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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
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
Why does Westward Ho! have an exclamation mark at the end?
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.
As well as gaining popularity thanks to a book, Westward Ho! is also mentioned in a song by Half Man Half Biscuit reminiscing about holidaying in the town and is also included in a set of short stories by Rudyard Kipling. The poet and author, best known for the Jungle Book, grew up in Westward Ho! attending school there, his collection of stories, Stalky and Co, is based on his experiences while at school in the village, to commemorate this, you’ll find the first stanza of his poem, If, set into the pavement on the promenade.
Dogs are allowed on any part of the beach between 1st October and 30 April. However, during the summer months, there are restrictions on which parts of the beach dogs are allowed on. They can visit the north end of the beach throughout the year, but please pay attention to the signs which are up around the beach. You can find a map detailing the dog friendly sections on the website below.
You can swim in the sea at Westward Ho!, it is known for its safety, though please do take note of any flags or notices and swim only swim between the flags.
Westward Ho! Beach has been awarded the blue flag status for the last 15 years, Blue Flags are only awarded to beaches that pass a strict criteria, so you know it is a safe beach to visit. During the holiday season, the beach has lifeguards covering both ends.
