Surf lessons
Surf lessons in Westward Ho!
These are the three main surf schools serving Westward Ho!. Ratings shown are Google ratings; use each profile for more detail.
North Devon Surf School
Established Westward Ho! surf coaching for beginners and progressing surfers.
Westward Waves Surf School
Local surf lessons at Westward Ho! for new and developing surfers.
Accommodation
Where to stay in Westward Ho!
Westward Ho!, North Devon
Westbeach Holiday Apartments
Self-catering holiday apartmentsFlexible self-catering stays for beach days, surf sessions and exploring North Devon.
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Westward Ho!, North Devon
The Waterfront Inn
Bed and breakfast / innA beachside overnight base close to Westward Ho! beach and village.
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Westward Ho!, North Devon
Surf Bay Holiday Park
Holiday parkA flexible self-catering base near Westward Ho! village and beach.
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Westward Ho!, North Devon
Spacious 2 Bedroom Apartment with Fantastic View, Westward Ho!
Entire self-catering apartmentA comfortable self-catering base with a standout view across Westward Ho! beach and the coastline.
View accommodationLocal surf shops
Surf hire & shops
Two local surf shops to know about when you're staying or surfing in Westward Ho!.
Around the village
Food & drink in Westward Ho!
Tea on the Green
Tea room with cakes and a memorabilia-filled interior.
The Waterfront Inn
Beachside pub with a broad menu and outdoor seating.
The Pier House
Clifftop restaurant and bar with views across Bideford Bay.
More food & drink around the village
Atlantic Bay Fish & Chips; Rock Pool Cafe; Fairway Buoy; Morans; Village Inn; Guillemot Bar; Hockings Ice Cream.
Beach & surf guide
Westward Ho! beach guide
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.
The slipway end
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.
Surf
Beginner friendly
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.
Tides
Check before you travel
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.
Safety
Use lifeguarded areas
When lifeguards are operating, follow the flags and local advice. Conditions and safe entry or exit points can change through the tide.
Away from the surf
Things to do in Westward Ho!
Enough to turn a surf session into a full day, weekend or family trip.
Northam Burrows
Open coastal grassland, dunes, wildlife and estuary views beside the quieter end of the beach.
Sea pool & rock pools
Explore the tidal seawater pool and exposed rock pools around low tide.
Golf
Royal North Devon Golf Club sits beside Northam Burrows.
Amusements
A traditional seaside option for families or when you want a break from the beach.
Coast Path & Kipling Tors
Walk the South West Coast Path towards Abbotsham or head up to Kipling Tors for coastal views.
Photos: Surfbooker.
Surfbooker local tips
The things we'd tell a mate.
Surfing? Head towards Northam Burrows
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.
Lunch after your surf
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.
Couples and surfers: consider Northam
If the beach is the priority but you don't need to stay in the middle of the resort, Northam is another option. 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.
With kids: stay in Westward Ho! itself
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.
Stay for a sea sunset
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.
Travelling with a dog?
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.
Parking & facilities
Know before you go
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.
Village: Main parking
Useful for the seafront, shops, food and the main slipway. A good default if you're visiting the centre of Westward Ho!.
Beach access: Slipway area
Convenient for getting onto the beach, particularly if carrying kit or visiting with someone who benefits from easier access.
Quieter end: Northam Burrows
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: Toilets & showers
Facilities are available around the village end, with additional facilities around the Northam Burrows visitor area.
Accessibility: Slipway access
The concrete slipway provides one of the easiest routes onto the sand. Accessible toilets and designated parking are available in the area.
Dogs: Seasonal restrictions
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.
Getting here
Westward Ho! is easy to combine with North Devon.
By car
Via the A39
Westward Ho! sits near Bideford with road access from the wider North Devon and North Cornwall area via the A39.
By rail
Barnstaple
The nearest railway station is Barnstaple on the Tarka Line from Exeter. You'll then need onward road or bus transport.
Nearby
Explore further
Bideford, Appledore, North Devon guide and other North Devon coastal destinations are within easy reach.
Did you know?
Westward Ho! is genuinely unusual.
There is more here than surf and sand, and a few details are worth remembering.
The exclamation mark
Westward Ho! is the only place in the UK with an exclamation mark in its official name.
Named after a novel
The village took its name from Charles Kingsley's 1855 novel Westward Ho!.
A Victorian resort
Tourism investment followed the book's success and helped create the seaside resort.
Ancient forest
Remains of a submerged prehistoric forest have been uncovered on the beach.
Northam Burrows
The neighbouring dunes, grassland and salt marsh form an important coastal habitat.
Worth the short drive
Nearby destinations
Explore more of the coast with the North Devon guide, or browse the existing destination guides.
Estuary waterfronts around North Devon
For a calmer afternoon away from the main seaside resort, explore the estuary waterfronts. 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. The estuary waterfront 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.
Appledoreabout a 10-minute drive
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
Quick answers before you go.
Is Westward Ho! good for beginner surfers?
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.
How many main surf schools are there in Westward Ho!?
Surfbooker currently lists three main schools serving Westward Ho!: Surf SUP Academy, North Devon Surf School and Westward Waves Surf School.
Are there surf shops in Westward Ho!?
Yes. Ho! Surf and SOS Surf are the two local surf shops Surfbooker is currently including in this destination guide.
Can dogs go on Westward Ho! Beach?
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.
Does Westward Ho! have lifeguards?
RNLI lifeguard cover operates seasonally. Always check current patrol dates and use the designated lifeguarded areas when they are in operation.
What happens to the beach at high tide?
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.
Why does Westward Ho! have an exclamation mark?
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.
When is the best time for a sunset over the sea?
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.
Is there anything to do besides surfing?
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.