Hotels in Woolacombe

What you're choosing from

There are 14 hotels in Woolacombe published on BritStays, and the choice is concentrated. Twelve are in Woolacombe itself, with one in Bideford and one in Torrington. If you want to be at the heart of things, you'll have the most options in Woolacombe. If that's full or you'd prefer somewhere quieter, The Commodore Hotel in Bideford and the Globe Hotel in Torrington are the two alternatives in this set.

One honest note before you start: the facility information on these listings is patchy. Each of the most common facilities (bar, restaurant, parking, pet friendly, disabled access, swimming pool and spa) appears on only two of the 14 hotels, and many listings don't record facilities at all. That doesn't mean the other hotels lack them. It means you should check directly before you book anything that matters to you.

Which hotels suit which kind of trip

Families will probably look first at Woolacombe Bay Hotel, which lists a swimming pool, hot tub and gym. A pool gives you an easy fallback on a wet afternoon, and with only two hotels in this set listing one, it's worth securing early. Durrant House Hotel is the other, and it also lists a spa and bar.

Couples after a bit of pampering have the same short list for spa facilities. Only two hotels record a spa, and Durrant House Hotel is one of them. If good food matters more than a treatment room, Yeoldon House Hotel & Soyer's Restaurant has a restaurant in its very name, so ask about dining when you enquire.

Dog owners should take extra care. Only two of the 14 hotels are recorded as pet friendly, and none of the example stays below lists it. Contact any hotel you like the look of and confirm its dog policy in writing, including any charges and which rooms are allowed.

Accessibility needs: two hotels record disabled access, including The Commodore Hotel in Bideford. Ask specific questions about step-free entry, room layout and bathrooms rather than relying on a single tick-box.

Budget or short stays: the Premier Inn in Woolacombe is the familiar chain option if you just need a straightforward base for a night or two.

What the example stays tell you

The listings in Woolacombe range from larger-sounding hotels to smaller, more individual places. Alongside those above, you'll find:

• Watersmeet Hotel
• Saunton Sands Hotel
• Tantons Hotel
• The Rocks
• Parade House
• Riversford Hotel
• The Pines

None of these has its capacity or facilities recorded on BritStays. Treat them as names to investigate rather than rule out. Smaller hotels often have fewer formal facilities but can be flexible about things like early breakfasts or storing beach gear, so a quick phone call can tell you a lot.

Parking is another point to check. It's recorded for just two hotels, so if you're driving, ask whether parking is on site, whether it costs extra and whether you need to reserve a space.

Things to do once you're there

For a family day out, The BIG Sheep is a theme park listed among the region's landmarks, and it's a reliable choice for children. Town Farmhouse, cared for by the National Trust, suits a gentler outing.

If the weather turns, there's a good spread of small museums. Braunton and District Museum is listed under Woolacombe. Combe Martin Museum, the Lynton and Exmoor Museum and Lynmouth Flood Memorial Hall are all listed under the Ilfracombe area. Further afield, the Dulverton Heritage Centre is listed under Minehead if you fancy a longer drive.

Opening times aren't included here, and smaller museums in particular can keep limited hours, so check before you set off.

When to book, and how

With only 14 hotels, and most of them in one place, choice narrows quickly at busy times. Here's how to approach it:

• Book furthest ahead for the rare facilities. Only two hotels list a pool, two a spa and two pet-friendly rooms. If you need one of these, it should be the first thing you book.
• Look beyond Woolacombe if it's full. The Commodore Hotel in Bideford and the Globe Hotel in Torrington widen your options.
• Confirm the details in writing. Because facility data is incomplete, get the hotel to confirm dogs, parking, accessibility and dining before you pay a deposit.
• Read the cancellation terms. Weather can shape a trip here, so a flexible rate may be worth a little extra.
• Ask about meals. Only two hotels record a restaurant, so check whether breakfast and dinner are offered on site or whether you'll be eating out.