Six Reasons to Visit Woolacombe Out of Season

We can all appreciate the appeal of a great British summer holiday in North Devon's Woolacombe; endless days at the beach, ice creams on a sunny day, and meals served alfresco style in the sunshine… what's not to love?

But what many are now starting to discover is just how magical and romantic Woolacombe can be out of season - those empty weekends outside the school holidays. Once the temperature drops down and the crowds start to head home, Woolacombe pops into colour and comes alive with bright orange autumnal leaves, dramatic scenery and vibrant sunsets. If that wasn't already enough, here are six reasons to get excited about a beach holiday in Woolacombe out of season.

 

1.     Stunning autumnal walks

 

The South West Coast Path Above Heddon's Mouth in North Devon

No matter what time of year you visit, Woolacombe's spectacular coastline of cliffs, sandy coves, miles of beaches, dunes and headlands offer the perfect backdrop for a scenic walk. Pair this with the gorgeous hues of autumn and plenty of dewy, crisp mornings, and you'll understand why the off-season is a great time to wrap up warm and ramble along the South West Coast Path. If a country walk sounds like your perfect day, we'd recommend the National Trust's circular route to Baggy Point for its superb views out over a glistening and blustery Atlantic.

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2.     Perfect for your pooch

 

Let's not forget about your four-legged friends; leaving them behind is unnecessary. Woolacombe is even more of a dog-friendly hotspot outside of those warm summer days.

From November to the end of March, you'll find that any dog restrictions on local beaches have been lifted, and your canine companions will be free to roam along Woolacombe and neighbouring beaches Putsborough, Combe Martin and Barricane.

So take a look at any of our recommended places to stay out of season: they all welcome pets and are just a four-minute walk from the award-winning Woolacombe beach.

As well as enjoying the spectacle of your dog charging around an empty beach, they'll also enjoy the breathtakingly scenic walks along the South West Coast Path and a myriad of cross-country footpaths further inland, where there are many dog-friendly pubs and tearooms.

 

 

 

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3.     Quieter beaches

 

Speaking of beaches, is there anything better than feeling like you've got the beach to yourself? When you holiday in Woolacombe out of the peak summer period, you finally get to experience what it's like to get away from all the hustle and bustle. Soak up the rejuvenating sea air, even take a dip in the sea, but most of all, enjoy quality time with those that matter to you most – all with minimal distractions.

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4.     Warmer seas

Any avid surfer will tell you that the autumn months are the best time of year to surf; the water is at its warmest, the swell returns and the waves are all yours for the taking. Woolacombe may be a renowned surfers' paradise, but if surfing isn't quite your thing, why not make the most of the warmer seas with stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, kitesurfing or Xtreme coasteering? Save money: Browse Byron Woolacombe Luxury Apartments' exclusive partner discounts with Hunter Surf Coaching, Outdoor Shop & Kayak Centre and several others. 

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5.     Cosy pubs

 

On those rainy days when you don't feel like heading to the beach or out for a walk, why not cosy up inside in one of Woolacombe's restaurants, tea rooms, pubs or cafés? Without the summer traffic jams and the need to queue or book well in advance, you can relish stress-free dining and fully immerse yourself in the Woolacombe community.

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6.     Michelin Stars for Foodlovers

And for those that like the sound of fine dining, there's a variety of Michelin Star restaurants in the village and surrounding area, which provide the perfect venue to celebrate a special occasion. We'd recommend Noel Corston and Thomas Carr 1873. 

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Recommended Places to Stay

Byron's Luxury Holiday Apartments.

Complete with an on-site family restaurant, secure parking and exclusive access to its on-site leisure facilities, browse Byron's full range of contemporary, beachside holiday apartments and penthouses below. All pet-friendly properties are flagged with a paw print.

These beautiful contemporary and seaside apartments in Woolacombe lie just a hop and a skip from its fabulous beach and within walking distance of all the above recommendations. For luxury self-catering holidays out of season, if the weather is too cold, even for wetsuits, there's a nice warm indoor pool in which to swim.

Here are six of our favourite Woolacombe beach apartments. Click on the apartment name to view more information, make an enquiry or book online or click here to view all the Byron Woolacombe Luxury Apartments.

 

2 Rockham

2 bedrooms - both ensuite. Sleeps 4

 

 

7 Putsborough

2 bedrooms - both ensuite. Sleeps 4

 

 

16 Woolacombe

2 bedrooms - both ensuite. Sleeps 4

 

 

5 Challacombe

4 b4erooms, 3 bathrooms, Sleeps 8

 

 

5 Middlecombe

2 bedrooms - both ensuite. Sleeps 4

 

 

10 Middlecombe

2 bedrooms - both ensuite. Sleeps 4

 

Also, read this article on the best places to eat and drink in Woolacombe in any season: Taste the Tide: A Foodie's Guide to Woolacombe's Unmissable Bars and Restaurants.

 

What to do Out of Season in… Whitchurch (The Shropshire one)

 

This characterful little market town in North Shropshire certainly punches well above its weight when it comes to its appeal to visitors out of season. The town offers a host of artisan shops interspersed with some enticing cafes and bars. Whether you are seeking relaxing or lively weekend breaks in Shropshire outside the school holidays that involve a little walking, a little discovering, a boat trip or two blended with some fine dining and a good pub or two, here are some suggestions for a 2-3-night break in Whitchurch. Also included are our recommended Whitchurch holiday cottages in which to stay.

 

1.    Whitchurch Heritage Centre

12 St. Marys Street, Whitchurch SY13 1QY

It is an excellent place to visit at the start of your holiday. Here, you can discover the town’s fascinating historical past through displays and exhibits appealing to all ages.

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2.    Waterside Walks 1: Whitchurch Country Park & Llangollen Canal

Beginning at the Victoria Jubilee Park, discover miles of beautiful North Shropshire countryside by walking The Whitchurch Waterway Country Park, which follows the Whitchurch arm of the Llangollen Canal, which, bit by bit, is being brought back to life. Spot voles in babbling brooks, pass through the Greenfields Nature Reserve and watch boats ascend or descend a flight of locks at the Grindley Brook Locks on the more sedately flowing Llangollen Canal, which passes through this corner of North Shropshire. A superb Canal Boat Festival is held here in late August or early September.

Address: Meadowcroft, Whitchurch, SY14 1BD

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3.    Waterside Walks 2: Alderford Lake

A pleasant circular waterside walk (with or without dogs) complete with a pet-friendly café offering delicious cream teas. Allow 2-3 hours for your circuit of the lake. Walking aside, there’s plenty to do on the Lake itself, from wild swimming to stand-up Paddleboarding and kayaking, as well as an Aquapark for adrenaline junkies.

Address: Tilstock Road, Whitchurch SY13 3JQ

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4.    Doodle Alley

Spend a morning or afternoon in expert hands at Doodle Alley painting pottery to create a memorable holiday souvenir. Arrange a painting visit towards the start of your holiday to allow time for your work to be fired in time to take home with you.

Perfect for families (and their hot chocolate is highly recommended).

Address: Victoria Yard, Rear of 44 High Street, Whitchurch SY13 1BB.

Website: https://doodlealley.co.uk

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5.    St Alkmund’s Church

This Grade-1 listed building is the largest Georgian Church in Shropshire and is open daily throughout the year.

Tread carefully as you enter, the heart of the 1st Earl of Shrewsbury was buried under the porch floor in 1453. His bones lie under his effigy in The Lady Chapel.

The uplifting, peaceful interior offers much more to see, revealing much about Whitchurch’s history and its people.

For the whole church experience, Sunday services are held with communions at 8.00 am and 10.00 am and an evening service at 6.30 pm. 

Visitors are very welcome.

Address: Church Street, Whitchurch SY13 1LB

 

 

 

 

 

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6.    Whitchurch Marina.

Hire a boat for the day at Whitchurch Marina and meander along the scenic Llangollen Canal – or use the Marina as a starting place for a gentle towpath stroll. You can enjoy a nice lock-free stretch of canal to the Whixhall Nature Reserve. Dayboats can accommodate up to ten guests. A memorable day out and highly recommended.

Address: Wrexham Road, Whitchurch, SY13 3AA

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7.    Two Very Different Pubs!

a.   The Black Bear

A lovely 17th-century black-and-white timbered pub with a courtyard garden and a reputation locally for good food and drink. How does a starter of  Confit duck leg hash cake, fried organic egg, and gooseberry ketchup all washed down with a French claret appeal?

49 High Street, Whitchurch, SY13 1AZ

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b.   The Old Town Hall Vaults

It was once a 19th-century merchant’s house, and it is now managed by Joules, a popular local Shropshire Brewery.

The pub (known as ‘The Backies’ to locals) has been carefully restored on traditional lines. Its wood-panelled walls and open fires create a satisfyingly traditional and convivial place to enjoy a night out. It also stages popular live music nights.

Enjoy a pint of Slumbering Monk to go with their delicious homemade & locally sourced sausage rolls.

It’s the only pub in Shropshire with an outdoor privy, so treasured that it is now a Grade II listed privy! 

The Victorian composer, Sir Edward German, was born in the front room.

Address: 1 St. Marys Street, Whitchurch, SY13 1QU

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8.    Two Eats!

a.   Benjamin’s Deli & Café

Traditional deli sandwiches include smoked salmon and coriander mayo. Or how about blue Stilton and pear washed down with a slurpingly good ‘fully loaded’ hot chocolate? Brownies and friendly staff make this an excellent place for lunch or a refreshment stop at any time of the day—a perfect place to rest and revive after a good walk around the town.

Address: 3 High Street, Whitchurch, SY13 1AW

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b.   Docket No 33

Opened in 2017 by a couple determined to create a space for people to enjoy fine food in a relaxing environment – and with a Michelin Star, they have certainly succeeded in achieving that! 

The Chef trained with restauranteurs Gary Rhodes, Michael Caines and Gordon Ramsey. 

Their tasting menu flows from one course to the next and focuses on locally sourced seasonal ingredients. 

It will undoubtedly appeal to large groups looking for somewhere special to dine together within easy reach of their holiday cottage in Whitchurch. The restaurant has a private dining room for up to twelve guests seated around one large table.

It is popular, so book well in advance of your Whitchurch holiday.

Address: 33 High St, Whitchurch SY13 1AZ

 

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9.   Whitchurch Antiques Emporium

A visit to this Emporium is an excellent way to spend time milling amongst an incredible range of vintage, crafted, and modern antiques. Run and managed by friendly local people; you will discover some real treasures here.

Address: Green End, Whitchurch, SY13 1AD

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Five Recommended Whitchurch Holiday Cottages in Which to Stay

 

For large friends and large family groups

 

Buttercups Hay Barn

A large, 5-star rural holiday cottage with shared use of an indoor pool and sports courts. Sleeps 10.

View it here.

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Oliver’s Mill

A lovely 18th-century barn conversion in North Shropshire’s rolling hills just outside Whitchurch with an indoor pool. It may be a large holiday cottage-  but it is warm and cosy too! Sleeps 10.

View it here.

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James’ Parlour

A 5-bedroom barn conversion sleeping 12. This large and child-friendly Shropshire holiday cottage features an open-plan design with plenty of rustic oak beams, stout roof trusses and stone pillars to complement its nicely modern facilities.

View it here.

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Smaller Families and Couples

 

Callander Cottage

A beautifully furnished 2-bedroom luxury holiday cottage on the grounds of Combermere Abbey. A lovely rural retreat for a small family or two couples. Sleeps 4.

View it here.

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Emma’s Dairy

A charming and cosy country cottage in a small village just outside Whitchurch. Perfect for families with young children. Sleeps 5.

View it here.

Autumnal Greetings!

As autumn’s fingers lose their grip on the countryside, we welcome you to pop another log on the woodburner or another marshmallow in your hot chocolate and invest a little time in this month’s top tips and advice to help holiday cottage owners everywhere stay at the very top of their game.

As ever, we provide a summary of an article. If you’d like to learn more, click on the title.

 

Welcome Packs: The Impact of Natasha’s Law.

From October 1st, the UK Food Information Act Amendment (aka Natasha’s law) came into force. This has significant implications for all holiday property owners who provide a welcome pack for their guests. You are strongly advised to acquaint yourself with it before your local environmental health office comes knocking.

The law is covered in the Pink Book. We also recommend the intelligently written ‘user guide’ on the PASC Website; click on the title above to download it. The guide also considers the legality of including alcohol in a welcome pack – you cannot simply get away by saying it is a free gift!

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New Revised Self-Catering Covid Cleaning Protocols V5.

We still need to keep our properties COVID clean – and we are getting better at working out the best and most reliable way to do this. The latest version has been published and applies to England, Scotland and Wales. The guide includes The Cleaning Protocols, The Risk Assessment, A Cleaning Checklist and some FAQs. The document is free; copies can be downloaded from the PASC website. Click on the title to get your copy :

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Stable Cottage: A hot tub and a fabulous beach for all seasons.

Why Cutting Ad Spend is Dangerous

A word from the wise: You may think your next year's bookings are ahead of the curve, or you can rely upon repeat bookings to fill a season or two. However, experience shows that reducing your advertising spend is a high and potentially expensive risk. Learn why now is not the time to cut back on marketing your holiday cottages – and what you should do instead.

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So many ways for couples to relax at Anne’s Hut in the  Monmouthshire countryside

How Can Vacation Rentals Take Advantage of the Wellness Travel Trend

Wellness travel is on the up as people take more care of themselves and look for a way to decompress after two stressful and largely isolated years. This article explains wellness travel, why it has become so popular and how holiday cottage managers can take advantage of this trend.

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Best Vacation Rental Headlines: Examples to Attract Guests

We like this easy-read, straightforward guide from Guest Hook. It highlights do’s and don’ts to use as a guide when writing headlines to display your property on advertising sites. Headlines are essential in describing your holiday property in an online advert. Whatever you call them, “property titles,” “titles”, “property name”, etc., these are the title words that appear at the head of your advert. Learn how to write them to generate a better response to your advertisement.

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How to create an Instagram Reel for your vacation rental business in under 5 minutes

A common misconception among holiday cottage owners about Instagram marketing is that it is time-consuming. This video busts the perception by tackling Instagram’s popular new video format: Reels, and tells you how to create a Reel in under 5 minutes.