Westward Ho!, Devon travel guide and Westward Ho! information

Visit Westward Ho!

Westward Ho! is a seaside resort village a few kilometres to the north-west of Bideford in north-west Devon.

Yes, the name is spelt correctly! It is the only place name in the UK to include '!' in its name, and takes the name from a novel by Charles Kingsley.

Visit Westward Ho!

Westward Ho! is best described as a traditional British seaside resort with all that includes - ice creams and amusement arcades, fish and chip shops and gift shops selling inflatable beach toys. The town is pretty much dedicated to tourism and the needs of tourists, and has little else of interest in itself to explore or to entice the visitor.

Love it or hate it, all this fun has developed around a very good beach called Golden Bay Beach. About four kilometres long, the Westward Ho! beach is unusual in that the long sandy stretch has a long stretch of large pebbles behind - so at low tide you will be on the sand, but at high tides you will probably be on the pebbles. This is further backed by sand dunes, that are a haven for local wildlife - along with the sheep and horses that also make their home in the dunes.

The beach is perfect for everyone! Ideal for families, and also for a myriad of water sports, including of course surfing, the most popular watersport along the north Devon coast.

Other attractions near Westward Ho!, Devon

Royal North Devon Golf Course: Golfers staying in the region are sure to want to visit the Royal North Devon Golf course, the oldest golf course in England and dating from 1864. The club is worth the visit for both the course (and the chance to pitch your talents against a bracing coastal wind) and the clubhouse, where you can also see the history of the club or enjoy a drink. See the RND website for details.

You can find more local travel ideas in the North Devon guide and the Devon guide.