iKnow Devon
Westward Ho Golf Beach Surfing Shopping North Devon Coast, Devon UK
Westward Ho! has it's own exclamation mark! Well deserved, as there's plenty of Devon holiday fun to be had in this coastal hotspot, with a glorious blue flag beach and one of the best golf courses in North Devon nearby!
Westward Ho! makes quite a bit out of it's namesake novel 'Westward Ho!' written by Charles Kingsley. Oh, and Rudyard Kipling spent three years here when he was a student! It's a good Devon coast holiday base for families, and it's also good for walkers with easy access onto the South West Coast Path. There's a gentler surfing scene here which is less crowded in the summer season.
Westward Ho! Beach & Attractions
Westward Ho! Blue flag beach is extremely popular and you can see why. There a fabulous two mile stretch of sandy beach, with a protective pebble ridge and a great promenade. Nearby is the Northam Burrows Country Park as well which has about 1000 acres of green area to explore. There's a choice of Devon holiday accommodation in the village itself, including the all-inclusive family holiday hotspot, Braddicks Holiday Centre right on Westward Ho! seafront.
One of the key attractions in the area is the Royal North Devon Golf Course at The Burrows. It's the oldest Link Course in England. It’s a challenging game of golf here at this golf course in Westward Ho!.
There's a Devon festival here held annually called 'Pot Walloping Festival', which dates back to the 1800s, and so named from the tradition of local people heading down to the beach and chucking in pebbles. They still do this today, as well as lots of local craft stalls, family entertainment and more, with the usual bit of dressing up thrown in and usually done in Devon Festivals (check out the Victorian Festival Week at Ilfracombe as well!)
Westward Ho! Beach is patrolled by lifeguards and is particularly safe for family bating. Fishing is also popular here, as wild sea bass frequent the area. Surfing is popular as well, and better for beginners with it's gentler waves! At low tide, check out the man-made rock swimming pool which becomes exposed at low tide.
Westward Ho! Restaurants and Amusements
The Elizabethan Bar & Restaurant, Merley Road, Westward Ho!. Tel: 01237 473263
The Fairway Buoy, The Promenade, Westward Ho! Tel: 01237 474178. Great views from here over the Bay!
Check out The Carousel Amusement Centre if you like Amusement machines, and a bit of ten pin bowling. It's only 3 metres from Westward Ho! Beach and open every day.
