Local beaches
Sun, sand & smiles
Families will love the beaches near Westward Ho!, starting with its own vast sandy shore on the doorstep of MyWestbeach Oceanside Apartments, perfect for sandcastles, surfing, and rockpooling. A short drive away, Croyde Bay offers golden sands and gentle waves ideal for bodyboarding, while Woolacombe Bay boasts three miles of award-winning beach. For a touch of adventure, Hartland Quay reveals dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and fascinating rock formations to explore.
Westward Ho! Beach
On your doorstep Westwrd Ho! Beach is a stunning two-mile stretch of golden sand. Its gentle slope into the Atlantic makes it ideal for swimming and paddling alike with lifeguards during the summer. It’s a surfer’s favourite too, with reliable waves, surf schools and equipment hire for beginners and seasoned riders alike.
Saunton Sands
Wide, inviting and perfect for a relaxed family beach day. Its broad sandy shore and surrounding soft dunes give kids space to run, build sandcastles or explore while parents unwind.
Croyde Beach
Blending surf, sand, and seaside charm. Golden dunes back a sweeping sandy bay, it’s a great surfing destination due to its powerful, fast-breaking waves. Have fun riding the surf, hunting rock-pools or strolling the scenic clifftop paths with panoramic coastal views.
Putsborough Beach
A sweeping three-mile sandy stretch merging into Woolacombe, sheltered from south-westerly winds by the headland Baggy Point, making it a favourite with surfers and families alike. Surf-board hire, a café, toilets, and a beach shop make for a convenient day on the beach.
Barricane Beach
Hidden away at the quiet end of Woolacombe Beach, a sheltered cove famed for its Caribbean-washed cowrie shells. Explore rock pools full of marine life or stroll beneath rugged cliffs far from the crowds. You can even enjoy a beachside curry for a truly unforgettable day out.
Woolacombe Beach
Golden-sanded, Woolacombe Beach stretches for three miles. A clean, family-friendly shoreline backed by dunes, cafés and beach huts. Surf enthusiasts love its consistent waves, while families can enjoy rock-pools, sandcastle building and easy access to shops and seaside treats.
Recommended by our team
Our very own Westward Ho! beach is perfect for surfers and families alike. Kids can run, play, and build sandcastles. Calm, gently shelving sands make paddling or swimming feel safe (especially with lifeguards on duty between May and September).
At low tide you’ll find rockpools on the beach’s edges, ideal for little explorers with buckets and nets. And if you fancy a break from the sand and surf, the wide grassy expanse of Northam Burrows Country Park sits just behind, offering peaceful walks, nature spotting and a chance to stretch legs.