Westward Ho!..THE place to stay in Devon!
Devon is another part of the UK I have spent many holidays in since childhood. Back then Westward Ho! was a very small quiet area that did not seem to compete with the other areas around such as Braunton and Ilfracombe in terms of family entertainment. Over the years it has grown and blossomed immensely now offering a fantastic holiday destination which rivals the surrounding towns,
What attracts us is how it caterers for us as a family but also appeals to adults with a great selection of restaurants and nightlife.
First lets start in the center of the village where there is a large green featuring large grassy areas, benches and a play-park, this green is surrounded by shops, pubs and opposite is the sea wall. This green is the heart of Westward Ho! particularly in summer where you will find the ice cream van, food trucks and various entertainment, as late afternoon and evening falls its full of families relaxing on the grass with some hot food while their children play after a busy day on the beach. Many of the pubs offer takeaway food options and plastic cups to enjoy on the green.
Westward Ho! main beach does not allow dogs however up the other end of the beach there is a dog friendly area, this part of the beach can be accessed near the golf course which is at the other end of the village. The main beach has a small car park and is surrounded by a good selection of shops selling all the usual beach items such as buckets, spades and body boards. There is also plenty of food vendors offering a wide selection of pasties, burgers and ice creams, the other side of the car park there is also a Tesco Express.
From the car park you will also see signs for crazy golf, go karts and various other family entertainment which work great to keep the kids entertained on the cooler days.
Our personal favorite thing which Westward Ho! offers is the sea pool! Built in amongst the rocks is a pool which the tide exposes as it goes out creating a safe place to swim and play without the worry of the waves. In the mornings and evening it is often a place where locals like to get their lengths in then as the day goes on the families appear however even in the hottest of days in the summer holiday we have never known it to be crowded or too busy. Its a great place for children to gain confidence of swimming in the sea and also for new learners. The only downside is it is not very accessible, with a set of steep stairs followed by a walk across the rocks, making it difficult to navigate if you are not well abled or have children in prams. You can walk to the sea pool across the seafront from the village green and is on the doorstep of the caravan sites and beach huts.
If your anything like us, as much as our family holidays center around the children we do like to carve a bit of fun for our selves in the time we have. Here is a few of my personal recommendations for food and drinks away from the casual grab and eat type dining.
The Pier House - set up on the cliff tops over the sea at the end of the village is The Pier House, this is right by the caravan park and sea pool and has a view which is out of this world. Not only is the view a knock out but the food is also first class offering everything from a casual bowl of cheesy chips right up to A La Carte options.
Fairway buoy - The view again is just second to non, with open wrap around terraces over two floors the Fairway buoy really does offer some incredible views and sunsets in the evening. With access to a large arcade it means there is some great entertainment for children while you can enjoy a drink, then in the evenings the nighlife turns more to cater for adults with various days of the week hosting DJs. At present the Fairway buoy does not serve food however it is surrounded by various food vendors.
The Waterfront Inn - The Waterfront is just across the road from the Fairway bouy and offers both food and drinks including the most delicious breakfasts! Weather you are after a nice hot chocolate on a cold afternoon or a few drinks and a meal there is plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors. To the rear of the Inn is a large beer garden with a childrens play area (huge bonus!), off this garden is a huge pay and display car park which serves as the main car park in the village. To the front of the pub is a large terrace with plenty of seating including some really fun, quirky beach hut style seating in various themes.
Now you may well think, well if there are pubs, beach, food vans, crazy golf, surely the accommodation options will be away from the village? .....Wrong! Westward Ho! offers accommodation ranging from bronze package caravans rights up to luxury houses with hot tubs and everything in between to suit a huge selection of budgets and travel group sizes. Below are two personal recommendations both of which have various options and also dog friendly properties.
https://braddicksholidays.co.uk/
I hope you find this helpful, if there is anything you would like to know further about Westward Ho! or the nearby area please do not hesitate to get in touch in the comments or on our socials.
Hannah x
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