Westward Ho! Beach
A vast, beautiful sandy beach in North Devon, perfect for surfing, dog walks, and breathtaking sunsets.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Max sandy beach space
Westward Ho! Beach
Best Time
Max sandy beach space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, beautiful sandy beach in North Devon, perfect for surfing, dog walks, and breathtaking sunsets.
"Miles of golden sand, perfect for dog walks, sunbathing and sandcastle building."
Check Tide Times First! :clock1:
The beach dramatically changes with the tide. Plan your visit to enjoy the full sandy expanse.
Pebble Ridge Prep :rock:
Be ready to cross a pebble ridge to reach the sand in some areas; sturdy footwear is recommended.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Vast Sandy Expanse
The main beach area
Miles of golden sand perfect for long walks, sandcastles, and soaking up the sun.
Northam Burrows & Pebble Ridge
Western end of the beach
Explore this unique natural landscape and cross the impressive pebble ridge to access the sandy shores.
Spectacular Sunsets
Western horizon
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky in vibrant colors over the ocean.
Surfing & Watersports
Main surf breaks
Catch some waves with lessons or hire equipment for a thrilling day of surfing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tide: Timing is Key
Dog Days & Pebble Paths
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Times First! :clock1:
The beach dramatically changes with the tide. Plan your visit to enjoy the full sandy expanse.
Pebble Ridge Prep :rock:
Be ready to cross a pebble ridge to reach the sand in some areas; sturdy footwear is recommended.
Dog Rules Apply :dog:
Dogs are welcome, but check seasonal restrictions and designated areas.
Surf's Up! :surfer:
Great spot for surfing lessons and hire, suitable for beginners and experienced surfers.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Times First! :clock1:
The beach dramatically changes with the tide. Plan your visit to enjoy the full sandy expanse.
Pebble Ridge Prep :rock:
Be ready to cross a pebble ridge to reach the sand in some areas; sturdy footwear is recommended.
Dog Rules Apply :dog:
Dogs are welcome, but check seasonal restrictions and designated areas.
Surf's Up! :surfer:
Great spot for surfing lessons and hire, suitable for beginners and experienced surfers.
Cold Water Therapy :ice_cube:
Embrace the invigorating chill of open water swimming for a unique experience.
Sunset Views :sunrise_over_mountains:
The sunsets here are truly spectacular; don't miss the chance to witness them. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Westward Ho! Beach for its vast sandy expanse, ideal for long walks and family fun, with many appreciating the stunning sunsets and watersports opportunities. Some note the presence of pebbles and seasonal dog restrictions, while others mention the increasing development along the promenade.
"A fantastic beach with plenty of space to play or walk. It's a pity it's becoming so built up with high rise buildings and entertainment facilities, but it brings tourism to the area, which is a good thing. The Burrows and beach are stunning though and the North coast is something to be treasured"
Kate Laubscher
"A nice beach, and very popular with families.
Plenty of toilets, arcades and amenities nearby.
Dogs not allowed until October."
R J
"Beautiful sandy beach.... just got to climb over rocks to get to it, or walk to the lifeguard hut and there is a walkway down.
Tide goes out a very long way. Very flet beach so the waters edge stays shallow for long way, ideal for children."
Sharon Gaiger
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Westward Ho! Beach is accessible by car, with several car parks nearby, including Seafield Car Park and Northam Burrows Car Park.
Yes, there are multiple car parks available, such as Seafield Car Park and Northam Burrows Car Park. Some can get busy during peak times.
Westward Ho! Beach is part of the South West Coast Path, making it accessible for walkers.
Driving is often the most convenient for day trips, allowing flexibility. Consider local bus routes if you prefer public transport.
The drive through North Devon offers beautiful countryside views. The coastal road provides glimpses of the sea as you approach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Westward Ho! Beach itself is free to enter. Parking fees may apply at the nearby car parks.
The beach is accessible at all times, but facilities like arcades and shops have their own operating hours.
No, tickets are not required for beach access. However, booking might be necessary for specific activities like surf lessons or sauna sessions.
The main restriction is seasonal for dogs, with certain areas being dog-free during peak months.
There are public toilets available, and amenities like arcades and food outlets are located along the promenade.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, building sandcastles, walking the South West Coast Path, and exploring rock pools.
Yes, the beach is very popular with families. The tide goes out a long way, leaving shallow waters ideal for children.
Yes, swimming is popular, and some visitors enjoy cold water immersion for an invigorating experience.
Lifeguards are typically on duty during the summer months. It's always advisable to check for their presence.
The rock pools offer opportunities for exploration, especially at low tide, revealing marine life.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are various food outlets along the promenade, including Moran's Restaurant offering Thai food and cocktails with sea views. +1
Yes, several pubs and eateries in Westward Ho! are dog-friendly, making it easy to dine with your pet.
You can find a range of options, from traditional seaside fare to international cuisine like Thai food.
Absolutely! The spacious beach is perfect for picnics. Remember to take all your rubbish with you.
Moran's Restaurant offers cocktails with stunning sunset views over the beach.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the expansive sandy beach, the dramatic pebble ridge, colorful beach huts, and the vibrant sunsets.
Yes, the wide-open beach, dramatic coastline, and changing tides offer excellent opportunities for landscape photography.
Early morning and late afternoon/sunset provide the best light for photography, with golden hour casting a beautiful glow. +1
Look out for colorful houses along the promenade, beach huts, and the unique texture of the pebble ridge.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and guidelines before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the sand and sea, the nearby promenade offers arcades for some classic seaside fun, and there are various food outlets catering to family tastes. The gentle waves are also suitable for beginner bodyboarding, adding another layer of excitement for active children.
🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to always check local signage for the most up-to-date dog policies. Many local pubs and cafes in the village are also welcoming to dogs, so you can easily extend your outing without leaving your pet behind.
🏄♀️ Surfers & Watersports Enthusiasts
The consistent swell and sandy bottom make it a forgiving spot for learning, while more experienced surfers can find challenging breaks. The beach's size ensures there's usually enough space for everyone to enjoy their chosen activity without feeling too crowded.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Surfing and Watersports at Westward Ho!
Beyond surfing, visitors can also enjoy bodyboarding and paddleboarding. The wide, sandy beach provides ample space for these activities, and the relatively shallow waters near the shore make it a safer environment for families and less experienced participants. Equipment hire is readily available, making it easy to jump into the action.
For those seeking a more unique aquatic experience, the beach is also a popular location for cold water immersion and open water swimming. The bracing waters of the Atlantic offer an invigorating challenge, with many visitors reporting feeling refreshed and energized afterwards.
Dog-Friendly Adventures
Outside of these periods, typically from October to April, the entire beach becomes dog-friendly, allowing for unrestricted romps along the shore. Many local pubs and cafes in the village are also dog-friendly, ensuring your furry friends are welcome even after a day at the beach.
When visiting with dogs, always ensure they are under control and that you clean up after them. The Northam Burrows area also provides additional space for dogs to roam and explore, making Westward Ho! a truly inclusive destination for pet owners.
The Magic of Westward Ho! Sunsets
This natural phenomenon creates a serene and romantic atmosphere, making it a perfect time for a leisurely stroll along the shore or a quiet moment of reflection. Many visitors find the sunsets to be a highlight of their trip, often described as breathtaking and unforgettable.
For the best views, find a spot on the beach or at one of the promenade-side establishments, like Moran's Restaurant, which offers cocktails with a prime view of the setting sun.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit