Westward Ho! Cottages with Hot Tubs

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Westward Ho! Guide

Westward Ho! is Devon's only town with an exclamation mark in its name, named after Charles Kingsley's 1855 novel. This unique coastal spot offers cottages with hot tubs that provide the perfect base for exploring North Devon's attractions.

The town boasts a Blue Flag beach stretching over two miles, backed by a pebble ridge and Northam Burrows Country Park. Westward Ho!'s most popular attractions include The Big Sheep (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor), Atlantic Village shopping outlet and the South West Coast Path with stunning views.

Rudyard Kipling spent several years at Westward Ho! attending the United Services College, which later inspired his book 'Stalky & Co.' The town was actually built as a Victorian resort after the success of Kingsley's novel.

Cottages with hot tubs range from cosy fishermen's cottages to large group accommodation sleeping 10+. Many offer sea views, private gardens and easy beach access. Dog-friendly options are plentiful, making it ideal for the whole family.

Get More From Your Westward Ho! Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Westward Ho! sits in a prime spot for exploring North Devon. The town's main draw is its massive beach - a two-mile stretch of golden sand that never feels crowded even in summer. Perfect for a morning dip before returning to your cottage hot tub!

The Northam Burrows Country Park (EX39 1XS, open dawn till dusk) offers 253 hectares of grassy coastal plain with salt marshes and sand dunes. It's completely free to visit and the visitor centre provides fascinating information about local wildlife.

The Tarka Trail is accessible directly from town - this 180-mile route follows the journey of Tarka the Otter from Henry Williamson's famous book. You can hire bikes from Westward Ho! Bike Hire (EX39 1LH, open 9am-5pm daily, £15 per day).

Nearby attractions include The Big Sheep (EX39 5AP, 10am-5pm, TripAdvisor 4.5/5), Clovelly Village (EX39 5TA, 9am-6pm, TripAdvisor 4/5) and Atlantic Village shopping outlet (EX39 3QU, 9am-6pm).

Pet Friendly

Dogs love Westward Ho! as much as humans do. The main beach has seasonal restrictions (May-September) but allows dogs on the northern section year-round. I've seen countless happy dogs splashing in the waves here!

Northam Burrows Country Park welcomes dogs throughout the year - its vast open spaces are perfect for energetic pets. The Tarka Trail offers miles of traffic-free walking with your four-legged friend.

For refreshments, The Pier House (EX39 1JU) has a dog-friendly bar area with water bowls provided. The Village Inn (EX39 1LJ) not only welcomes dogs but offers them treats at the bar - my kind of place!

Most cottages with hot tubs in Westward Ho! offer secure gardens, but always check specific pet policies. Some provide dog beds, bowls and even welcome treats. Remember to bring towels for muddy paws after beach walks!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Westward Ho!

The Royal North Devon Golf Club (EX39 1HD) is England's oldest golf course still playing on its original grounds. Founded in 1864, this links course offers challenging play with stunning views. Even non-golfers can enjoy the clubhouse which displays fascinating golfing memorabilia. Green fees from £50-£80 depending on season. As one visitor wrote: "Playing this historic course was like stepping back in time - absolutely magical experience."

Appledore Book Festival (various venues, usually late September/early October) attracts literary stars and readers from across the UK. Previous speakers include Michael Morpurgo, Kate Mosse and Jeremy Vine. The festival transforms this fishing village just 2 miles from Westward Ho! into a hub of cultural activity. One festival-goer commented: "Such an intimate festival where you can actually meet authors rather than just see them from a distance."

Lundy Island lies 12 miles offshore and makes a fantastic day trip. The MS Oldenburg sails from nearby Bideford (EX39 2EY) several times weekly (April-October). The island has no cars, no roads, just incredible wildlife including puffins, seals and Lundy ponies. Day returns cost around £44 for adults. A recent visitor said: "Felt like we'd discovered a secret world - the tranquillity is incredible."

What's the best time to visit Westward Ho!?

May to September offers the warmest weather with July and August being peak season. For fewer crowds but still pleasant conditions, June and September are ideal. Winter visits have their own charm with dramatic seas and empty beaches - plus hot tub cottages are cheaper and you'll have the hot tub to warm up in!

Can you surf at Westward Ho!?

Yes! The beach offers excellent surfing conditions for all abilities. North Devon Surf School (EX39 1LH) provides lessons from £35 per person. The beach has lifeguard coverage from May to September, making it safer for beginners.

Where can I eat in Westward Ho!?

Tea on the Green (EX39 1LB) serves amazing cream teas with sea views. The Pier House offers upscale dining with locally caught seafood. For fish and chips, try Atlantic Bay (EX39 1LH) - eat them on the beach for the full experience!

Is Westward Ho! suitable for children?

Absolutely! The beach has excellent safety record with gentle slopes perfect for paddling. The Pebble Ridge Adventure Golf and Go-Karts (EX39 1LH) provides entertainment on rainy days. Many cottages with hot tubs also offer family-friendly facilities like games rooms.

How far is it to other Devon attractions?

Clovelly is 10 miles away (20 minutes). Barnstaple is 11 miles (25 minutes). Exmoor National Park is about 25 miles (45 minutes). Having a car is recommended although there are bus services connecting to major towns.

Are there any good walks from Westward Ho!?

The South West Coast Path runs directly through town. The walk to Appledore (2.5 miles) offers stunning estuary views. For a challenge, the route to Clovelly (10 miles) rewards with spectacular coastal scenery.