North Devon surf destination
A huge sandy beach, plenty of space, three main surf schools and everything you need for an easy surf day or coastal break.
Westward Ho! at a glance
Westward Ho! sits on the North Devon coast beside Bideford Bay. Its broad sandy beach, village facilities and established surf scene make it one of the area's most practical places for a first surf lesson, a family beach day or a relaxed weekend by the coast.
At low tide the sand opens up dramatically, giving surfers, walkers and families a huge amount of room. Around the village you'll find surf schools, surf shops, cafes, pubs, restaurants and other useful facilities within easy reach of the beach.
Beyond the main seafront, Northam Burrows gives the destination a very different feel: open grassland, dunes, wildlife and access to a quieter end of the beach.
Surfbooker local tips
For an early surf, the Northam Burrows end is worth considering. Arriving before seasonal toll charging starts can mean free parking and it gives quick access to the quieter northern end of the beach. Bear in mind that the final beach access is more uneven than the main slipway because you need to cross the Pebble Ridge. Check the current gate, access and toll times before relying on this.
Grab lunch from Atlantic Bay Fish & Chips after your session. They also sell cider, and the large grass area by the surf shops is an easy place to sit down, eat and let the wetsuit dry off a bit.
If the beach is the priority but you don't need to stay in the middle of the resort, Northam is our pick. It's quieter and less touristy, with easy access towards Northam Burrows. Durrant House Hotel is roughly a five-minute drive from Westward Ho! and is often one of the more cost-effective hotel options aside from Airbnb. It's an older, more no-frills hotel and can feel a little rough around the edges, but it can be good value if price and location matter more than polish.
If you're travelling with children, staying in Westward Ho! itself is hard to beat. The beach, rock pools, arcades, cafes and shops are all close together, so you can do most of the day on foot without repeatedly loading everyone back into the car.
On clear evenings, roughly late April through early August is the period to look for the classic sun-dropping-into-the-sea view. The beach, promenade and Pebble Ridge all work well, so don't automatically leave straight after your surf.
Dogs are permitted on part of the beach all year. From 1 May to 30 September, dogs are prohibited south of Sandymere Bridge, while dogs remain permitted on the northern beach between Sandymere Bridge and the Taw/Torridge estuary. During the restriction period, dogs must be kept on leads on the promenade.
Surf lessons
These are the three main surf schools serving Westward Ho!. Ratings shown are Google ratings; use each profile for more detail.
Established Westward Ho! surf coaching for beginners and progressing surfers.
Local surf lessons at Westward Ho! for new and developing surfers.
Local surf shops
Two local surf shops to know about when you're staying or surfing in Westward Ho!.
Local surf shop close to the beach, useful for surf gear, accessories and beach essentials.
Local Westward Ho! surf shop for surf gear, clothing and beach essentials.
Beach & surf guide
This is the easiest place to start if you want the village close by. The main slipway gives straightforward access to the sand, with cafes, shops, amusements, toilets and other facilities close to the seafront.
For first-time visitors, families and anyone who wants the practical side of the day to be simple, this is usually the obvious starting point.
A sandy bottom and plentiful white water on suitable days make Westward Ho! a practical place to learn. Conditions still vary, so choose the day carefully.
The beach changes enormously through the tide. Low tide exposes a huge area of sand and rock pools; high tide pushes the water back towards the pebble ridge.
When lifeguards are operating, follow the flags and local advice. Conditions and safe entry or exit points can change through the tide.
Parking & facilities
Westward Ho! has multiple parking options rather than relying on a single beach car park. Always check current signs, charges and access conditions when you arrive.
Useful for the seafront, shops, food and the main slipway. A good default if you're visiting the centre of Westward Ho!.
Convenient for getting onto the beach, particularly if carrying kit or visiting with someone who benefits from easier access.
Seasonal vehicle access can take you towards the quieter northern end of the beach. A toll may apply during the main season, so check current information first. Access onto the beach is more uneven here than at the main slipway because you need to cross the Pebble Ridge, so it is less suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs or anyone with limited mobility.
Facilities are available around the village end, with additional facilities around the Northam Burrows visitor area.
The concrete slipway provides one of the easiest routes onto the sand. Accessible toilets and designated parking are available in the area.
Dogs are permitted on part of the beach all year. From 1 May to 30 September, dogs are prohibited south of Sandymere Bridge, while the northern beach between Sandymere Bridge and the Taw/Torridge estuary remains available. Dogs must be kept on leads on the promenade during the restriction period.
Food & drink
A short Surfbooker shortlist for different parts of the day, rather than a directory of every place in the village.
Our easy choice after getting out of the water.
Atlantic Bay Fish & ChipsSomething a little more planned.
MoransLocal venues, beer gardens and entertainment.
Village Inn / Guillemot BarSimple, but hard to ignore on a sunny beach day.
Hockings Ice CreamSurfbooker is still verifying and expanding local business information. Always check current opening hours directly with the business.
Away from the surf
Enough to turn a surf session into a full day, weekend or family trip.
Open coastal grassland, dunes, wildlife and estuary views beside the quieter end of the beach.
Explore the tidal seawater pool and exposed rock pools around low tide.
Royal North Devon Golf Club sits beside Northam Burrows.
A traditional seaside option for families or when you want a break from the beach.
Walk the South West Coast Path towards Abbotsham or head up to Kipling Tors for coastal views.
Did you know?
There is more here than surf and sand, and a few details are worth remembering.
Westward Ho! is the only place in the UK with an exclamation mark in its official name.
The village took its name from Charles Kingsley's 1855 novel Westward Ho!.
Tourism investment followed the book's success and helped create the seaside resort.
Remains of a submerged prehistoric forest have been uncovered on the beach.
The neighbouring dunes, grassland and salt marsh form an important coastal habitat.
Getting here
Westward Ho! sits near Bideford with road access from the wider North Devon and North Cornwall area via the A39.
The nearest railway station is Barnstaple on the Tarka Line from Exeter. You'll then need onward road or bus transport.
Bideford, Appledore, North Devon guide and other North Devon coastal destinations are within easy reach.
Worth the short drive
Keeping this deliberately short. Each town and village will eventually have its own Surfbooker page, so expand a place only if you want the quick recommendation.
Our pick for couples who want something calmer and a little more polished than the main seaside resort. The estuary waterfront is great for an easy wander, food and a drink, and the sunsets can be excellent.
Johns is a good breakfast stop, and there are prominent waterfront restaurant options for anything from a relaxed meal to more of an occasion. North Devon guide is also very popular with dog walkers, but dog access rules can vary by season and beach section, so check the current signs before setting off.
Best for: couples, breakfast, dog walks, waterfront food and sunsets.
A small, characterful harbour village that's ideal when you want a few hours away from the beach. Wander the narrow streets, browse independent and boutique-style shops, stop at one of the cafes and finish along the harbour.
Best for: independent shops, cafes, harbour walks and a slower afternoon.
FAQs
Yes. Its sandy bottom, long beach and choice of established surf schools make it one of North Devon's most practical places for a first lesson. Conditions still matter, so beginners should choose suitable days or book with a local school.
Surfbooker currently lists three main schools serving Westward Ho!: Surf SUP Academy, North Devon Surf School and Westward Waves Surf School.
Yes. Ho! Surf and SOS Surf are the two local surf shops Surfbooker is currently including in this destination guide.
Yes. Dogs are permitted on part of the beach all year. From 1 May to 30 September, dogs are prohibited south of Sandymere Bridge, while the northern beach between Sandymere Bridge and the Taw/Torridge estuary remains available. Dogs must be kept on leads on the promenade during the restriction period.
RNLI lifeguard cover operates seasonally. Always check current patrol dates and use the designated lifeguarded areas when they are in operation.
The large sandy area reduces substantially as the tide comes in, and access to the water can involve the pebble ridge in places. Check tide times before planning a long beach day.
The resort was named after Charles Kingsley's 1855 novel Westward Ho!. The punctuation came with the title and remains part of the official place name.
For the classic Westward Ho! sea sunset, roughly late April through early August is the period to look at. Exact sunset position changes through the year, and cloud can obviously make or break the view.
Yes. The main alternatives are Northam Burrows, the sea pool and rock pools, golf, amusements and coastal walks. See the Things to do section above for the short version.