Location
Westward Ho! is the only place name in Britain with an exclamation mark, and a proper reason to shout about it.
Beach, Burrows, and the Tarka Trail: All On Foot
Waves & Walkways is around a 17-minute walk from Westward Ho! beach and the famous Pebble Ridge, with the Tarka Trail's flat, traffic-free path the same short walk or cycle away.
Surfers and bodyboarders love the beach breaks here, families love the huge stretch of sand at low tide, and walkers and cyclists can follow the Tarka Trail for miles along the old railway line toward Bideford and Barnstaple.
Make the most of North Devon
A quick taste below, or read our fuller guide to things to do in Westward Ho!.
Westward Ho! & Pebble Ridge
A huge Blue Flag beach with reliable surf breaks, rock pools, and the two-mile natural Pebble Ridge sea defence to walk along.
The Tarka Trail
One of the UK's longest continuous traffic-free paths, perfect for an easy family cycle or a longer ride toward Bideford and Barnstaple. See our cycling guide for bike hire and our favourite route.
Northam Burrows Country Park
Wide open dunes and grassland between the village and the beach, great for dog walks, kite flying, and watching the sunset over the Skern.
Surfing
Board hire and lessons are available right on the beach (see our surfing guide), and there are mountain-biking trails inland too if you fancy swapping sand for singletrack.
Bideford & Appledore
Two charming harbour towns nearby, both an easy drive or Tarka Trail cycle away, with independent shops, cafes, and fish and chips by the water.
Shops & cafes
Westward Ho! village has everything for day-to-day essentials: a Tesco Express, Spar and Londis, plus cafes, pubs, and takeaways all within easy reach. Larger supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Aldi, Lidl) are a short drive away in Bideford or Barnstaple.
Free parking near the beach & village
There's plenty of free on-street parking right by the house for extra cars. This guide is for the beach and village end instead, about a 17-minute walk away, handy if you'd rather drive down than walk. See also our dedicated guide to free parking in Westward Ho!.
Northam Burrows car park
Free if you arrive before the attendant starts in the morning or after they finish for the day, otherwise there's a small charge.
Near Seafield House
A free car park right at the end near Seafield House, plus free parking all along the road leading up to it.
Near North Devon Surf School
Free parking around Golf Links Road, near North Devon Surf School.
Nelson Road
Free 20 and 30 minute bays further up Nelson Road, ideal for picking something up quickly from Bessys Bakery.
Parking is informal and can change, so treat this as a helpful starting point rather than a guarantee.
A few local favourites
All within easy reach in Westward Ho! village.
The Pier House
Beautiful views over the bay. Booking recommended, though there are first-come, first-served tables in the bar area.
Fairway Buoy Pub
Overlooks the beach and serves cakes and drinks. In summer there's an outdoor pizza place too.
More beaches worth the drive
North Devon and its coastline reward a little exploring.
Pepercombe Beach
A peaceful pebble cove tucked beneath dramatic cliffs, with a charming waterfall and an old lime kiln just above the beach.
Instow Beach
Golden sand and gentle waters looking across the estuary to Appledore, great for families.
Croyde Beach
Famous for powerful waves and some of the best surf conditions in North Devon.
Saunton Sands
Expansive golden sands backed by dunes, with views over the Braunton Burrows Nature Reserve.
Woolacombe Beach
One of North Devon's most popular beaches, a vast sandy expanse with clear blue water.
Clovelly
A small pebble-and-sand beach at the foot of the impossibly picturesque, steep, cobbled village of Clovelly.
Westward Ho!, North Devon
This shows the general area rather than our exact address. Full directions and door access details are sent once your booking is confirmed. Open in Google Maps →
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