Westward Ho!

Westward Ho! is a delightful seaside village near Bideford in the north of Devon. The name came from a Charles Kingsley book, also titled Westward Ho!, that was a best seller and brought a new wave of tourism to the Bideford area leading to the creation of village. It isn’t just how the village was named that makes it unusual, it is also the only place in the British Isles that features an exclamation mark as part of its name.

Things to know:

  • Great watersports
  • Rudyard Kipling once lived here and there is a popular walking route named after him, Kipling Tor
  • Only place in the UK with ! in the name

Explore Westward Ho!

Westward Ho! Beach

The seafront and the part of the village leading down to the water are part of a Natural Landscape (AONB) which covers the majority of Devon’s north coast.

The Natural Landscape (AONB) includes the beach which is one of a number of Blue Flag rated beaches in this region. During the summer life guards are stationed making it one of the safest in Devon for swimming and water sports.

Watersports in Westward Ho!

Like much of the coastline in this area of Devon, the current makes conditions perfect for a number of water based activities and the village is popular with those that like surfing, as such you’ll find a host of organisations renting equipment and offering lessons in a wide range of sports including paddle boarding and kayaking. There are also a number of businesses based in the village who offer training sessions and tours of the coastline by boat or board, so those of you interested in a sightseeing tour with a difference can really learn more about this fascinating village from the water.

Having gained popularity in Victorian times, Westward Ho! has maintained much of the traditional seaside facilities of that era. Attractions include a tidal lido as well as arcades which have been updated and renovated to keep up with the times. Another popular attraction in the town is the Go-Kart Track. The village is an ideal spot for anyone wanting to get back to nature as it is surrounded by the beauty of the natural world including cliffs, fields and an estuary.

Dog friendly Westward Ho!

Westward Ho! is one of the most welcoming places in the south west when it comes to dogs. Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round, with restrictions in place during the summer. Signs around the beach provide handy maps so dog owners will know where they can go and alternative routes for those exploring with their dogs on foot.

 

Frequently Asked Questions