Holiday rentals and lettings in Westward Ho

Table of contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday home in Westward Ho?
• Holiday home in Westward Ho: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Westward Ho: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Westward Ho?

• Choice of stays: From cosy pet-friendly cottages to spacious homes with gardens and sea views, Westward Ho suits couples and larger families alike.
• Beach on your doorstep: The two-mile sandy beach and Pebble Ridge sit within walking distance of most rentals, ideal for surfing and coastal strolls.
• Best areas: Base yourself near the seafront for the beach, or in nearby Northam and Bideford for quieter, well-connected stays.
• When to visit: Summer brings the warmest sea and liveliest atmosphere, whilst spring and autumn offer quieter beaches and lower rates.
• Things to do: Surf lessons, the South West Coast Path, Northam Burrows and family days out at The Big Sheep top most itineraries.

Westward Ho offers a relaxed mix of self-catering stays to suit every group. Traditional holiday cottages with cosy interiors sit alongside bright, modern apartments close to the seafront, while larger holiday homes with gardens and parking suit families and groups travelling together. Many properties come with amenities for a perfect getaway:

• Enclosed gardens
• Pet-friendly interiors
• Fast home Wi-Fi
• Easy walking access to the beach

Whatever your group size, from cosy flats to chalets and large family homes, there is a self-catering base to match here.

What are the best areas to stay in Westward Ho?

The best base depends on your plans: the seafront puts you closest to the sand, while nearby villages offer quieter, better-value stays. The table below details regions for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Guests consistently praise Westward Ho for its wide, dog-friendly beach and the ease of stepping straight from their holiday home onto the coast path. Reviews highlight the warm welcome from local hosts, well-equipped self-catering properties and the relaxed pace of this North Devon resort. Here are some of our highly-rated Westward Ho properties:

Old Saltys Cottage in Westward Ho with stunning sea views- 9.6+: This is a converted 19th century coach house with incredible views and room for six. Guests love the sunny terrace and garden.
1. Sunset Bay - 31 Horizon View - 9.9+: Modern and comfortable, this four-person duplex has wall-to-wall sea views and stylish interiors.
2. Apartment 'Latitude 51' with balcony and parking - 9.6+: This six-person apartment has stunning sea views; guests love waking up to the sight of the sea, and praise the great location close to the beach.

Westward Ho is a seaside village on the North Devon coast, facing the Atlantic across Bideford Bay, just west of the historic port town of Bideford.

✈️What is the best way to get to Westward Ho?

Most visitors arrive by car, as Westward Ho sits a little off the rail network. Here are the most common ways to get to the village:

• Car: Driving is the easiest option. From the M5, leave at Junction 27 near Tiverton and follow the North Devon Link Road (A361) towards Barnstaple, then join the A39 south to Bideford; Westward Ho is a short drive further west.
• Train: The nearest railway station is Barnstaple, the end of the scenic Tarka Line from Exeter St Davids, which connects to the national network. From Barnstaple, regular local buses and a short taxi or coach transfer reach Westward Ho in around 30 to 40 minutes.
• Air: The closest airports are Exeter, roughly 50 miles away, and Bristol, around 80 miles away, both with UK and European connections. Hire a car on arrival to get around in comfort.

🥗Where to eat in Westward Ho?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, The Waterfront is the best-rated restaurant in Westward Ho. Below is a table showing the top 5 highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers Emma and James recommend The Village Inn in Westward Ho: they loved the friendly welcome, well-kept local ales and hearty portions after a long walk along the coast path.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Westward Ho is from late May to September, when the sea is at its warmest and the beach at its liveliest. For quieter sands and lower rates, the spring and autumn shoulder seasons are hard to beat, with mild weather that is ideal for walking the South West Coast Path.

Summer

• Best for: Families, beach days and surfing.
• Weather: Warm and often sunny, with the warmest sea of the year.
• Atmosphere: Lively, with busy sands and a buzzing seafront.

Autumn

• Best for: Walkers and couples seeking quiet.
• Weather: Mild and changeable, with dramatic Atlantic skies.
• Atmosphere: Peaceful beaches and golden light along the coast path.

Spring

• Best for: Nature lovers and budget-conscious travellers.
• Weather: Fresh and increasingly bright, perfect for walking.
• Atmosphere: A reawakening resort with wildflowers on the burrows.

⭐Our hosts' recommendation: Our Westward Ho local hosts recommend timing your stay around low tide for the best of the beach, then walking a stretch of the South West Coast Path towards Abbotsham Cliffs for sweeping Atlantic views. Bring binoculars, as seals and seabirds are often spotted along this dramatic stretch of the North Devon coast.

1. Surf and swim at Westward Ho! Beach
2. Walk the South West Coast Path to Abbotsham Cliffs
3. Explore Northam Burrows Country Park
4. Enjoy a family day out at The Big Sheep
5. Play a round at Royal North Devon Golf Club

1. Surf and swim at Westward Ho! Beach

   The village's two-mile stretch of golden sand, backed by the famous pebble ridge, is the heart of any visit. At low tide it reveals a vast, flat expanse perfect for family beach days, kite-flying and rock-pooling. The consistent Atlantic swell makes it one of North Devon's most reliable surf beaches, with schools offering lessons for all ages.

2. Walk the South West Coast Path to Abbotsham Cliffs

   Westward Ho sits on the South West Coast Path, England's longest waymarked trail. Heading west, the route climbs to the dramatic Abbotsham Cliffs, where sheer drops frame sweeping views over Bideford Bay and the Atlantic. It is an invigorating half-day walk with plenty of spots to pause, watch seabirds and, on clear days, catch sight of Lundy Island on the horizon.

3. Explore Northam Burrows Country Park

   Just north of the village, Northam Burrows Country Park is a wild expanse of grassland, salt marsh and dunes forming part of the North Devon Biosphere Reserve. Free to enter, it is wonderful for gentle walks, birdwatching and letting children and dogs roam. Sheep and ponies graze the burrows, and the famous Pebble Ridge separates it from the sea. For those who want to stay close to nature overnight, camping in Devon is easy to find nearby.

4. Enjoy a family day out at The Big Sheep

   A short drive towards Bideford, The Big Sheep is North Devon's best-known family attraction, blending a working farm with an all-weather theme park. Expect sheep racing, farm-animal encounters, a large indoor play barn and thrill rides for older children. There are live shows throughout the year, plus an on-site brewery for the grown-ups.

5. Play a round at Royal North Devon Golf Club

   Golf enthusiasts should not miss Royal North Devon Golf Club, the oldest links course in England, founded in 1864 and often called 'the St Andrews of the South'. Laid out across Northam Burrows, its historic links share the land with grazing sheep and ponies. Visitors are welcome to book a tee time and soak up the heritage of a course that shaped early British golf, including the career of local champion JH Taylor.