The tiny Welsh village paying the price for having 'most famous' waterfall in Europe
A German study found the popular cascade had top 10 search volumes
A tiny Welsh village is paying the price for having one of 'most famous' waterfalls in Europe
Crowds of people flocking to see a waterfall that has been identified as being one of the "most famous" in Europe is causing chaos for people in a small Welsh village.
The 120ft cascade at Aber Falls and its surrounding area have been popular tourist destinations since the 18th century but as the waterfall gathers increasing attention on social media, the flow of people wanting to see it has turned into a stampede.
It means an access road to the falls has now become so busy that the nearby village of Abergwyngregyn in Eryri can become gridlocked at peak times. Residents complain of being trapped in their homes, unable to leave a village that was home to the last native prince of Wales, reports North Wales Live.
In terms of popularity, the waterfall was ranked 10th in Europe, placing it alongside some of Iceland's iconic cascades. Other Welsh waterfalls to feature in the list were Swallow Falls near Betws-y-Coed, Henrhyd Falls in Bannau Brycheiniog, Pistyll Rhaeadr in the Berwyn Mountains and Horseshoe Falls on the River Dee in Llangollen.
To arrive at its findings of popularity, German travel provider SpaDreams analysed 219 European waterfalls and their presence on Google, Bing, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube and TikTok.
The Hamburg-based company said waterfalls have long held a certain allure: "Anyone who has ever stood in front of a waterfall knows its magic: the hypnotic roar of the water, the caress of the spray on the face, the feeling of being in touch with the pure energy of nature."
Article continues below
Rhaeadr Fawr (Aber Falls) near Abergwyngregyn
(Image: North Wales Live )
Billed as a "must-visit" attraction with scenic walks, Aber Falls is within easy reach of families from Liverpool and Manchester wanting a day out. The waterfall has attracted celebrity endorsements too: last year model and TV personality Christine McGuiness described it as "the most magical, beautiful thing I have ever seen" after visiting it on BBC's Pilgrimage: The Road Through North Wales.
As it lies just a mile from the A55, the waterfall is easily accessible. A narrow road winds through Abergwyngregyn up to Aber National Nature Reserve where ticketed car parks are run by Eryri National Park and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) At busy times, villagers say queuing traffic can snake back all the way to the dual-carriageway.
Gwynedd council says it is sympathetic to the issues and has met representatives to discuss solutions. But it said there are "no easy fixes".
In the past, Horseshoe Falls has also faced illegal and inconsiderate parking, though enforcement has helped ease the issues.
Horseshoe Falls, Llangollen
(Image: Ian Cooper/North Wales Live )
Article continues below
According to the SpaDreams study, Europe's highest profile waterfall is Rhine Falls in Switzerland. One of the continent's biggest falls, spanning 150 metres, it sees up to 600,000 liters of water per second plunge over a 23-metre drop. The 165-metre Marmore Falls, Italy, the world's largest man-made waterfall having been created by the Romans, was also on the list.
Skogafoss waterfall in south iceland Skogafoss, iceland, july 14,2019
Otherwise, seven of the top nine were waterfalls in Iceland, crowned by the majestic Skógafoss. Cascading from more than 60 metres, it creates an imposing curtain of water that creates large, rainbow-forming mist clouds.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
‘What an absolute MESS' – James Wade blasts BA over ‘shocking customer service' days before World Matchplay Darts
DARTS star James Wade fumed at British Airways after his bags went missing - as he faces a race against time to get them back. The 42-year-old flew from Heathrow to Hamburg on Friday for the Baltic Sea Open but arrived without his luggage. 4 4 The eleven-time major winner was knocked out in Kiel, Germany, in the semi-finals by Scot Gary Anderson. And to rub salt in the wounds, when he arrived back in the UK he discovered his luggage had never left the airport. Wade claims he was told it would be delivered to his home but wasn't given a time scale, with the World Matchplay - which he won in 2007 - just days away. The star took to X to complain about the situation in a long and detailed post recounting his frustrating experience. Wade said: "British Airways what an absolute mess. "Checked in for my flight to Hamburg on BA0974 from T5 Heathrow on Friday 11th July 2025, and said good bye to by luggage for what seems to be forever. "Landed in Hamburg to the delight of no luggage. I was then told to expect my bag to be delivered to my hotel by 11:30 the next day. With frustration this never happened. "On return to Heathrow today, I have been informed that the luggage has never moved from its current location and on request that BA return this to me in person. "I have then been told that they are unable to return my personal and professional possessions and have to wait for their procedure of delivering the luggage to my home address with no specific time scale." Wade's reference to "professional equipment" suggests his luggage included some of his darts equipment. The timing of the loss could not be worse for the English thrower, who is not sure whether he will receive his items back before he leaves for his next major tournament. He added: "With me leaving to attend the World Matchplay on Friday the 18th July 2025 in Blackpool you can appreciate this is not ideal preparation for one of the biggest major tournaments of the PDC calendar year. "Absolutely shocking customer service." He tagged British Airways' X account in the post. Wade is the latest darts player to encounter luggage problems in recent weeks. Gerwyn Price impressively managed to win the Poland Masters two weeks ago with newly bought darts that he had to file down after his signature set was lost in transit. Meanwhile Ross Smith took to X on Friday to announce he'd also lost his luggage on the way to Hamburg - which he sarcastically labelled a "great start to the European Tour". He was quickly joined later that day by Chris Dobey, who claimed in a post on X that he had received 'no communication' from British Airways after his baggage was lost. British Airways have been contacted for comment. In a previous statement regarding Friday's issues, a BA spokesperson said: "We're working really hard to get our customers' bags to them as quickly as possible following a failure of Heathrow Airport's baggage system on Friday. "Whilst this was out of our control, we're sorry for the inconvenience caused." 4 4 List of all-time Darts World Champions BELOW is a list of darts world champions by year. The list does not include winners from the pre-Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) era or BDO world champions. That means Raymond van Barneveld, for example, is only listed once - Barney also won four BDO titles - and none of Eric Bristow's five BDO titles are included. 1994 - Dennis Priestley 1995 - Phil Taylor 1996 - Phil Taylor (2) 1997 - Phil Taylor (3) 1998 - Phil Taylor (4) 1999 - Phil Taylor (5) 2000 - Phil Taylor (6) 2001 - Phil Taylor (7) 2002 - Phil Taylor (8) 2003 - John Part 2004 - Phil Taylor (9) 2005 - Phil Taylor (10) 2006 - Phil Taylor (11) 2007 - Raymond van Barneveld 2008 - John Part (2) 2009 - Phil Taylor (12) 2010 - Phil Taylor (13) 2011 - Adrian Lewis 2012 - Adrian Lewis (2) 2013 - Phil Taylor (14) 2014 - Michael van Gerwen 2015 - Gary Anderson 2016 - Gary Anderson (2) 2017 - Michael van Gerwen (2) 2018 - Rob Cross 2019 - Michael van Gerwen (3) 2020 - Peter Wright 2021 - Gerwyn Price 2022 - Peter Wright (2) 2023 - Michael Smith 2024 - Luke Humphries 2025 - Luke Littler Most World Titles 14 - Phil Taylor 3 - Michael van Gerwen 2 - John Part, Adrian Lewis, Gary Anderson, Peter Wright 1 - Dennis Priestley, Raymond van Barneveld, Rob Cross, Gerwyn Price, Michael Smith, Luke Humphries, Luke Littler
Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Our top ‘best of both' destinations in the UK and abroad – with a city AND beach to tick all the boxes
Plus, the very affordable beach city just four hours from the UK SUPER CITY Our top 'best of both' destinations in the UK and abroad – with a city AND beach to tick all the boxes Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CHOOSING where to go on holiday can be a nightmare when you love city breaks but also enjoy a beach vacation. But there are several places across the world - including in the UK - that offer the thrill of a city and the serenity of a coastal retreat. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 21 Places like Barcelona, are great if you love exploring a city and relaxing on the beach Credit: Alamy Here are our top spots across the globe for seeing a city or bustling town, while also getting beach time... Barcelona, Spain Barcelona is my all-time favourite city to fly into - as the plane heads out over the city and the ocean, then turns back, you get a glimpse of what this city has to offer... golden beaches and incredible architecture. For those who love architecture, Barcelona is an absolute must. Antoni Gaudi's Sagrada Familia may be the most well-known building in the city, the Spanish architect has also designed a number of other spots across Barcelona. For example, Casa Batlló in central Barcelona features a colourful tiled face and on the inside, feels like a stylish funhouse. There is also Park Güell - an expansive park designed by the architect between 1900 and 1914. The UNESCO World Heritage Site features numerous areas to explore, all of which boast bright colours and quirky features. The city's Gothic Quarter is also worth seeing and is full of pretty alleys and passageways with an array of independent shops and restaurants to discover. Make sure to dive into one of the restaurants here, as I found the tapas here better than back in the city centre. If you then want to do a bit of sunbathing, head to the seafront where you will find numerous beaches, well-equipped with restaurants, bars and deckchairs. My personal favourite is Somorrostro beach, which sits next to the marina s you can watch a number of glamorous boats coming and going whilst you relax. Cyann Fielding, travel reporter Top 5 cheapest European city breaks Brighton, UK There is nothing quite like Brighton anywhere else in the world, let alone the UK. With long stretching pebble beaches, a historic and pretty pier and a bustling centre - there is so much to explore. Before heading to the seafront, make sure to check out The Lanes - one of the most famous spots in the city. This area is essentially a labyrinth of small alleys and lanes that boast a wealth of hidden squares, shops and jewellers. They date back to the 16th century and locally are known as twittens. 21 Brighton features lots of small alleys dating back to the 16th century full of hidden treasures to explore Credit: Alamy It is well-worth dedicating a decent amount of time to explore The Lanes, as you can find some real treasures in antique shops, independent boutiques and jewellers. when you want to grab a pint, head to The Cricketer Arms on Black Lion Street, which was built around 1545 and is thought to be the oldest pub in the area. Undeniably, Palace Pier is a must too, with a number of fairground rides, bars and restaurants. After exploring, grab some fish and chips and head to the beach to enjoy the sound of the waves lashing against the pebbles. Cyann Fielding, travel reporter 21 Palace Pier is a must before sitting on Brighton's long beach Credit: Alamy Palma de Mallorca, Spain Palma is one of those places that you think couldn't get any better, and then you turn the corner and you're at the beach. The golden city has a beautiful old town filled with designer shops (of which I like to window shop), ice cream parlours, cafes and restaurants. Then there's the historical cathedral and S'Hort del Rei, which is the lush garden below the Almudaina Palace. And just when you think you've explored enough, you turn the corner to find a busy harbour and beaches everywhere. The closest one to the city is Platja de Can Pere Antoni which is a long sandy strip and a great spot for a dip. Alice Penwill, travel reporter 21 Palma in Spain, has a beautiful old town Credit: Alamy 21 And then right around the corner there is also a lovely sandy beach Credit: Alamy Bournemouth, UK Beach huts, sand, sea, a fairground and some occasional sun, Bournemouth is your classic UK seaside resort - which is why I love it. Everything you need is in one place like candy floss stands, the big Ferris wheel, mini-golf Bournemouth Pier and the town is only a ten-minute walk away too. I usually opt to grab a mint chocolate chip ice cream from one of the small trailers on the promenade and take a seat on the sand, where I either gaze out to sea or search for the herd of cliff side goats. Alice Penwill, travel reporter 21 Bournemouth offers everything you'd expect of a seaside resort Credit: Alamy 21 And more with a bustling centre full of shops and restaurants Credit: Alamy Valencia, Spain Valencia is my all-time favourite beach city. Playa de la Malvarrosa is a vast swathe of golden sands lapped by Mediterranean waters, but there's so much more. The town and beaches are connected by the stunning Turia Gardens - a former riverbed turned green park that snakes between the two and is ideal for strolling or cycling. The gardens are also home to the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences with its aquarium, museums and opera house. The gothic cathedral in the Old Town houses what many believe is the Holy Grail - the cup from which Jesus drank at the Last Supper. Foodies will adore the Central Market (Mercado Central) set within a stunning Art Deco building and one of Europe's oldest and largest functioning markets. For a panoramic city view, climb the Micalet Tower and after dark, head to the Ruzafa neighbourhood, known for its cool cafes and restaurants and bohemian character. Nearby is the Albufera Natural Park, Spain's largest freshwater lagoon and near the rice paddies that provide the main ingredient for the city's legendary paella dish. Lisa Minot, Head of Travel 21 In Valencia, the town and beaches are connected by the stunning Turia Gardens Credit: Alamy 21 Playa de la Malvarrosa features a vast swathe of golden sands lapped by Mediterranean waters Credit: Alamy Hastings, UK Hastings may have been down-at-heel and outshone by its brighter, glitzier neighbour Brighton in years gone by but there's a huge amount of charm to this traditional seaside resort. Just like Margate, the town is having something of a renaissance with arty types adding a gritty edge to its traditional bucket-and-spade background. The historic Old Town - a charming maze of narrow streets and timber-framed houses - is at the heart of the revival with independent boutiques, antique shops and of course, those artisan coffee shops sitting alongside traditional pubs. The town's burgeoning food and drink scene has something for everyone from the historic Stag Inn in the Old Town to trendy new start-ups in little sister St Leonards. Pelham Beach offers classic seaside amusements and is really family-friendly but for those seeking a little peace and quiet, the shingle beaches towards St Leonards are perfect. Its historic pier was destroyed by a devastating fire in 2010 but a multi-million pound restoration project saw it rise from the ashes, with the new design even winning the RIBA Stirling Prize for architecture in 2017. The town now offers a combination of old and new - from Hastings Fishermen's Museum providing a glimpse into its maritime past to the Hastings Contemporary art gallery with its impressive collection of modern British art. Lisa Minot, Head of Travel 21 Hastings has a historic Old Town with a charming maze of narrow streets and timber-framed houses Credit: Alamy 21 But also boasts Pelham Beach with classic seaside amusements and is really family-friendly Credit: Alamy Sydney, Australia Canberra may be Australia's capital city, but Sydney is its beating heart - or at least in my opinion, after spending several months working there in my early twenties. It has a culturally diverse personality that's on par with London, New York or Paris, which you'll find in its vast restaurant scene or impressive entertainment (I implore you to find a music venue with a better view than that of the Sydney Opera House). What puts it in another league to the destinations mentioned above, though, is its 50 or so miles of unspoilt coastline and jaw-dropping beaches that are frequently named among the best in the world. Each one attracts a different crowd. Bondi, is undoubtedly the most famous, loved for its energetic surfer vibe and laidback brunch spots looking out towards crashing waves. 21 Across the globe, Sydney is home to many incredible spots including the Opera House Credit: Alamy You won't find a Bondi dude hanging out at Manly, however. This beach, north of the main city, offers two kilometres of sand overlooking foamy teal waters. Milk Beach, a teeny shore backed by craggy rocks, is in a quieter patch and attracts more of a local crowd, however my favourite has to be Brontë. The grass-backed shores sit just south of Bondi. There's no end-of-the-weekend scaries here, thanks to weekly Sunday Sips sessions at the Surf Life Saving Club with live music and sausages being sizzled on the barbie. Sophie Swietochowski, assistant travel editor 21 The city also has several beaches including Bondi - arguably the most famous Credit: Alamy Lisbon, Portugal Portugal is spoilt for choice when it comes to seaside cities, but Lisbon is up there among my favourites across the whole of Europe, thanks to its walkability, fantastic food and stunning buildings. Nos Alive, the city's best-loved music festival, regularly features headliners to rival Glastonbury's - this summer, Olivia Rodrigo, Muse and Nine Inch Nails were all on the bill. I went a few summers ago to see Radiohead and spent the days mooching on the beach or filling up on Portuguese grub, before heading to the concert at nighttime. And there was plenty of food to fill up on... my favourites include Pastels De Nata at the Confeitaria Nacional shop at Praça da Figueira and the indoor Time Out Food Market, with food stalls from some of the city's best restaurants. For something a bit fancier, there's the Seen Sky bar at the Hotel Tivoli, which arguably has the best views over the city, with live DJs and Mediterranean sharing plates. Finish that off with some fantastic nightlife in the Barrio Alto, a 15th century warren of streets that come alive in the evenings as locals head for drinks at the many bars. Work off your hangover the following day with a trip to one of the city's many nearby beaches - whether you're looking for picturesque coves like Praia dos Galapinhos or surfing at Praia de Carcavelos, there is something for everyone and many can be reached by train. Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel - Digital 21 Over in Lisbon in Portugal, visitors can enjoy music festivals in the streets Credit: Alamy 21 But also picturesque beaches with hidden coves Credit: Alamy Edinburgh, Scotland Edinburgh is one of my favourite UK cities. Whether it's a chance to catch some of the UK's best comedians at the Edinburgh festival, a foodie break or a Christmas jaunt, the city shows off its best side at all times of year. Among my favourite places to eat are The Wedgwood restaurant, offering fancy food in unpretentious surroundings and Stockbridge Market - a farmer's market selling everything from hot dishes to cakes and cheese. For sampling some of the country's best gins, head to the Edinburgh Gin factory, where you can even create your own custom-made gin in their bespoke lab. If you're looking for a spot of culture, then Edinburgh castle is obviously a must, as is the Real Mary King's Close which takes visitors through the old streets of Edinburgh that haven't changed since the 17th century. And then, the beaches. I always make sure to head out to one of the city's many beaches when I visit - admittedly more for a bracing walk than a paddle and sunbathe. Portobello Beach is a lovely sandy beach with a promenade, where you can buy a size of pizza and a cocktail, and enjoy the view. Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel - Digital 21 Edinburgh is bursting with things to do including visiting a historic castle or even climbing an extinct volcano Credit: Alamy 21 Then there is also Portobello Beach - a lovely sandy beach with a promenade Credit: Alamy Los Angeles, USA Los Angeles is surely the ultimate city by the sea. The infamous sunset over Santa Monica pier and cycle path to Venice Beach are equally as famous as the Hollywood Sign and palm tree-lined Beverly Hills. For me, L.A. is the ideal holiday destination if you want to pretend you've swapped life at home for a super glossy A-List lifestyle. There is so much to do in Los Angeles, absolutely everyone will find something they enjoy. If you love museums and galleries, you may be surprised to discover that Los Angeles has more museums than any other city in the world. From the Grammy Museum to the Getty, you are spoilt for choice. Of course, Hollywood is known for its star-studded history and movie studios. On the Hollywood Walk of Fame, you can follow the stars along the boardwalk, take a behind-the-scenes studio tour at the Warner Bros. 21 Los Angeles is certainly a huge and sprawling city with many famous attractions like the Hollywood Walk of Fame Credit: Alamy Studio and get your thrills on rides and attractions themed around your favourite films at Universal Studios, which is right in the middle of the city. For me, the best thing about Los Angeles is the enviable California lifestyle. Head to West Hollywood for shopping and lunch at Mamie Kitchen. Grab an iced coffee from Or Bar Coffee on Santa Monica BLVD, before heading out to the beach. On Santa Monica beach you can grab a deckchair on the sand, stroll the beach path past the outdoor gym and famous pier, or rent bikes and take on the whole 26-miles from Malibu to Torrance. Just remember you have to come back… I tend to go as far as Abbott Kinney Blvd and stop for boutique and vintage shopping, excellent restaurants like Great White Cafe and atmospheric dive bars by night. At Hinano Cafe, drinks are cheap and you'll rub shoulders with bikers, students, tourists and city guys stopping for a cold beer on the way home. Helen Wright, travel writer 21 Then towards the ocean, you'll find glorious beaches like Santa Monica beach Credit: Alamy Blackpool, UK Blackpool is a stand-out city by the sea for so many reasons. A nation's favourite, this northern beach town has a hearty mix of British seaside history, iconic architecture, lively nightlife and its own waterfront theme park. All of this is perfectly set along a seven-mile-long golden sandy beach. Start the day with pancakes at HIVE café on Church Street, before a little potter around the quirky shops and vintage emporiums. I always take a relaxed ride on a vintage tram along the seafront from the Pleasure Beach to Fleetwood and back. It's like going back in time. If you're looking for a budget day at the beach, grab a spot on the sand and paddle in the gentle water before the tide goes too far out. Those who want to explore a bit more, Blackpool has some iconic buildings, including the Blackpool Tower and Winter Gardens, that celebrate the golden age of Brit beach life. 21 Blackpool has a hearty mix of British seaside history, iconic architecture, lively nightlife and its own waterfront theme park Credit: Alamy The North Pier is the more chilled-out of the two piers on Blackpool seafront. For a more serene day in the 'pool, pick up a £2 Mr Whippy and wander along the pier above the waves. The Central Pier is my favourite, with family attractions, twinkly arcades and a fun ferris wheel. Theme park fans can't miss Blackpool Pleasure beach with its famous roller coasters, The Big One and the Big Dipper. But the best attraction is the Steeplechase, where you can race your mates on mechanical horses. I have been riding this one since I was tall enough to get on. There is no better time to check out Blackpool than during the Blackpool Illuminations festival. The whole city is lit up with a sea of rainbow fairy lights and it's beautiful. Helen Wright, travel writer Very affordable beach city just four hours from the UK WHEN it comes to Agadir, the city is just under four hours from the UK, reports Kara Godfrey, deputy travel editor. As Morocco's largest seaside resort, it has huge stretches of beaches with some popular with surfers. Along with 300 days of sunshine, you can expect high temperatures even in winter, reaching highs of 25C. It is affordable too - a study by Which? last year found Agadir to be one of the cheapest for package holidays. Popular attractions include Souk El Had, one of the largest markets in Africa, as well as the many hammans in the city for an authentic Moroccan spa experience. Seven night, all-inclusive breaks were on sale for as little as £300 at four-star resorts. Otherwise the cheapest flights are with Ryanair, starting from £19.99, or Loveholidays have an all-inclusive week-long break from £299. There is also an overlooked European city that's a better summer holiday alternative with 'bread' saunas and new Ryanair flights. Plus, the UK's 'worst city break destination' is home to the country's cheapest pint.
Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Beautiful UK beach is Spanish resort dupe but locals say this comes at a price
Woolacombe in North Devon is a popular holiday destination for tourists, who flock to the sandy beach in the summer time. But locals say it's a different story in the winter. Woolacombe, located off the A316 in North Devon, isn't the most straightforward destination to reach. It requires careful navigation along narrow, winding country lanes bordered by towering hedges, where oncoming traffic can prove challenging. However, the journey is absolutely worthwhile. The initial panorama that greets you is merely the beginning of this magical experience. The view is simply stunning and stands apart from any other location. Multiple car parks sit at the village's base, with the two most popular ones charging £12 per day. Whilst this may appear costly, they're positioned directly beside the shoreline, reports Devon Live. One pair, Ben and Teagan, currently on holiday in North Devon, believe Woolacombe offers everything visitors could want. "Everything you need is just down the road. Once you've parked, you don't need to leave all day. It's very small roads to get here, I can imagine it can be an issue because of all the traffic," said Ben. The shoreline and surrounding territory at Woolacombe initially belonged to the Chichester family in 1133. Stanley Parkin subsequently acquired Woolacombe alongside its neighbouring village Mortehoe. His son, Ray Parkin, a village native, assumed the chairman role in 1995 and advanced the Parkin Estates company until his death in 2021. Today, substantial investment, both financially and in terms of effort, ensures Woolacombe remains remarkably pristine with thoughtfully designed amenities. The beach, the first in North Devon to be awarded the European Blue Flag, has now been recognised by The Times as one of the UK's top beaches. Lynn and Karl, who travelled from Stafford, commented: "It's just a beautiful beach, you have to travel a long way to find a beach like this." John, a tourist from Berkshire, shared: "This is my first visit, we're staying in North Devon in Ilfracombe. It's a beautiful beach, the north coast is a bit grey on sand, it's nice to see some gold." The beach is divided into two sections, one permitting dogs and the other not. Parkin Estates are making excellent use of the three-mile stretch of beach. "I love how one side of the beach doesn't allow dogs, there's so much space so it makes sense to do that," remarked one holidaymaker. "There's so much room on the beach and so there's space to sit. It's not overwhelming," added Teagan. Woolacombe boasts a variety of amenities including pubs, restaurants and cafes, and plenty of activities such as mini golf. There are also surf hire facilities and very 'tourist style' shops reminiscent of those found in Europe. The single road running through the village contributes to its European vibe. During summer months, Woolacombe gives you that Spanish beach resort sensation, yet when winter arrives, the place becomes remarkably tranquil. Will, an Ilfracombe resident employed at Steve's Surf Hire on the seafront, explained that rainy weather leaves visitors with virtually no activities. "It's not nice when it's raining, no-one comes down except dog walkers who come and have a look but then they just go," said Will. Louise, his colleague at the same establishment, shared this view but noted that residents take advantage of the peaceful atmosphere. "In the winter, it's a ghost town, the majority of pubs shut in the winter too. It's quiet because it's a seaside town. There's just shops, which are closed in the winter," she said. "Locals make use of that, to come in the winter because there's nobody here." A brief stroll from the shoreline leads to a family-run eatery called The Captain's Table. The venue has built its reputation on hearty breakfasts whilst offering an array of seafood-based lunches and evening meals. Patrons can also order sandwiches, burgers, pizzas and jacket potatoes, all sourced locally in Devon. General Manager Nigel expressed his delight in welcoming both tourists and residents to the establishment, highlighting how they witness entire family lineages returning year after year. "We have new customers but also regulars. We get some that only come here for two weeks of the year, but we know them and we quite often know what they'll be having," he said. "We see generations of people coming in. We have grandparents whose parents brought them, they bring their children, who bring their children." Woolacombe beach boasts an excellent reputation for surfing, and its reef break delivers some fantastic waves, catering to both experienced and novice surfers. The beach features numerous surf schools and may have inspired the name of The Surf Takeaway, a mobile food outlet positioned directly on the beach. Paul and Teddy, who launched their business within the past year, commend the beach for its pristine condition and express their desire to serve some of Devon's finest produce. "Parkin Estates keep [the beach] immaculate, it's clean, they look after it which is a big commitment," Teddy said. "People come to Devon because they want a pasty, we have links with local suppliers and we choose the best pasties, they might not be as cheap, but it's what we prefer." A holiday in Woolacombe is enchanting, though several tourists expressed concern about one particular issue. One tourist remarked: "There are seagulls everywhere, they have the tendency to steal food. Another, Maisie, said: "I hate them I do, it literally landed on a kid's head to get his food. I heard someone shouting that their finger was bitten by a seagull! Tourists can hire one of 70 beach huts along the shoreline. Parkin Estates construct a sandbank during the summer months at the rear of the beach where the huts are located. There's a five per cent reduction available for those booking more than seven days, which includes two deckchairs, two patio chairs, a table and windbreak. Their vibrant colours make a striking statement at the rear of the beach. Local residents and workers in Woolacombe describe it as a wonderful place to call home, praising its beauty and declaring "you can't get a better place." Yet, the surge in tourism at Woolacombe is raising concerns amongst some locals. Will explained: "Everything is expensive in Woolacombe, people aren't down for as long as they normally would be. A lot of people are moving out of Woolacombe, rich people move here, live here for a month and then rent their place out to holiday makers." Louise added: "People stay for three or four days instead of for the whole week." Despite these issues, tourists absolutely love Woolacombe and insist it's completely worth any minor hassles. Ellie and Nathan, holidaying from Essex, shared their thoughts: "We're staying in Ilfracombe and came to Woolacombe for the day. The parking is expensive, but totally worth it," Nathan remarked. Ellie chimed in: "It's unlike anywhere else I've been, there's loads of facilities, nice places for lunch. Their youngsters, Jasper and Sam, were absolutely delighted. Jasper exclaimed: "[The beach] is so big, we had a race, and I won!" Sam boasted: "We're going in the sea later, and I'm not even going to wear a wetsuit. ".
