Westward Ho – Coast, Waves and Nature

Westward Ho! combines consistent waves, a distinctive coastal landscape and unusual geological insights. The level promenade is suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs. This gives the town different options for holiday days: you can surf on the beach, walk along the coast or explore the landscape with its distinctive rock and pebble formations.

Coastal Landscape with Geological Features

Because of its coastal geomorphology, Westward Ho! is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Pebble Ridge is a pebble barrier that extends 3.5 km northwards from Westward Ho! The shoreline from Mermaid’s Pool westwards to Rowden Gut (near Portledge) also carries this designation. The foreshore below the cliffs is predominantly rocky and has a pebble beach.

The cliffs also offer an unusual view into Earth’s history: they expose the only available complete sequence of the type deposits of the Bideford Formation, known as “Coal Measure”. These deposits formed in a river or lake environment. At particularly low water levels, fossilised tree stumps and roots also emerge along the coast. Nearby is Northam Burrows Country Park, with around 253 hectares of coastal grassland, salt marshes, sand dunes and largely unimproved grassland. This area is also designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Paths for Different Day Plans

For a longer walk, the route from Westward Ho! to Clovelly covers 11.1 miles (17.9 km). It begins in Westward Ho!, follows an old railway line up to the cliffs above the town, then continues through demanding zigzag sections and, in the second part, along woodland paths. Take these changing path sections into account when planning your day. By contrast, the section of the South West Coast Path from Northam Burrows to Westward Ho! is considered an easier walk.

The promenade offers another way to experience the town. Its level surface is suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs and can therefore play an important role when planning a relaxed day on the coast.

Surfing, Swimming and Victorian Traces

Westward Ho!’s beach has consistent waves that attract both beginners and experienced surfers. Those who prefer to swim independently of the waves have another option in the Westward Ho! Rock Seawater Pool: the seawater pool was created during the Victorian era and continues to provide a place for swimming today.

Westward Ho! has welcomed holidaymakers since Victorian times. The unusual place name comes from the famous novel by Charles Kingsley. The Royal North Devon Golf Club is also part of the town’s history: it was founded in 1864 and is England’s oldest golf course. Its clubhouse houses a golf museum, honours boards and trophies from club competitions.

Choosing the Right Accommodation for Your Travel Plans

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage, you can use your preferred holiday rhythm as a guide. If surfing and swimming are the focus, the beach and seawater pool will shape your daily plans. For nature-focused exploration, the cliffs, Pebble Ridge, the unusual coastal deposits and Northam Burrows offer various thematic points of interest. If you are travelling with a pushchair or prefer a level route, the promenade is a concrete factor when choosing your location. Those planning longer walks should, on the other hand, take into account the 17.9 km route to Clovelly and its demanding zigzag sections.

In addition to Westward Ho!, you can discover other destinations: Moretonhampstead, Horrabridge, Burrington, Hawkchurch, Witheridge, Meavy, Bottreaux Mill and Plymtree.

To the main travel overview: Devon.