Surfing at Westward Ho! beach is good at all states of the tide although due to the a pebble ridge at the top of the beach beginners are best off avoiding 2 hours each side of high water. Additionally low tide is the best time for some nice shaped waves and on good days they can hold 8 feet. This makes the surfing at Westward Ho! good for both beginners as well as advanced riders.
When it comes to learning to surf there are 3 surf schools at Westward ho! and operate from the beach.(If you don’t have your own boards these can be rented from the schools whether you are having lessons with them or not.) It’s considered to be a very safe beach to learn on as the sand drops away slowly meaning it remains shallow for a long way out. Perfect for when you’re hoping on and falling off the board.
Westward Ho! itself is located on the west coast of North Devon just below the mouth of the river Taw. The beach runs north from the town with plenty of parking along the length but if you are staying in town it’s probably easier to stick to the south end.
So whilst not one of the best known surf spots in Devon, Westward Ho! can have some great days and is a useful spot for those learning with lots of accommodation nearby.
What does surfing at Westward Ho! look like?
Westward Ho! Surf Forecast
Getting To Westward Ho! Beach & Parking
Directions
Follow postcode EX39 1LL
Parking
There is plenty of parking close to the beach but get there early to ensure a space. It’s a cheaper option than other surf spots – £3.50 to access through the toll road.
Surf Lessons & Hire At Westward Ho!
| School / Shop | Address | Website | Phone | Hire | 3hrs | 8hrs | Week (5 days) | Lessons | 1 Lesson (2hrs+/-) | 2 Lessons | 5 Lessons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The North Devon Surf School | EX39 1HN | https://www.northdevonsurfschool.co.uk/ | 01237 474663 | Surfboard | £18.00 | £33.00 | Group | £36.00 | £70.00 | £150.00 | |
| Wetsuit | £12.00 | £22.00 | Private | £95.00 | |||||||
| Surf SUP Academy | EX39 1GW | 07518 761735 | Surfboard | Group | £30.00 | £55.00 | £100.00 | ||||
| Wetsuit | Private | £70.00 | |||||||||
| Westward Waves Surf School | EX39 1XS | https://www.westwardwavessurfschool.co.uk/ | 07585 257451 | Surfboard | Group | £30.00 | £55.00 | £100.00 | |||
| Wetsuit | Private | £75.00 |
Food & Accommodation Near Westward Ho! Beach
Food
A Slice Of Life Cafe is located right at the entrance to the beach, serving up amazing breakfasts, homemade cake, hot drinks and light lunches.
Accommodation
Cottages – https://www.holidaycottages.co.uk/cottages/westward-ho
Camping – https://www.campsites.co.uk/search/campsites-in-devon/westward-ho
Hotels – https://www.booking.com/city/gb/westward-ho.en-gb.html
Looking for more surfing locations in the UK?
Check out our full guides to other surfing spots in the UK Surfing In The UK Surfing In Devon Surfing In Cornwall