Westward Ho! Beach

Westward Ho! beach can be approached from the town or Northam Burrows. Choose your access point around your party’s needs, particularly if you have a dog or need to avoid scrambling over the pebble ridge. Torridge District Council identifies the town as the main ramped access to the beach.

Swimming and conditions

The RNLI’s Westward Ho! page publishes patrol dates and safety advice. Check the schedule before your visit, then follow the flags and instructions you find on the beach. Patrols are seasonal and conditions can change.

Swim or bodyboard between the red and yellow flags when lifeguards are present, and do not swim alone. If someone is in trouble, alert a lifeguard. Without one, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. A lifeguard symbol in a directory is not a promise of cover on every date.

Bringing a dog

The council’s dog guidance excludes dogs from the beach south of Sandymere bridge between 1 May and 30 September. Dogs must stay north of that access point during the restriction. Check the linked beach map and the signs before settling on the sand.

At Northam Burrows, take care around wildlife and grazing animals as well as other visitors. Booking a cottage that accepts dogs is only one part of planning the holiday; the walking route and beach zone also need to work for you.

Holiday homes and the route back

Several Westward Ho! properties have sea views, but some sit on the hillside. Before booking, compare the approach, stairs and parking with your plans for carrying beach equipment. Our property descriptions distinguish allocated parking and outdoor steps where the supplier confirms them.