Looking for a romantic winter couples getaway? Woolacombe in winter has a beauty all of its own — think wild coastal walks, sea-view saunas, linger over a hearty Sunday roast or watch the waves roll in before retreating to No. 9 Putsborough. Here, you’ll find comfort, calm and a little seaside luxury — the perfect place to rest, recharge and soak up the season.
Take a bracing coastal walk
Best for: Fresh air, epic views and clearing your head
Picture yourself stepping out of No. 9 Putsborough boots on, coat wrapped tight and the crisp winter air filling your lungs. The beach stretches before you, windswept and wild across the 3 miles of golden sands.
Follow the coastal path around Morte Point – literally ‘death point’. Notorious for shipwrecks this rugged headland is wild and beautiful with the nearby Bull Point lighthouse standing sentinel over the cliffs. Don’t forget a flask of something hot for a mid-walk pit stop!
Cosy up with a beachfront sauna
Best for: Warming up and feeling utterly zen
North Devon has embraced the sauna trend and a winter visit doesn’t get more indulgent. Let yourself be cocooned in a wood fired room with panoramic views gazing at the Ocean and the Atlantic surf rolling in just beyond. Sea Sauna , Nick Thorn Surf and Secret Sauna offer ocean view sessions – the perfect blend of wild and restorative for those brave enough to plunge into the chilly waves between sessions.
But if you’d rather keep your toes toasty, there’s no need to venture far. Back at No. 9 Putsborough sink into the warmth of our very own onsite indoor sauna – think of it as ocean-inspired wellness without the need for a wetsuit!
Sit down to a slap up Sunday roast
Best for: Laid back winter Sundays with sea views and wagging tails
Sundays in Woolacombe were made for long lunches and lazy sea views. Just a tiny stroll from your home from home, The Barn is a surf inspired gastro pub where sandy boots and happy pups are welcome.
Envision a hearty roast piled high with all the trimmings, a warming drink in hand with the company of your four legged friend at your feet, thanks to their special dog menu. Sounds like wintering at its most welcoming.
Watch the coastal skies
Best for: Sunset seekers & stargazers
Imagine being wrapped up in blankets on the dunes at Woolacombe Down or Potters Hill, a steaming flask in hand as the sun melts into the Atlantic. Woolacombe is blessed with some of the most dramatic sunsets in North Devon.
Later, trade the horizon for the heavens — Exmoor National Park is Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve. Lose yourself in the hush of clear nights as the Milky Way arcs above, and constellations shimmer like scattered jewels.
Warm up with local flavour
Best for: Tastes of the season
While many cafés and restaurants take a winter break, pause at The Porthole for a warming coffee after a windswept walk, duck into a cosy fireside pub where warming local ales and comforting dishes await or wander through the festive North Devon Christmas Market in Braunton (the first weekend in December), where stalls brim with handmade gifts, festive flavours and live music.
Come February, the Exmoor Food Fest tempts you to eat your way across the moors with special tasting menus from some of the region’s finest chefs.
Uncover North Devon’s Art & Heritage
Best for: A touch of culture and coastal charm
Wander through Ilfracombe to meet Verity – Damien Hirst’s striking 66-foot bronze sculpture that gazes out over the Bristol Channel. Then head inland to the Valley of the Rocks near Lynton, where towering formations and occasional visits from feral goats make it a walk you won’t forget.
Climb the steep cobbled lanes of Clovelly, a 16th-century fishing village perched on a 400-foot cliff. Meet the village donkeys, and soak in the storybook charm of this village.
Snuggle up at No.9 Putsborough
Best for: A serene stay
After a day of windswept walks and winter skies, curl up in the calm of No.9 Putsborough. A hot drink in hand, soft blankets to wrap yourself in and a book or film to settle into. Dog-friendly and steps from the beach this is winter luxury at its most restorative…
Start planning your cosy seasonal getaway and book your winter coastal break. It’s just where you want to arrive home to.
