Westward Ho!

Westward Ho! offers a unique combination of extensive sandy beach and maritime heritage, being the only place in Britain named after a novel. The beach stretches for over two miles with a distinctive ridge of pebbles backed by the famous Northam Burrows Country Park. The setting provides excellent walking and wildlife watching opportunities alongside traditional seaside pleasures. Dogs enjoy excellent year-round access to most of the beach, with restrictions only applying to small central sections during peak season. The beach's length and the adjacent country park provide outstanding exercise opportunities, while the pebble ridge offers interesting exploration. The combination makes it one of North Devon's most dog-friendly destinations. Access is straightforward via the A39 with large car parks adjacent to the beach. The Victorian resort provides good facilities including amusements, cafés, and shops, while maintaining a traditional seaside atmosphere. The Northam Burrows Country Park offers 253 hectares of additional walking with diverse wildlife habitats. The beach provides excellent surfing conditions and is popular with kitesurfers due to the exposed location and consistent winds.