Westward Ho! Surfing in Devon

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.

Getting there car-free

Westward Ho! is reached via Bideford, just inland. The nearest railway station is Barnstaple on the Tarka Line from Exeter, with frequent buses on to Bideford and Westward Ho!. The traffic-free Tarka Trail also links Barnstaple and Bideford, so the approach can be made by bike.

Can you get to Westward Ho! without a car?

Yes. Train to Barnstaple, then a bus via Bideford to Westward Ho! — or cycle the traffic-free Tarka Trail between the two towns. The long, flat beach is an easy one to reach and a gentle place to learn.