a one stop digital resource centre for visitors, local residents and business
Just a short drive from Bideford
Westward Ho! Beach
Westward Ho! - is named after Charles Kingsley's much loved book. Beginning
in the fictional seaport of "Bideford Quay" near the real Bideford
in North Devon during the reign of Elizabeth I, Westward Ho! follows the adventures
of Amyas Leigh, an unruly child who as a young man follows Francis Drake to sea.
Amyas loves local beauty Rose Salterne, as does nearly everyone else. Much of
the novel involves the kidnap of Rose by a Spaniard. Amyas spends time in the
Caribbean seeking gold, and eventually returns to England at the time of the
Spanish Armada, finding his true love in the process.
Westward Ho! is a haven
for beach lovers - and golfers, too, who can enjoy a relaxing round at the Royal
North Devon Course. More than two miles of golden sand backed by a unique pebble
ridge linking to Northam Burrows Country Park, which is part of the UK's only
United Nations Biosphere Reserve.
Access is fairly easy down a concrete ramp from the town of Westward Ho!
The beach is adjacent to the South West Coast Path and is well-located for
visits to many other nearby attractions including the picturesque fishing
village of Clovelly.
Clean Water at Westward Ho!
The Blue
Flag is an exclusive eco-label awarded to over 3200 beaches and
marinas in 37 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, New Zealand,
Canada and the Caribbean in the past year.
The Blue Flag Programme is owned and run by the independent non-profit
organisation Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
The Blue Flag works
towards sustainable development at beaches/marinas through strict criteria dealing
with water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management,
and safety and other services. The Blue Flag Programme includes environmental
education and information for the public, decision makers and tourism operators.
Pebble Beach Coves Galore
The North devon Coastline is one of the most beautiful in the United Kingdom and the South
West Coastal Path gives the visitor a chance to experience the unspoiled
coastline using the extensive public footpath system along the shoreline.
Follow the signs and waymarks with the words 'Coast Path' and the acorn symbol,
which is used by all National Trails. Signs at main access points will also
show the distance to the next destination. Either walk 'there and back',
use public transport in one direction or combine a section of Coast Path
with inland footpaths to make a circular walk.