Westward Ho! is a seaside village on the north Devon coast, located west of Bideford and facing the Bristol Channel. It was developed in the nineteenth century as a planned resort and takes its name from a novel by Charles Kingsley. The village is centred around a long sandy beach and has a more modern layout than traditional fishing settlements.
About Westward Ho!
The village is arranged along a seafront promenade, with a grid-like layout of streets extending inland. The centre includes shops, cafes, accommodation and basic services, most of which are located close to the beach. There is no harbour, and the focus is entirely on the open coastline and beach access.
Westward Ho! is known for its wide sandy beach and the distinctive pebble ridge that runs along the back of the shoreline. Behind this lies Northam Burrows Country Park, an open coastal landscape of grassland and dunes. Nearby areas include Appledore to the east, located on the estuary, and Bideford further inland, which provides additional facilities and transport links.
Beaches in Westward Ho!
The area is defined by a large open beach, with additional coastal sections nearby offering varied conditions.
Westward Ho! Beach – Long sandy beach backed by a pebble ridge, exposed to Atlantic swell, widely used for surfing, walking and general use.
Northam Burrows Shore – Mixed sand and grassland coastal area, flat and open, suitable for walking and wildlife observation rather than swimming.
Greysands Beach – Small sandy and rocky beach towards Northam Burrows, quieter and more exposed, with limited facilities and access.
Instow Beach – Sandy estuary beach across the Torridge, sheltered from waves, suitable for families and calmer water activities.
Things to Do in Westward Ho!
The village is centred on beach use, coastal walking and access to open coastal landscapes.
Surfing at Westward Ho! – Consistent wave conditions make this a popular surf location, with schools and equipment hire available locally.
Northam Burrows Country Park – Large open area behind the beach, used for walking, birdwatching and access to the coastal environment.
South West Coast Path – Walking route passing through the village, linking to Appledore, Clovelly and other coastal locations.
Royal North Devon Golf Club – Historic links golf course adjacent to the beach, known for its open setting and coastal conditions.
Pebble Ridge Walk – Distinctive ridge behind the beach, forming a natural barrier and providing an elevated walking route.
Visiting Westward Ho!
Westward Ho! is accessed via local roads from Bideford, which connects to the A39. Parking is available in several car parks near the seafront, though these can fill quickly during peak periods. The road layout is straightforward compared to older villages, with easier vehicle access.
Facilities include accommodation, shops, cafes and surf-related services, mainly concentrated along the seafront. The village is relatively flat, making it easier to explore on foot than steeper coastal locations.
The best time to visit is between late spring and early autumn, when conditions are suitable for beach activities. During summer, the beach and car parks can become busy, particularly during school holidays. The exposed coastline can result in strong winds and surf conditions, which may limit some activities.