Westward Ho!
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Introduction Founded in 1863 and named after Charles Kingsley's novel, the seaside resort of Westward Ho! is known for its remarkable four kilometre long pebble ridge and sandy beach. Underneath these sands have been found the remains of Stone Age food, including shells and a variety of bones. The pebble bank protects Northam Burrows Country Park, which consists of some 250 acres of sand dunes and pasture land. A natural habitat for many varieties of flora and fauna The resort is located in a sheltered bay, looking out over miles of sandy beach. It is popular with families and is home to camping and caravan sites, amusement arcades, a putting green, playground, beach shops, snack bars and seaside pubs. Rudyard Kippling went to school here and later gave the Kipling Tors to the community.
Literary connection Charles Kingsley lived nearby for several years during his childhood. As a young man, he started writing a book which he named Westward Ho! The book is a saga of romance and seafaring adventure set against the backdrop of Elizabethan England and the battle of the Spanish Armada. In addition to Westward Ho!'s links with Charles Kingsley, Rudyard Kipling studied at the United Services College established in there in 1974.
Beach & Northam Burrows The one and a half mile long sandy beach, stretches all the way to the Taw / Torridge estuary. It is great for swimmers, surfers and families and is easily accessible. Pools in the rocks have been adapted for swimming, and good walks along the coastal path towards Clovelly and Northam Burrows. |
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Facilities include a shop, parking, toilets, refreshments, lifeguards, water sports. The beach is backed by a pebble ridge, behind which is Northam Burrows Country Park. The ancient custom of potwalloping in Westward Ho! is a time when locals meet on the beach and move the pebbles back onto the ridge to prevent the sea encroaching onto the famous Northam Burrows Country Park. The Park is protected by a huge ridge of pebbles, the country park comprises 650 acres of sand dunes, salt marsh and pasture. Nearby, there is a visitors centre explaining the ecology of the sea and surrounding area. For a winter walk why not park at Northam Burrows and walk along the beach to Westward Ho!
Braunton Burrows
Braunton Burrows and over 3000 hectares of the North Devon landscape have been formally recognised by UNESCO as Britain's first new-style Biosphere Reserve. The biosphere has the Burrows at the core and stretches out to include Braunton Marshes and Great Field, Northam Burrows, the Taw and Torridge Estuary and out as far as Croyde Dunes and Kipling Tors. It is considered to be of international importance because of the diversity and abundance of rare plants and its continuous human use from ancient times.
Local Attractions
The
Hidden Forest
When
spring tides coincide with stormy weather, an ancient forest submerged
under peat sediments is exposed at Westward Ho! The peat samples show
many different types of plants as well as bones from animals and men.
Discovered within this submerged forest was a kitchen midden - a prehistoric
mound containing bones, shells, kitchen refuse and stone implements. Dating
of the midden puts in the Middle Stone Age (Mesolithic
period) over 6,500 years ago.
Bowls are available for hire and no special shoes are needed. Telephone 01237 472507 for further information.
Royal
North Devon Golf Club
An unusual 18-hole links course, 6449 yards, Par 72. It is England's
oldest course, established in 1864. Week days: £28 round, £34
day. Weekends: £34 round, £40 day. No Club Hire. Handicap
certificates required. Located on Links Road, Westward Ho! Telephone 01237
473817 for details.
The
Waterfront Inn
Situated on Golf Links Road, Westward Ho!, Bideford EX39 1LH. Ring
01237 474737 for details or visit the website.
Westward Ho! in the news
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Page last updated: 24 July 2004