Alchemist Spa - Woolacombe Bay Hotel

Alchemist Spa - Woolacombe Bay Hotel frequently asked questions

Who owns Alchemist Spa - Woolacombe Bay Hotel?

The Alchemist Spa at the Woolacombe Bay Hotel is owned by the Lancaster family, who have owned the hotel for multiple generations, with hotel MD Sally Lancaster overseeing the spa's refurbishment and vision.

How do you get to Woolacombe Bay Hotel?

If you're driving, from Junction 27 on M5 take the third exit and follow signs for A361 to Barnstaple. Follow the signs for Ilfracombe. Take the dual carriageway to Braunton (note 50mph speed limit). Stay on A361 to Mullacott Cross roundabout, take the first exit and follow signs to Woolacombe. When you approach the 20mph speed limit into Woolacombe, take the first left and the hotel is directly in front of you.

They have a private car park, and beachside parking is included when you stay with us at the hotel. They have an EV charger with two charging points located at the bottom of our car park. It is a Project EV charger which is operated via the ‘Project EV Pro’ app.

Trains run from the Midlands, Bristol and London Paddington to Tiverton Parkway, which is approximately one hour away. Taxi by prior arrangement.

The hotel is a two-hour taxi ride from Bristol Airport. One hour and 30 mins from Exeter. Taxi available by prior arrangement.

What is included in a spa day at Alchemist Spa - Woolacombe Bay Hotel?

What is included in a spa day depends on the experience that you book. Facilities include a SALT gym, a Bay Lido outdoor pool in the summer months, tennis courts, a thermal suite including a sauna, steam room and hot tub, and a heated pool. There are four treatment rooms, where treatments use TEMPLESPA products.

What is near the Alchemist Spa - Woolacombe Bay Hotel?

Alchemist Spa - Woolacombe Bay Hotel is in an ideal location for combining pampering with local exploration. Nearby attractions include:

• Woolacombe Beach
• Barricane Beach
• Watermouth Castle
• Ilfracombe Aquarium
• Arlington Court
• Ilfracombe
• South West Coast Path

When was Alchemist Spa - Woolacombe Bay Hotel built?

The Woolacombe Bay Hotel was built in the late 1880s, specifically around 1887, and was initially known as the "Shakespeare Hotel" before being renamed, with many Victorian features still present today.

What amenities does Alchemist Spa - Woolacombe Bay Hotel have?

A four-star family-owned hotel, Woolacombe Bay Hotel is about 200 yards from the beach overlooking Woolacombe Bay, and it has 62 rooms and suites. Doyle's is the place for breakfast, unless you prefer to have it in your room, while the Bay Brasserie is open from mid-morning for lunch, afternoon tea and an à la carte menu in the evening. There are children's menus available throughout the day.

Facilities include a SALT gym, a Bay Lido outdoor pool in the summer months, tennis courts, a thermal suite including a sauna, steam room and hot tub, and a heated pool. There are four treatment rooms, where treatments use TEMPLESPA products.

Accessible facilities include:

• For assistance prior to arrival please contact the reservations team on 01271 870388
• There are 11 lift level bedrooms, two of which are more suitable for guests using a wheelchair with a large unobstructed floor area beside the bed
• Signs are available to hang on your bedroom door requesting help in the event of the need for evacuation
• All bedrooms are en-suite
• Some bedrooms have walk in showers but the majority have a bath with a shower over the top
• Most bathrooms are equipped with grab rails, suction grab rails can be attached on request
• All bathrooms have ‘non slip’ floor tiles
• The bedrooms, which are situated on three floors, can be accessed by a lift or stairs
• Two lifts have automatic doors and carpeted floors and can comfortably accommodate a wheel chair and escort (door width 80cm, floor space 115cm square, height 230cm) and have tactile buttons. The button to operate the alarm is the first one down.
• Disabled toilets with baby changing facilities are located in the main reception area via a short, carpeted corridor and via the southern entrance.
• Ladies toilets are first on the right, gentlemen's second on the right, both with tactile signage and braille on doors – 80cm wide – opening inwards.
• Doyles restaurant is accessed from the main reception area with four steps to negotiate – 125cm wide x 13cm high x 30cm deep – hand rail to either side. A ramp can be secured here for wheelchairs, please ask if required
• The Bay Brasserie has level access from outside and also from the main reception area
• Leisure facilities are accessed via the southern entrance at the far end of the hotel car park. They have an accessible gender neutral toilet.
• There is a 30 seat cinema with accessibility for two wheelchairs

What are the food and drink options at Alchemist Spa - Woolacombe Bay Hotel?

Doyle's is the place for breakfast, unless you prefer to have it in your room, while the Bay Brasserie is open from mid-morning for lunch, afternoon tea and an à la carte menu in the evening. There are children's menus available throughout the day.

How many treatment rooms are there at Alchemist Spa - Woolacombe Bay Hotel?

There are four treatment rooms, where treatments use TEMPLESPA products.

What time is check in/check out?

Check-in time is 4pm and check-out is 11am. Spa opening hours are 10am to 7pm. It is suggested you check your specific arrival times however for your spa break, as well as any changes for bank holidays.