Westward Ho! is the only place name in the United Kingdom that officially includes an exclamation mark.
The village of Westward Ho! was purpose-built in the 1860s to capitalize on the success of Charles Kingsley's novel of the same name.
The iconic Pebble Ridge acts as a natural breakwater that has protected the Northam Burrows salt marsh for centuries.
The beach is home to the oldest golf course in England, the Royal North Devon Golf Club, which lies immediately adjacent to the sand dunes.
Westward Ho! Beach is a long, sandy expanse backed by the Northam Burrows Country Park, a site of special scientific interest. It is distinctive for its pebble ridge, a natural sea defense that shifts constantly with wave action. The beach offers a designated dog-friendly section year-round, distinct from seasonal restrictions elsewhere on the sand. Surfing is a primary activity here, as the beach faces the Atlantic and benefits from consistent swell. The water quality is regularly monitored by the Environment Agency. The area is part of the North Devon Coast National Landscape.
From the crest of the Pebble Ridge looking toward the surf at low tide.
Check the tide tables before visiting, as the beach almost entirely disappears at high tide.
Wear sturdy footwear for walking across the shifting, uneven surface of the Pebble Ridge.
Attempting to drive or park on the dunes or protected salt marsh areas of Northam Burrows.
Dog restrictions apply to the main slipway area during the peak summer season; check local signage for current boundaries.
Clean up after dogs immediately; keep noise levels respectful near the dunes to protect local bird nesting sites.
