Westward Ho!

Whether you're planning a classic family beach day, learning to surf, exploring the South West Coast Path or simply watching the sun set, Westward Ho! is one of North Devon's most loved coastal destinations. With its expansive sandy beach, lively promenade, friendly cafés and breathtaking sea views, it's easy to see why visitors return year after year.

As the only place in the UK with an exclamation mark in its name, Westward Ho! has a personality all of its own. Named after Charles Kingsley's famous novel, the village has been welcoming holidaymakers since Victorian times and continues to offer everything you could want from a traditional Devon seaside escape.

Discover Westward Ho! Beach

The star attraction is undoubtedly Westward Ho! Beach, a  two-mile stretch of golden sand backed by the unique pebble ridge and overlooking Bideford Bay. At low tide, the beach seems to stretch endlessly, creating plenty of space for families, walkers, sandcastle builders and beach games. The beach is also one of North Devon's favourite surfing destinations, with consistent waves attracting everyone from complete beginners taking their first lesson to experienced surfers chasing the Atlantic swell. During the main holiday season, RNLI lifeguards patrol the beach, making it a popular choice for families looking to enjoy the sea safely. Even if you don't fancy getting your feet wet, it's worth taking a stroll along the promenade, grabbing an ice cream and simply enjoying the fresh sea air and panoramic coastal views.

As with all beaches, always check tide times and sea conditions before entering the water and swim between the lifeguard flags when they are in operation.

Walk Along the Coast

If you enjoy walking, Westward Ho! is an excellent starting point for exploring the South West Coast Path. Head north towards the dramatic cliffs around Abbotsham and Clovelly or walk south towards Northam Burrows and the Taw and Torridge Estuary. Every route offers spectacular sea views, fresh coastal air and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife along the way. Sunsets here are particularly memorable, with the sun dropping into the sea and painting the sky with vibrant colours.

Explore Northam Burrows Country Park

Just behind Westward Ho! Beach lies Northam Burrows Country Park. This unique coastal area forms part of the UNESCO North Devon Biosphere Reserve and is made up of open grassland, sand dunes, saltmarsh and grazing marshes, creating an important habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, wildflowers and migratory birds. A network of easy walking paths makes the Burrows ideal for a leisurely stroll, whether you're looking for panoramic views across Bideford Bay, a peaceful spot for a picnic or somewhere to enjoy nature away from the busy seafront. It's a favourite destination for birdwatchers, photographers and families, with plenty of open space for children to explore and dogs to enjoy year-round walks.

The Burrows are also home to the historic Royal North Devon Golf Club, the oldest golf course in England, where golfers play against a backdrop of spectacular coastal scenery. Whether you're watching the changing tides, spotting wildlife or simply soaking up the fresh sea air, Northam Burrows offers a quieter side to Westward Ho! and is well worth adding to your itinerary.

Visitor Information and Facilities

Westward Ho! has everything you need for a relaxing and enjoyable day by the sea, making it one of the most convenient and family-friendly beach destinations in North Devon. Several large pay-and-display car parks are located just a short walk from the beach, while public toilets, accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are all available close to the seafront. During the main holiday season, RNLI lifeguards patrol the beach, providing added peace of mind for those swimming or surfing.

Along the promenade and throughout the village, you'll find a great selection of cafés, restaurants, traditional pubs, takeaways, beach kiosks, surf schools, equipment hire, gift shops, convenience stores and plenty of places to stop for an ice cream. The level promenade makes it easy to explore with pushchairs, wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and there is a wide choice of nearby accommodation, including hotels, holiday parks, apartments, guest houses and self-catering cottages. If you're visiting during the summer holidays or on a sunny weekend, it's worth arriving early, as parking can fill up quickly on the busiest days.

 

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Dog-Friendly Westward Ho!

Westward Ho! is a fantastic destination for visitors holidaying with their dogs, offering beautiful coastal walks, open spaces and plenty of dog-friendly places to eat, drink and stay. From 1 October to 30 April, dogs are welcome across the entire beach, making it ideal for long walks and playing on the sand. During the summer season, from 1 May to 30 September, dogs are still welcome on the northern section of the beach between Sandymere Bridge and the Taw and Torridge Estuary, while restrictions apply to the main beach closest to the village.

Nearby Northam Burrows Country Park and the South West Coast Path also provide excellent year-round walking routes, making Westward Ho! a great choice for a holiday with your four-legged friend.

 

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