Combesgate Beach

Rocky outcrops frame this sheltered cove just south of Woolacombe's main beach stretch, creating a proper little hideaway when the crowds get too much. Getting down here requires a bit of scrambling over the rocks from Woolacombe Sands - not impossible, but you'll want decent shoes and to time it right with the tide.

Families with older children who fancy a bit of adventure will love the rock pooling opportunities. Low tide reveals all sorts of marine life tucked into the crevices, and the water stays relatively shallow and calm thanks to the natural shelter. That said, keep an eye on little ones - those rocks can be slippery when wet.

The beach itself is a mix of sand and pebbles, perfectly adequate for a few hours but nothing spectacular. What makes Combesgate worth the effort is the sense of having found something that most visitors to Woolacombe miss entirely. You'll often have it largely to yourself, even in peak summer.

Timing matters here more than most beaches. High tide reduces it to not much more than a rocky shoreline, so check the tide tables before you head down. An hour or two is plenty unless you're serious about marine biology.

If you're staying at Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park or one of the other sites nearby, it's a lovely alternative to the main beach when you fancy something quieter.