Westward Ho! is the longest-established surf town in the UK — the British Surfing Association was founded there in 1966, and the beach has been part of the British surf scene since the late 1950s. The two-mile beach faces north-west and catches a wide range of Atlantic swells, with a pebble-ridge backshore that gives the place its particular character.
What to expect
A wide beach break that picks up most Atlantic swells. The wave is gentler than the heavier north-Devon classics — suitable for beginners and intermediate longboarders. Mid tide is the sweet spot; low tide can expose extensive flats at the eastern end. The pebble ridge protects the village but means surf-entry from the road involves a short walk across stones.
Practical notes
Year-round; September-March for biggest swells. The British Surfing Association presence means there’s strong local infrastructure — surf schools, board shops, the surf reserve designation. Wetsuit: 5/4/3 winter, 4/3 autumn, 3/2 summer. The village has cafes, pubs, B&B and self-catering options. Combine with a Bideford visit, a Lundy day trip, or a stretch of the South West Coast Path.
Train, parking, drive…
- Train
- Barnstaple, then bus 21 to Westward Ho! (~45 min)
- Parking
- Westward Ho! seafront, free along the road, pay-and-display in the village
- Postcode
- EX39 1HW
- Drive
- ~4h from London
- Car-free?
- Possible
Transport details are best-effort and worth double-checking on the day — rural buses and station services change with the timetable.
If you’ve got an extra day…
Plan it yourself.
The most authoritative sources we know of for this break — routes, conditions, governing bodies and operators. Open in a new tab.
