North Devon : Westward Ho beach

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Westward Ho beach is another North Devon beauty - acres and acres of golden sand sat directly in front of a great resort town. The town has been developed significantly over the last few years with great facilities and a number of quality pubs and restaurants. The beach is itself fantastic and what draws so many people back; over a kilometre in width with nearly as much sand exposed at low tide. Because of its gentle angle it is a safe beach, enhanced by a lifeguard presence during the summer months.

The surf here is typical beach break surf with easy shifting peaks that produce a huge amount and variety of waves to explore and catch waves. The beach is big enough not to get crowded and works through the full range of the tide. The crowds tend to get drawn to the beaches around Saunton and Croyde, meaning Westward Ho remains quieter and with a less competitive feeling once in the water.

Westward Ho is a great location for exploring from or staying for an extended period. Once you have finished on the beach there is either the local resort nightlife or the far busier urban nightlife of Bideford, which is just inland.

Details
Driving Access: Main road right up to the beach
Car Park spaces: 500 spaces, pay and display
Price: Under £5
Beach facilities: Life guards, cafe, toilets in car park
Beach type: Sand
Break type: Beach
Pub: Various
Sort of wave: Spilling
Peaks: Various shifting beach breaks
Left/Right: Both
Offshore wind direction: South easterly
Local highlights: Vibrant resort nightlife
National Trust: No


Ratings
Ability: Novice - Legend
Kids 3 - Amusements and resort type fun
Other stuff: 3 - Excellent nightlife and restaurants
Access: 3 - 50m walk from parking plus 500m walk to the break
Urban proximity: Close to the nightlife
Water quality: Pristine - Blue flag beach

  Accomodation:

Book local holiday cottage*

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