Explore Westward Ho! with this guide to the top 10 experiences from the beach, coastal walking, art and craft, swimming, cycling and the best places to eat!
If you are looking to spend time in North Devon then put Westward Ho! on your list for a day out. Even better, use it as your base for a few days, given its excellent location, miles of sandy beach, coastal walking from the doorstep and plenty of high quality and varied places to eat and drink. Nestled on the North Devon coast, Westward Ho! delivers on all you need for a short break. Plus it has such a and quirky name! Westward Ho! is the only place in Britain to have been named after a book (an adventure novel by Charles Kingsley) and the only town in Britain whose name ends with an exclamation mark.
This guide to the top 10 things to do in Westward Ho! will cover:
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Why Westward Ho! is great for a stay on the North Devon coast
Westward Ho! is small but mighty when it comes to offering all that you need for a day out or short break. It’s main draw is the miles of open sand, backed by the open land of Northam Burrows. Add the South West Coast Path, clifftop walks, and easy access to the rest of North Devon, Westward Ho! has more than enough to keep you entertained. However, what adds to the draw of Westward Ho! is the relaxed atmosphere and plentiful restaurants, bars and cafes, none of which take over from the immense coastal views.
How to get to Westward Ho!
Westward Ho! is most easily reached by car. It is an hour or so off the M5 from the north or south and the A361 has recently undergone significant improvements to aid flow of traffic.
By train, the closest station is Barnstaple, a 20 minute taxi or 45 minute bus ride from Westward Ho! Barnstaple trains connect to Exeter which is on the Plymouth/Penzance, Bristol or London lines.
Where to stay in Westward Ho!
Westward Ho! is a perfect place to stay for a few nights as it has so much on offer! Most people that stay in Westward Ho! will stay in a self-catering apartment as there are very few hotel options. Wherever you stay my recommendation would be to make sure it maximises the view and/or proximity to the beach and amenities.
Ocean Serenity, Horizon View – we are lucky enough to own this beautiful apartment which is right on the seafront in Westward Ho! There are lots of other apartments let out in the block too and other, similar apartments around the village. But this gives you a taste for what is possible – and of course we’d love you to stay!
The Waterfront Inn – this is the only ‘hotel’ type option in the village of Westward Ho! The rooms and service are well reviewed as well as the hearty breakfast. Despite the name, the Waterfront Inn isn’t directly on the waterfront but you can see the sea.
My top 10 things to do on a short break in Westward Ho!
1. Explore the expanse of the blue flag beach
Westward Ho! beach is one of the largest sandy beaches in North Devon. It is a Blue Flag beach and is patrolled by RNLI lifeguards in the summer – see RNLI pages for more info on dates and times. The beach stretches for two miles until you reach the estuary of the Taw and Torridge rivers but the view goes on much further, right the way up to Saunton Sands. As well as the vast expanse of sand there is also a huge area of rockpools perfect for exploring. There are the remains of three shipwrecks on the beach which can sometimes be seen at very low tides.
There is plenty to do if you are after adventure including surfing, kite surfing, windsurfing, stand up paddle boarding (SUP) and land yachting. The North Devon Surf School runs surfing lessons and hires surf boards, body boards and wetsuits. Their lessons book up quickly and can be sold out during peak times. For other activities you will need to bring your own equipment and use the ‘watersports’ zone of the beach which is up towards the estuary and away from the crowds of the village. You can park at Sandymere, approx. two thirds of the way along the beach, accessed via one of the vehicle entry points to the Northam Burrows.
Top Tips for visiting Westward Ho! beach
Be aware of the tide times – when the tide is in there is no beach left and it can come in quite quickly – particularly over the rockpools.
There are public toilets close to the slipway and also in the village behind the green.
2. Go for a swim and a sauna
For a protected space for a sea swim try the ‘rock pool’ – Westward Ho!’s outdoor, salt water sea pool built into the rockpools. It is very popular, even during the winter, and you can maximise the benefit (or simply just warm up!) in the woodfired Nordic sauna.
3. Indulge in local art and craft
Westward Ho! is home to a small art shop/gallery and craft collective which also runs workshops. There are also beautiful, tasteful gift shops such as Everything Westward where you can buy local artwork, photographs, cards, jewellery etc.
4. Eat some ice cream!
With their factory based just a mile or so away in Appledore, Hockings Ice Cream is the most local ice cream that you can get! There are two of the distinctive yellow and red Hockings vans based in Westward Ho! come rain or shine throughout the summer season from March ‘til October – one traditional van on the front by the green and the only Hockings flavour van by the slipway.
5. Visit the Northam Burrows and visitor centre
The Northam Burrows Country Park backs onto the beach. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest with salt marsh, sand dunes and grasslands where friendly ponies and sheep graze freely. The Burrows Visitor Centre is about two thirds of the way along the beach, behind the pebble ridge. It is a brilliant little visitor centre, toilet facilities, a small souvenir shop and ranger services. Information about walks, trails and an audio trail can be found on the website. Refreshments are available at the Pebbleridge Kitchen next to the Visitor Centre.
6. Play golf
The Royal North Devon Golf Club is located in the Northam Burrows Country Park and is the oldest links course in England and has the oldest ladies club in the world. Information about playing as a visitor can be found on their website.
7. Go Fishing
Fishing, particularly for bass, is possible from the beach and there are also sea fishing boat trips available from Appledore Quay.
8. Walk the South West Coast Path
The South West coast path runs along the Westward Ho! promenade and through the village. If you are relatively fit it’s possible to walk to Appledore or along the coast to Clovelly (12 miles).
9. Cycle the Tarka Trail
The Tarka Trail is a 180 mile figure of eight walking and cycling trail centred around Barnstaple and follows the route travelled by Tarka the Otter in the famous novel by Henry Williamson. The trail runs through Bideford and so it is technically possible to cycle to Bideford and beyond from Westward Ho! (although it’s some climb up out of Westward Ho! on a bike!). Once on the trail at Bideford you have miles of smooth, traffic-free tarmac in both directions. There is bicycle hire available in Bideford.
10. Go out for a bite to eat in one of the many high quality eateries
For a small village Westward Ho! is also awash with places to eat with plenty of bars and restaurants. Here are just some that are particularly local and/or we’ve tried and tested! The village also has plenty of coffee shop options.
Where to eat in Westward Ho!
Atlantic Bay Fish and Chips – excellent fish and chips next to the green. There is a ‘click and collect’ option available via their website which can save on queueing.
Pig and Olive Pizza – amazingly tasty and very different pizzas available to eat in, takeaway or to get delivered. You can order online or via their app.
Drift Restaurant – a family run restaurant which serves great British and Italian food.
Morans – a family run bar and restaurant specialising in Thai cuisine and traditional English dishes. Alongside an extensive wine list they also specialise in cocktails. Food also available to takeaway.
Country Cousins – tucked away just up the road from the slipway, Country Cousins is a good old fashioned carvery which excels in wonderful roast dinners (including good vegetarian options) and a fabulous dessert trolley for afters.
The Pier House – located along the promenade to the South, Pier House has a large outdoor terrace and indoor seating with amazing views. They serve tea, coffee and cake in the morning, lunch and dinner including a Sunday carvery.
The Guillemot – located on the green with spectacular views, the Guillemot serves family favourites and has a large garden where there is often live music.
The Village Inn – set back away from the beach up Youngerton Road this is the only traditional pub in Westward Ho!
Explore more of North Devon
The small island of Lundy is visible from Westward Ho! and during the summer season boat trips run out to the island from Barnstaple or Bideford. Check out my guide to 6 ways to spend a day on Lundy Island and 8 important things to know before you go.
See my North Devon itinerary which covers my recommended key attractions and places of interest in North Devon (coming soon).