SEPTEMBER HOLIDAYS IN WOOLACOMBE
Six things that nobody tells you
Everyone knows Woolacombe in August. The beach is full of families making memories, cafés are buzzing, bodyboarders are chasing waves from sunrise until sunset and there’s an unmistakable sense that summer has reached its peak. It’s wonderful.
But ask someone who lives here—or someone who’s been returning year after year—when they love Woolacombe most, and you’ll often hear the same answer: September.
Not because August gets anything wrong.
But because September reveals a different side of the North Devon coast—one that many visitors never discover.
Some of our favourite September moments aren’t the obvious ones. They’re the quiet beach before breakfast, the walk to Morte Point when the light turns golden, or sitting outside with a drink as the sun slips behind Lundy Island.
Here are six things nobody tells you about holidays in Woolacombe in September…
The sea is often warmer than it was at the start of summer
This surprises almost everyone – most people assume that as soon as September arrives, the sea starts getting colder.
In reality, the opposite is often true! One of September’s best-kept secrets is that the sea has had all summer to warm up.
In fact, sea temperatures around Woolacombe are often at their highest in late summer and remain pleasantly warm well into September.
The best beaches in North Devon may be quieter, but the mild climate is still around, and the water is still calling.
Woolacombe Beach suddenly feels twice the size
Woolacombe Beach hasn’t changed, it just feels like it has!
There’s something wonderfully liberating about walking onto one of Britain’s finest beaches and realising you don’t need to search for the perfect spot. Parking is easier, the queues are shorter, and you can wander along the shoreline of what is quite possibly Devon’s best beach without weaving through crowds! The same golden sands, the same spectacular views – just a little more space to enjoy them.
Plus, the RNLI continues lifeguard patrols on Woolacombe Beach until late September, reflecting just how popular the beach remains long after the school holidays have ended.
Our local tip: Set your alarm just once. Walk down to Woolacombe Beach before breakfast with a coffee in hand. The tide often leaves vast stretches of sand almost empty, and you’ll understand why so many photographers and local dog walkers treasure the early mornings.
The South West Coast Path comes into its own
Summer is beautiful. September is comfortable. And for walkers, that’s a huge difference.
The intense heat of midsummer often gives way to cooler, fresher days that are perfect for exploring the spectacular North Devon coastline and countryside.
Our local tip: If you only do one walk on the South West coastal path, we’d recommend heading out to Morte Point in the late afternoon. It’s one of the best places on the North Devon coast to watch the Atlantic rolling in, and it’s also a great spot to keep an eye out for seals just offshore. You’ll find yourself stopping more often—not because you’re tired, but because the scenery deserves it.
The coastal summer doesn’t end in August
One of the biggest myths about September is that summer somehow finishes when the school holidays do.
Spend a few days in Woolacombe and you’ll realise that’s simply not true. People are still eating outside. Devon cream teas are still on the menu. The surfing beaches are being reclaimed by the best local waveriders. The independent shops are still open. Sunsets still stretch long into the evening.
Our local tip: Don’t rush upstairs after dinner. September evenings often stay beautifully mild, making it the perfect time to order one last drink and watch the changing colours over Woolacombe Bay. After dinner at the Bay Brasserie, linger on the lawns for the sunset.
Lundy Island is still one of North Devon’s best day trips
Many people assume the season winds down once September arrives. In reality, one of North Devon’s most memorable adventures is still very much on the itinerary.
The MS Oldenburg continues operating day trips to Lundy Island throughout September (weather permitting), making early autumn one of the loveliest times to explore the island without the height-of-summer crowds.
Just 12 miles off the North Devon coast, Lundy feels like another world. There are no busy roads or traffic lights—just dramatic granite cliffs, historic landmarks, rugged walking trails and extraordinary wildlife.
Whether you’re spending the day exploring the island’s history, walking its spectacular coastline or simply enjoying lunch at the Marisco Tavern before sailing back to the mainland, September is one of the loveliest times to visit.
It’s the kind of day trip that many people don’t realise is still possible once the school holidays are over.
Our local tip: Book one of the earlier sailings if the weather forecast looks promising. The crossing is part of the adventure, and you’ll have plenty of time to explore the island’s historic lighthouse, dramatic cliffs and peaceful walking trails before returning to the mainland.
North Devon’s wildlife doesn’t read the calendar
While many people think of spring as wildlife season, September has plenty of surprises of its own.
Grey seals begin pupping around this time of year, making early autumn one of the most rewarding seasons to spot them along parts of the North Devon coast and around Lundy Island. If you’re lucky, you may also see dolphins offshore as you explore the coastline or travel to the island.
The changing season also brings different seabirds, quieter cliff paths and a coastline that feels just a little wilder than it does at the height of summer.
Our local tip: For a fun experience with wildlife sightings pretty much guaranteed, visit Valley of the Rocks – there’s a herd of feral goats that lives wild on the cliffs and heathland year-round, finding its own food and shelter without being housed or fed. They’re remarkably well adapted to the exposed coastal environment.
September isn’t the end of the season. It’s simply the start of a different one.
DISCOVER WOOLACOMBE’S GOLDEN SEASON
Every season brings something different to Woolacombe
August buzzes with energy…
Spring fills the coastline with colour…
Winter reveals dramatic skies and wild Atlantic waves…
But September has a character that’s entirely its own.
If you ask us, don’t over-plan your September itinerary. Leave room for an extra walk. Stay on the beach until the light begins to change. Order dessert. Pause at a viewpoint simply because the sea views deserve another minute. September rewards the people who slow down and unwind.
Seasonal Recommendations:
The Coastal Pause
This luxury three-night seaview getaway invites you to slow down, with a special treat for each day of your stay.
3-night stay in a Seaview bedroom
2-course dinner in Bay Brasserie on your first night
Cocktail (per person) on your second night
Cream Tea for Two on your third day
Cooked and continental breakfast in Doyle’s
Access to the Alchemist Spa and SALT Gymnasia
Access to Multi-sport Courts
20% off additional spa treatments booked
SPECIAL OFFER PRICE:
FROM £945.00 for 2 people
Available 6th – 26th September 2026. £20.00 supplement applies to Friday and Saturday night stays. Room upgrades available (supplement applies).
48 Hours at The Bay
Enjoy two dreamy nights by the sea to truly switch off and reset, including dinner and cream tea.
2-night stay in a Sea View Bedroom
Breakfast in Doyle’s each morning
2-course dinner in Bay Brasserie on first night
Cream tea for 2
Access to the Alchemist Spa
Access to SALT Gymnasia
Access to Multi-sport Courts
20% off pre-booked spa treatments
SPECIAL OFFER PRICE:
From £500.00 for 2 people
Available 27th September – 22nd December 2026. £20.00 supplement applies to Friday and Saturday night stays. Room upgrades available (supplement applies).