Nothing beats UK's postcard-worthy coastlines on a sunny day, but these soul-soothing landscapes of rolling hills and ocean views are just as enjoyable in the autumn when less crowds make for a more intimate experience.
Hidden along the coves of North Devon, Woolcombe is a tiny village popular with families looking to spend days surfing and bodyboarding on the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic. Away from the coast, a thriving community of businesses, local pubs and restaurants are a perfect hideaway from the cold evenings.
Things to do
Swim and Surf
Chances are you'll see as many wetsuits as swimsuits taking to the waters of the award-winning Woolacombe beach, much loved by pro and amateur surfers looking to ride the Atlantic waves. If watching them inspires you, then Woolacombe Surf Centre and Hunter Surf School offer lessons from £35 for a two-hour session covering the basics. Everything from bodyboards to paddleboards is available to hire across several shops that line the beach.
Coastal walks
Woolacombe, sandwiched between Morte Point and Baggy Point, is surrounded by a landscape boasting vibrant shades of green in the summer and autumnal hues in October. Nature trails are a great way to explore the unique topography decorated with hills, woods, dunes and thriving bird life. All hikes and walks are dog-friendly, with some more ideal for a family day out than others. The trail along Woolacombe stretches a mile and takes less than an hour to complete. The more comprehensive circular walk via Combesgate covers around 4 miles with sweeping views of Lundy Island, passing through Barricane beach and Combesgate Valley. For routes and other trails, visit the National Trust website.
Those less able to hike can still enjoy vast expanses of serene views from several benches dotted along various viewing points, some near car parks.
Lundy Island
Located off the coast of North Devon and visible from Woolacombe, Lundy is a biodiverse island home to colonies of puffins, wildlife and sea life. Activities on the island range from hiking, birding, scuba diving, and snorkelling. And because the island has low light, it is particularly delightful for stargazers wanting to immerse themselves in dark skies. The car-free island of Lundy is accessible by ferries from Ilfracombe or Bideford between March and October and by helicopter during autumn and winter.
Where to stay
Sleep to the peaceful rhythm of Atlantic waves and wake up to stunning West Country views at Byron Woolcombe Holidays (byronwoolacombeholidaylets.co.uk), luxury self-catering apartments located a few minutes from the beachfront. All 57 apartments, made up of one to four bedrooms, are spacious, airy and tastefully decorated boasting a balcony ideal for sunbathing even when not on the beach. Add some wow factor to your holiday with Bryon's stylish penthouses overlooking Woolacombe beach.
All homes come furnished with contemporary interiors decorated in neutral tones and a fully-equipped kitchen you can use as soon as you walk in. Settling into your Byron apartment is as hassle-free as getting into your own home. A pre-arrival email confirms your vehicle parking bays in advance, and checking in and out is contact-free. There is a 24-hour property manager ready to assist with any query during your stay.
Assuming most people come to Woolacombe to surf, Byron has dedicated sheds to store your equipment in the communal courtyard. Guests can also use facilities like a swimming pool, gym, game room and sauna via an online pre-booking form or at the reception within the property. And whilst there isn't a spa experience on-site, Sea Breeze Retreat in the town of Mortehoe, a six-minute drive away, offers a range of treatments from facials to holistic body and deep tissue massages.
Byron works closely with local artisans and businesses to provide exceptional service to its residents. From locally produced fudge and pasty to surf schools and dining options, check out the list of affiliate enterprises for an authentic North Devon experience.
Where to eat and drink
All of Woolacombe's eating and drinking scene is limited to three parallel streets along the beachfront. Brundle's restaurant and bar serve a selection of European and pan-Asian dishes and have options for vegans and vegetarians. Spirit drinkers must ask for Pull The Pin, a rum produced in the nearby town of Ilfracombe by former military personnel. The bottles are as interesting as the spiced rum and well worth a try.
Across the road, The Tides Inn and Bar Electric serve homemade food and locally brewed West Country ciders. Both bars have outdoor seating with uninterrupted oceanviews, particularly romantic during sunset when shades of orange gradually drift.
For a more exclusive experience, head to Noel Corston, an eight-seater fine dining restaurant serving a multi-course tasting menu made from locally sourced ingredients. Diners sit around an open kitchen where expert craftsmen and women prepare each course. Reservations are essential.
Your trip to Woolacombe would be incomplete without dipping your fingers into oil-soaked crispy fish and chips with a dash of vinegar. Mortehoe Fish and Chips use tasty fresh catch straight out of the water.
Finish your meal with Roly's Fudge, an independently-run family enterprise handmaking fudge using traditional recipes for 33 years.
Getting there
Driving to this cosy cove is as enjoyable as the destination, passing through sheep farms and picturesque rolling hills in varying hues of green. Drive from London takes around four and a half hours, most of which is on the motorway.
