Nostalgic memories of Woolacombe's local history

Share your own memories of Woolacombe and read what others have said

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.

Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.

Add a Memory!

It's easy to add your own memories and reconnect with your shared local history. Search for your favourite places and look for the 'Add Your Memory' buttons to begin

Displaying all 4 Memories

I was born in the North Devon Royal Infirmary in June 1936 and lived in and around the village for 19 years before doing my national service.I never returned again as i needed a job in a city like Bristol. My father was the village Baker for many years Alf,s Pasties were legendary . I remember the war years in the ..Bake house the smells of baking can never be forgotten. The old golf course club building ...see more
My father took my mother and I on holiday to Woolacombe every year in the 1950's. At that time, in the height of the Summer months we would be the only family on the main beach (as well as the Barracane Beach where we searched for Cowerie shells). At that time the surrounding land, including the beaches, were owned by Sir Francis Chichester's mother and what she said went!! There were no Donkeys or Punch and ...see more
My family started to have our annual holiday in Ilfracombe in 1964, and virtually every day we made the trip to Woolacombe to sit on the beach and have a go at surfing. After years of south coast beaches, Woolacombe was a revelation and everything was so clean. The beach was owned by Parkins Entertainments, and I believe it was Mr Moon who used to go round in a land rover, trying to re-unite lost children ...see more
Does anyone remember the old camp site run by Mr and Mrs Dymond? It was roughly where Woolacombe Sands is now, near the riding stables. I can recall it was a steep field (no terracing then!) and we used to walk down to the old farmhouse kitchen every morning to get our milk. Mrs Dymond used to ladle the still warm milk into our jug. The facilities were basic - just a couple of toilets on the opposite side of ...see more