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Westward Ho!
Courtesy & © Rob Joslin
Granted a Blue Flag Award for 2015, Westward Ho! is a wide expanse of sand and pebbles lying just to the north of Bideford, on the North Devon coast.
The northwest-facing beach grew to prominence in Victorian times and still has lots to offer. The area boasts amusements, pubs and cafés as well as the chance to hire the usual beach gear such as deckchairs, bodyboards and windbreaks. Lifeguards patrol the beach in the summer months.
The beach is backed by a large pebble ridge and the northern section, known as Sandymere, is often frequented by surfers.
Parking can be a problem at the height of summer so the beach is best approached from the northern end by parking at Northam Burrows car park.
A seasonal dog ban is in effect with dogs banned between May 1st and 30th September inclusive.
Facilities
✔ Sandy beach
✔ Cafe, shop or pub
✔ Parking
✔ Toilets
✔ Good Surfing
✔ Lifeguard in summer
✘ Total dog ban
✔ Watersports
OS Explorer Map 139: Bideford, Ilfracombe and Barnstaple
This map is part of the Ordnance Survey's Explorer series designed to replace the old Pathfinder map series. At 1:25,000 scale this detailed map shows a host of attractions including gardens which are open to the public, nature reserves and country parks as well as all official footpaths, bridleways, roads and lanes. Other facilities covered include: camping and caravan sites, picnic areas and viewpoints, selected places of interest, rights of way information for England and Wales, National Trail and Recreational Path routes, and selected tourist information. The series is aimed mainly at the experienced map user but can be used by tourists and locals alike.
Local area
Holiday Parks
Stay at a nearby Holiday Park and keep the kids amused all day! Parks in the vicinity include those at:
Westward Ho!
Hotels
Plenty of hotels are available locally. Consider those in the local towns:
Westward Ho!
Caravans
In the vicinity is a choice of camping and caravan sites offering high quality, affordable holiday accommodation. Consider camps in Bideford, Braunton, Ilfracombe and Torrington.
