Kam's Guidebook
Westward Ho! Beach
Fabulous 2 miles of golden sands. Great walks. Fabulous sun sets! Plenty of space for all.
Not only is Westward Ho! the only town in the UK to have an exclamation mark as part of its name, but it was also named after a book. The name comes from Charles Kingsley’s book of the same name, which was a best seller and brought a new wave of tourism to his home town of Bideford, which led to the creation of Westward Ho! in the surrounding area.
Aside from the peculiarities about how it got its name, Westward Ho! is famous for being a delightful village by the sea. The seafront is one of North Devon’s most popular surfing and swimming spots, as it combines a large expanse of sand with pebbles, grasslands and a diverse beachscape making it perfect for families, sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts alike. Whether you want to spend the day relaxing or having a picnic, there are flat areas, while those that want to do a spot of rockpooling will love the rockier areas and those that love swimming and surfing will find the perfect environment for catching the waves.
Beautiful Blue-Flag beach
The seafront, like most of the coast in this part of Devon, falls into the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and offers stunning views as well as being a safe, family friendly place to spend a few hours. The beach is one of a number of sites that has been awarded a Blue Flag in the county. These awards are given to beaches that reach a certain criteria when it comes to cleanliness among other things, so you know that a visit to Westward Ho! will be a great beach experience.
In the summer months, there are life guards stationed along much of the coastline making it one of the safest places for swimming and getting out on the beach.
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Westward Ho!
Not only is Westward Ho! the only town in the UK to have an exclamation mark as part of its name, but it was also named after a book. The name comes from Charles Kingsley’s book of the same name, which was a best seller and brought a new wave of tourism to his home town of Bideford, which led to the creation of Westward Ho! in the surrounding area.
Aside from the peculiarities about how it got its name, Westward Ho! is famous for being a delightful village by the sea. The seafront is one of North Devon’s most popular surfing and swimming spots, as it combines a large expanse of sand with pebbles, grasslands and a diverse beachscape making it perfect for families, sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts alike. Whether you want to spend the day relaxing or having a picnic, there are flat areas, while those that want to do a spot of rockpooling will love the rockier areas and those that love swimming and surfing will find the perfect environment for catching the waves.
Beautiful Blue-Flag beach
The seafront, like most of the coast in this part of Devon, falls into the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and offers stunning views as well as being a safe, family friendly place to spend a few hours. The beach is one of a number of sites that has been awarded a Blue Flag in the county. These awards are given to beaches that reach a certain criteria when it comes to cleanliness among other things, so you know that a visit to Westward Ho! will be a great beach experience.
In the summer months, there are life guards stationed along much of the coastline making it one of the safest places for swimming and getting out on the beach.
The Oldest Course in England
Royal North Devon at Westward Ho! can rightly claim to be the cradle of English Golf. Founded in 1864, it is the oldest golf course in the country and is regarded as the St Andrews of the South. The golf course is as tough as any of the UK’s more famous links layouts and has recently been placed in Golf World 's "Top 100 Courses in the World" that a golfer “must play”.
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Royal North Devon Golf Club
Golf Links RoadThe Oldest Course in England
Royal North Devon at Westward Ho! can rightly claim to be the cradle of English Golf. Founded in 1864, it is the oldest golf course in the country and is regarded as the St Andrews of the South. The golf course is as tough as any of the UK’s more famous links layouts and has recently been placed in Golf World 's "Top 100 Courses in the World" that a golfer “must play”.
Please note the Pebbleridge adventure park is only open in the summer months.
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Pebble Ridge Adventure Golf and Go Karts
West Coast PathPlease note the Pebbleridge adventure park is only open in the summer months.
Northam Burrows Country Park
Sandymere RoadSurfing
Westward Ho! beach is just over two miles long at low water, it has very few rip tides or under water beach obstructions, it's one of the safest beaches in Devon.
It's a sandy beach break with the East winds blowing off shore. It picks up swell from the South West to North West although South West swell is best here. The beach can be surfed at all states of the tide, at high water the wave breaks onto a pebble ridge. This pebble ridge can make getting out of the sea very tricky but only on a spring tide. Beginners are best to avoid 2.5 hours each side of High Water for safety. The photo below shows Westward Ho! beach at High Water.
We find low water to be best for the shape of the wave where some really nice wave shoulders can be found. Without rip tides to help you out the paddle can be interesting some days!
Westward Ho!
Your local Surf School Sup academy pre book online
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Surf SUP Academy - Westward Ho! North Devon
Your local Surf School Sup academy pre book online
Sightseeing
Appledore
Appledore is famed for its maritime heritage and renowned for its shipbuilding history. Appledore sits on the rugged North Devon coast, three miles north of Bideford. Along the village's quaint, narrow streets, you'll discover Elizabethan fishing cottages and a handful of excellent pubs, cafes and art galleries. Appledore is a 10 minute drive from Westward Ho! and Cottages.
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Appledore
Appledore is famed for its maritime heritage and renowned for its shipbuilding history. Appledore sits on the rugged North Devon coast, three miles north of Bideford. Along the village's quaint, narrow streets, you'll discover Elizabethan fishing cottages and a handful of excellent pubs, cafes and art galleries. Appledore is a 10 minute drive from Westward Ho! and Cottages.
Clovelly, North Devon. Welcome to a different world!
The picturesque, ancient, fishing village of Clovelly is uniquely special and was once owned by the Queen of England. From Elizabethan days until today, Clovelly has been in private ownership, which has helped preserve its original atmosphere.
Clinging to a 400 foot cliff, it has no vehicular traffic, just donkeys and sledges. Its steep, cobbled street tumbles its way down to the ancient fishing harbour and C14th quay. It is a descent through flower-strewn cottages broken only by little passageways and winding lanes that lead off to offer the prospect of further picturesque
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Clovelly
Clovelly, North Devon. Welcome to a different world!
The picturesque, ancient, fishing village of Clovelly is uniquely special and was once owned by the Queen of England. From Elizabethan days until today, Clovelly has been in private ownership, which has helped preserve its original atmosphere.
Clinging to a 400 foot cliff, it has no vehicular traffic, just donkeys and sledges. Its steep, cobbled street tumbles its way down to the ancient fishing harbour and C14th quay. It is a descent through flower-strewn cottages broken only by little passageways and winding lanes that lead off to offer the prospect of further picturesque
The spectacular cliffs at Hartland Quay with their incredibly contorted rock layers are always worth a visit and at low tide there is plenty of sand, rock pools and rocks to scramble over. In wild weather it is the perfect place to appreciate the power of the sea and wind as the waves crash against the cliffs and shore.
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Hartland Quay
The spectacular cliffs at Hartland Quay with their incredibly contorted rock layers are always worth a visit and at low tide there is plenty of sand, rock pools and rocks to scramble over. In wild weather it is the perfect place to appreciate the power of the sea and wind as the waves crash against the cliffs and shore.
Most day visitors travel on Lundy’s own ferry and supply ship, the graceful German-built MS Oldenburg, which is an experience in its own right. Built in 1958 the vessel retains many of her original brass and wooden fittings providing comfortable heated saloons, a bar, buffet, a gift shop and an information desk. In fine weather there is plenty of space on deck, and if you are lucky you may be treated to the company of a playful pod of dolphins who often delight in following the ship.
The ships sails at least three times a week from either Bideford or Ilfracombe and the crossing takes about 2 hours each way, allowing between 4 and 6 hours to explore the island depending on the day you choose to travel.
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Lundy Island Harbour
Bideford - Lundy IslandMost day visitors travel on Lundy’s own ferry and supply ship, the graceful German-built MS Oldenburg, which is an experience in its own right. Built in 1958 the vessel retains many of her original brass and wooden fittings providing comfortable heated saloons, a bar, buffet, a gift shop and an information desk. In fine weather there is plenty of space on deck, and if you are lucky you may be treated to the company of a playful pod of dolphins who often delight in following the ship.
The ships sails at least three times a week from either Bideford or Ilfracombe and the crossing takes about 2 hours each way, allowing between 4 and 6 hours to explore the island depending on the day you choose to travel.
A key component of North Devon's golden coast, Saunton Sands is a long straight sandy beach backed by the impressive Braunton Burrows a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This is a popular beach with surfers and families due to the long stretch of water perfect for swimmers and surfers and it is much more suited to beginners and intermediate surfers than the northern Croyde Bay. Robbie Williams is a fan of Saunton Sands using it for his Angels video.
There are a range of food outlets toilets and beach shops easy disabled access. Saunton is currently the only beach in North Devon to have a Landeez all terrain wheelchair. This wheelchair allows
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Saunton Sands
A key component of North Devon's golden coast, Saunton Sands is a long straight sandy beach backed by the impressive Braunton Burrows a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This is a popular beach with surfers and families due to the long stretch of water perfect for swimmers and surfers and it is much more suited to beginners and intermediate surfers than the northern Croyde Bay. Robbie Williams is a fan of Saunton Sands using it for his Angels video.
There are a range of food outlets toilets and beach shops easy disabled access. Saunton is currently the only beach in North Devon to have a Landeez all terrain wheelchair. This wheelchair allows
Woolacombe
It’s probably the most popular thing to do when visiting Lynton & Lynmouth. The Cliff Railway is an incredible feat of Victorian engineering built in 1888 and joins the two towns of Lynton & Lynmouth. It rises over 500 ft (152 m) along 862 ft (262 m) of track making the Cliff Railway the highest and steepest fully water-powered railway in the world.
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Lynmouth
It’s probably the most popular thing to do when visiting Lynton & Lynmouth. The Cliff Railway is an incredible feat of Victorian engineering built in 1888 and joins the two towns of Lynton & Lynmouth. It rises over 500 ft (152 m) along 862 ft (262 m) of track making the Cliff Railway the highest and steepest fully water-powered railway in the world.
Fabulous for younger families/children. Depending on time of year they always have something on, as for Easter they usually do a egg hunt and Halloween etc... Please look on their website for further information.
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The Big Sheep.
Abbotsham RoadFabulous for younger families/children. Depending on time of year they always have something on, as for Easter they usually do a egg hunt and Halloween etc... Please look on their website for further information.
The Milky Way Adventure Park
Top 10 reasons to visit the Eden Project:
1. The world's largest rainforest in captivity with steamy jungles and waterfalls
2. Cutting-edge architecture and buildings
3. Thirty acres of stunning outdoor garden displays
4. World-class sculpture and art
5. Educational centre and demonstrations to inspire all ages
6. Delicious locally sourced, freshly prepared food in the cafés
7. A rainforest canopy walkway that takes you above the treetops
8. Fantastically fun play equipment for kids
9. A living example of regeneration and sustainable living
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Eden Project
Top 10 reasons to visit the Eden Project:
1. The world's largest rainforest in captivity with steamy jungles and waterfalls
2. Cutting-edge architecture and buildings
3. Thirty acres of stunning outdoor garden displays
4. World-class sculpture and art
5. Educational centre and demonstrations to inspire all ages
6. Delicious locally sourced, freshly prepared food in the cafés
7. A rainforest canopy walkway that takes you above the treetops
8. Fantastically fun play equipment for kids
9. A living example of regeneration and sustainable living
There are good rock pools at either end of the beach several public footpaths around the village and in particular walks to Baggy Point which offer spectacular views. With dogs allowed October to April activities such as swimming surfing fishing and surfboard/canoe, coasteering (book in advance ) hire all available and a range of food outlets, toilets, shops, a slipway and beach car park with disabled parking Croyde is the perfect holiday destination.
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Croyde
There are good rock pools at either end of the beach several public footpaths around the village and in particular walks to Baggy Point which offer spectacular views. With dogs allowed October to April activities such as swimming surfing fishing and surfboard/canoe, coasteering (book in advance ) hire all available and a range of food outlets, toilets, shops, a slipway and beach car park with disabled parking Croyde is the perfect holiday destination.
Tintagel
Now a much-visited English Heritage visitor location with a new suspension bridge, this is the site of King Arthur’s conception and birth. In Arthurian legend, Tintagel was the seat of Gorlois, Duke of Cornwall. In this seacliff stronghold he tried to hide his fair wife Ygraine from the passions of King Uther Pendragon. It didn’t work: one stormy night Merlin helped disguise Uther as Gorlois, and he gained entry to the castle.
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Tintagel
Tintagel
Now a much-visited English Heritage visitor location with a new suspension bridge, this is the site of King Arthur’s conception and birth. In Arthurian legend, Tintagel was the seat of Gorlois, Duke of Cornwall. In this seacliff stronghold he tried to hide his fair wife Ygraine from the passions of King Uther Pendragon. It didn’t work: one stormy night Merlin helped disguise Uther as Gorlois, and he gained entry to the castle.
Bideford Pottery
RopewalkIlfracombe SeaSafari
11 The QuayDartmoor National Park, Drake's Trail Cycle Path
Rosemoor RHS Gardens station
Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park
Great for young families
Fabulous day out with the children. There is a CAFE on site however, I always like to take a picnic.
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Exmoor Zoo
Fabulous day out with the children. There is a CAFE on site however, I always like to take a picnic.
lynmouth is a quaint little seaside village, with lovely walk along the coast and rivers.
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Lynmouth
lynmouth is a quaint little seaside village, with lovely walk along the coast and rivers.
Eden Project
Ilfracombe Beach
Restaurants we recommend
Book this restaurant in advance, this is my favourite restaurant locally.
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The Royal George
Irsha StreetBook this restaurant in advance, this is my favourite restaurant locally.
Fabulous Thai restaurant highly recommended. No children after 6 pm.
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Morans Restaurant & Bar
Golf Links RoadFabulous Thai restaurant highly recommended. No children after 6 pm.
Pier House Wedding Venue North Devon
Merley RoadThe rock pool café is a great place to have breakfast, and lunches. As well as tea/coffee and cakes.
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Rock Pool Café
2 Golf Links RdThe rock pool café is a great place to have breakfast, and lunches. As well as tea/coffee and cakes.
Tea On The Green
Golf Links RoadFabulous cakes and light lunches
Atlantic Bay
Golf Links RoadCountry Cousins
3 Westbourne TerraceFabulous Carveries! Bookings are done via their website
We highly recommend this fabulous five star restaurants with amazing reviews. Please book well in advance as it is very difficult to get a booking at short notice in this fabulous restaurant.
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Memories Restaurant
8 Fore StWe highly recommend this fabulous five star restaurants with amazing reviews. Please book well in advance as it is very difficult to get a booking at short notice in this fabulous restaurant.
Pig and Olive, Westward Ho!
1 Pebbleridge RdFabulous stone base pizzas
The Boathouse, Instow
Marine ParadeFantastic stay in base pizzas. There is seating inside and outside across the road overlooking Appledore quay.
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Flame Factory
9 The QuayFantastic stay in base pizzas. There is seating inside and outside across the road overlooking Appledore quay.
The Waterfront Inn
Golf Links RoadThe Drift Restaurant
Golf Links RoadThe Thatched Inn
Hillsborough RoadThe Small Bar
32 Nelson RdThe smallest bar with the most fabulous cocktails. Please note no food.
Highly recommended!! Please note this is only open in the summer.
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The Pig On The Hill
Pusehill RoadHighly recommended!! Please note this is only open in the summer.
Pebbleridge Kitchen
Pebble ridge kitchen is the duster company of The Royal George.
Pig on the Hill Ltd
Takeaways we recommend
You can book in advance with Atlantic Bay fish and chip shop they have an app called Atlantic Bay.
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Atlantic Bay
Golf Links RoadYou can book in advance with Atlantic Bay fish and chip shop they have an app called Atlantic Bay.
Sagor Tandoori Bideford
22 Chingswell St
Yumee
1 The Pill RdDomino's Pizza - Bideford
Atlantic Park WayFireaway pizza bideford
25-26 Mill StreetMr Ho Chinese Takeaway
14 The QuayThis is the Chinese I highly recommend
Neighbourhoods
Westward Ho!
Appledore
Instow
Sports adventures
Skern Lodge Outdoor Activity Centre
North Devon Wake Park
Surf lessons and paddle boarding
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Surf SUP Academy - Westward Ho! North Devon
Surf lessons and paddle boarding
A fabulous roller skating arena. Run by very kind staff. I’ve always wanted to roller skate, yes at 44 years old I did it. I wore all the safety gear which they provided too. I had a fabulous time.
Outside In Rollerdome
47 Upcott AveA fabulous roller skating arena. Run by very kind staff. I’ve always wanted to roller skate, yes at 44 years old I did it. I wore all the safety gear which they provided too. I had a fabulous time.
Not recommend if you have a fear of heights. Although I do have a fear of heights and I loved it (sometimes 😬) you are safe and clip in. I’m glad I went with the family and I would do it again :)
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Go Ape Haldon (Treetop Challenge, Zip Lines, High Ropes)
Not recommend if you have a fear of heights. Although I do have a fear of heights and I loved it (sometimes 😬) you are safe and clip in. I’m glad I went with the family and I would do it again :)
North Devon Wake Park
Tarka Trail Guide
Torridge HillTarka Trail Cycle Hire
Survival Paintball
B3232The Big Shoot – Clay Pigeon Experiences
If ever you wanted to do a skydive I would highly recommend this team. They are an hour and a half away from the cottage.
Skydive Buzz
If ever you wanted to do a skydive I would highly recommend this team. They are an hour and a half away from the cottage.
Air Extreme Trampoline Park
1 Lauder LnEnjoy horse riding on the beach!! Book in advance.
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Follyfoot Equestrian Centre
Sandymere RoadEnjoy horse riding on the beach!! Book in advance.
Coastal Adventures | Coasteering and SUP | North Devon