Westward Ho

Westward Ho! is a coastal village with distinctive geology, designated natural areas, varied walking routes and a long holiday tradition. When looking for a hotel for your stay, what you are looking for may help guide your choice: are you especially interested in the coast and its geology, would you like to explore on foot, or does the village’s history appeal to you? The features below offer specific points to consider when choosing where to stay.

Coast and geology

Westward Ho! is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its coastal geomorphology. A prominent coastal feature is Pebble Ridge: the shingle barrier extends 3.5 kilometres north from Westward Ho!. The shoreline from Mermaid’s Pool westwards to Rowden Gut near Portledge is also designated an SSSI.

The cliffs at Westward Ho! expose the only complete available sequence of the type deposits known as the Coal Measures of the Bideford Formation. These deposits formed in a river or lake environment. Below the cliffs, the foreshore is predominantly rocky and includes a shingle beach. At particularly low tide, fossilised tree stumps and roots emerge along the coast. If you want to see these fossilised tree remains, the exceptionally low tide is relevant.

Protected areas and nature nearby

Near Westward Ho! is Northam Burrows Country Park, which is also designated an SSSI. The park covers about 253 hectares and is characterised by a grassy coastal plain, salt marshes, sand dunes and largely unimproved grassland. The park’s landscape features therefore differ from the cliffs and rocky foreshore at Westward Ho!: here, coastal geology and open habitats can be considered as two distinct nature themes.

Walks and longer routes

The route from Westward Ho! to Clovelly starts in Westward Ho! and is 11.1 miles (17.9 kilometres) long. It follows an old railway track up to the cliffs above the village, then passes through strenuous zigzag sections and, in the second half, along woodland paths. Its length and course give the route a different profile from a short walk; the strenuous zigzag sections are a specific feature of the route description.

The section of the South West Coast Path from Northam Burrows to Westward Ho! is described differently: it is an easy walk. When comparing routes, you can take their stated features and descriptions into account without treating the two sections as equivalent.

Holiday tradition and golf history

Westward Ho! has welcomed holidaymakers since Victorian times. The village’s name also has a literary origin: Westward Ho! is named after Charles Kingsley’s famous novel. This holiday tradition and unusual name offer a different way to explore the village from its geological coast or the natural areas nearby.

Another historical feature is the Royal North Devon Golf Club in Westward Ho!. It was founded in 1864 and is England’s oldest golf course. The clubhouse houses a golf museum, honour boards and trophies from club competitions. The club’s history is therefore reflected not only in its founding year, but also in the collections and memorabilia mentioned there.

Waves, pool and promenade

The consistent waves at Westward Ho! beach attract both beginner and experienced surfers. Another swimming option is the Westward Ho! Rock Seawater Pool, which was built in Victorian times. Check local safety advice before swimming.

The level promenade is also a practical feature for getting around by the sea: it is suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs. The beach, pool and promenade represent different aspects of a coastal stay; they should not be confused with the rocky sections below the cliffs or the more demanding walking routes.

Discover more destinations: Abbotsham, Ashburton, Shaugh Prior, Plymtree, Seaton, Southleigh, Milton Abbot, Parkham

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