A Short Surf Travel Guide to Westward Ho!

Introduction to Surfing at Westward Ho!

Westward Ho! sits on the North Devon coast facing directly into the bay, a long, pebble-backed, sand bottom beach that has been part of the British surf scene since before most people were paying attention. It is not the most polished destination on the English surfing map, and that is entirely the point. The town is unpretentious, the community is tight-knit and the waves, driven by Atlantic groundswells funnelling into the Bristol Channel, are more consistent and more capable than the area’s modest profile suggests.

With easy access, and a dedicated local surf school that has been operating since 1988 and a beach that works across a wide range of conditions, Westward Ho! punches well above its weight as a surf destination, and for those who find it, a fun surf session is surf to entail.

An instructor from The North Devon Surf School showing how to ride in the waves in Westward Ho!

Seasons to Surf

• Winter Season — November to March: North Atlantic groundswells push into Bideford Bay with real force during the winter months, delivering some of the most powerful and consistent surf the beach sees all year. Advanced recommendation.
• Summer Season — June to August: Beginner Recommendation. Smaller, friendlier surf and warmer conditions make summer the natural season for beginners and families. The beach is at its most welcoming, surf school lessons run throughout the season and the relaxed atmosphere of the North Devon coast during the summer months makes it a genuinely enjoyable place to be in and out of the water.
• Shoulder Seasons — March to May / September to November: The most well-rounded window for most surfers. Autumn stands out in particular, the Atlantic swell season builds from September, the lineups quieten and the North Devon coastline at this time of year has a beauty and atmosphere that the peak summer season cannot match. Spring offers a similarly appealing combination of improving surf and uncrowded beaches.

The North Devon Surf School having some fun in the water on a sunny day.

Westward Ho! Beach

Westward Ho! Beach stretches stretchs pratically endlessly along the southern edge of Bideford Bay, backed by a famous pebble ridge that has defined this coastline for centuries. The beach faces northwest, giving it a direct line into the Atlantic swell that rolls in from the open ocean and wraps into the bay. The sandy bottom produces a consistent beach break that shifts across the beach depending on the sandbanks, offering a variety of peaks and conditions across different states of tide.

Westward Ho! Beach showing exactly what North Devon can deliver on a quality Atlantic swell.

Recommended Surf Schools

North Devon Surf School

The North Devon Surf School has been running lessons at Westward Ho! since 1988, making it one of the longest-established surf schools in the country and a cornerstone of the local surf community for nearly four decades. Based in a purpose-built surf centre just 50 metres from the beach, the school has everything under one roof and walking distance from the surf!

The offering covers everything from single taster sessions and group lessons through to private coaching, family sessions and full week programmes for those who want to commit properly to their progression. So, we highly recommend The North Devon Surf School for those that want to taste the surf scene and a session in Westward Ho!.

The North Devon Surf School headed out to catch some waves.

Five Other Things to Do in Westward Ho!

• The Pebble Ridge: One of the most distinctive natural features on the North Devon coast.
• Bideford: Just a short drive from Westward Ho!, the historic port town of Bideford has a long quayside, independent shops, excellent cafes and a charm that feels entirely removed from the tourist trail.
• Dartington Crystal, Torrington: You can watch skilled craftspeople at work and pick up a piece of the glassware that has made the brand famous worldwide.
• RHS Garden Rosemoor: One of the Royal Horticultural Society’s flagship gardens, Rosemoor sits just outside Great Torrington and is a genuinely beautiful place to spend a non-surf day.
• Croyde Bay: A short drive around the headland brings you to Croyde, one of North Devon’s most celebrated surf villages and a beach well worth the visit.

A good shot showing off the local Croyde Bay.

Conclusion

Westward Ho! is not a destination that trades on glamour or hype, and it is all the better for it. What it offers is reliable Atlantic surf on a beautiful stretch of North Devon coastline, backed by one of the most experienced and well-regarded surf schools in the country.

The beach works across all ability levels, the community around it is welcoming, and the wider North Devon landscape showcases dramatic cliffs, ancient estuaries, and wild moorland. It gives any surf trip here a depth and variety that more one-dimensional destinations simply cannot match.

A couple of lads getting out of the water after a surf session with The North Devon Surf School.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need surfing experience to take a lesson at Westward Ho!?

Not at all. The beach offers forgiving conditions on smaller days that are ideal for those just starting out.

What is the best time of year to surf at Westward Ho!?

Autumn, particularly September through to November, is the standout window for most surfers. The Atlantic swell builds consistently during these months, the beach is uncrowded and the North Devon coast is at its most atmospheric.

Where is The North Devon Surf School located?

The school is based just 50 metres from the beach with public parking directly adjacent. It is one of the most conveniently located surf schools in the UK.

Is Westward Ho! a good surf destination for families?

Very much so. The beach is long, sandy and well supervised during peak season, and The North Devon Surf School offers family surf sessions and lessons tailored specifically for younger surfers. The town and surrounding area also offer plenty to keep non-surfers in the family well entertained.

Are there other surf spots worth visiting in England?

Absolutely. Check out Surf Travel Guide for England for more locations to surf in England.