiasts alike.
Woolacombe’s sweeping golden sands could easily be mistaken for a beach on the Spanish coast rather than South West England. With three miles of shoreline making it equally ideal for leisurely strolls as it is for soaking up the sun, it’s no wonder The Times named the beach their ‘beach of the year’ back in 2021.
Visitors can hire beach huts or take part in a wide range of water sports, including kayaking, walking, swimming and kitesurfing.
The charming village of Woolacombe sits at the northern tip of the beach, offering an array of seaside independent shops, cafés and restaurants. Several other beaches are also within easy reach, amongst them Barricaine Beach, Combesgate Beach and Grunta.
How to get there
The fastest route to Woolacombe from London is by car, taking just under four hours via the M4 and M5. While public transport is an option, the journey is considerably longer, with an estimated travel time exceeding eight hours. The journey via public transport requires taking a train from London Paddington to Exeter st. David’s, followed by a further train to Barnstaple, followed by two buses from there.
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