subject: Westward Ho! - an excellent place to visit [print this page] Throughout England, there are lots of places to visit that provide many and varied activities, sights, sounds, and entertainment. for all ages. The coastline of this wonderful island has contrasts galore, consisting of lively resorts, wonderful sandy beaches, impressive views from cliff top locations, hidden coves, and habitats to all things natural.
These coastal areas are the UK's most lucrative leisure resource and is effectively one massive National Park. Each area has its favourite spots for tourists, such as Blackpool in the north west, Bournemouth and Brighton in the south, Skegness, Great Yarmouth and Margate down the east and Newquay and Torquay in the west. However, for many people, these places are too commercial and they prefer to find little places that can satisfy their needs, but at maybe a slightly slower pace.
One such place is Westward Ho!, a picturesque little village with a bizarre name, sat facing out towards the Atlantic Ocean on the North Devon coast. Created out of a development triggered by the novel Westward Ho! written by Charles Kingsley in the mid 1800's, it has grown into a favored holiday destination.
Its location at the Taw/Torridge estuary, between Hartland Point to the south and the rocky headlands of Ilfracombe to the north, gives it a characteristic position and its 2 miles of lwide sandy beach, known as Golden Bay, can rival anywhere in the country.
Families can enjoy themselves on the soft sand, or simply relax in a very safe surroundings. Many couples choose to amble along the coast path on a romantic walk taking in waves and the brilliant views.
It is a favourite for bird watchers too, as there is a whole host of feathered creatures frequenting the area. The famous Pebble Ridge is a sight to behold, with its rounded grey cobbles made from sandstone. This inconceivable formation actually acts as a protective fence for the resort and the nearby Northam Burrows Country Park, which is accepted as a place of natural beauty.
There is an exciting hike along the south west coastal path, but for the more adventurous there is also the famous Tarka trail, which passes within a couple of miles. Lots of people see this as an attractive cycle ride with much of north and mid Devon encountered along the way. Other activities popularised at Westward Ho! include sailing, kite surfing, wind-surfing and the more traditional wave surfing.
The Royal North Devon Golf course is in the village, and was recently recognised in a Golfing publication as one of the best five courses throughout England. As the oldest course in England it is well worth a visit, if nothing more than to take in the history.
Westward Ho! is still known as a village, but its growth over the years probably has moved it up into the small town bracket now. It has a few great pubs, with the most popular probably being the Village Inn. Similarly there are only a few of restaurants in the town, but should you need something a bit more lively then the town of Appledore is just a pleasant 30-40 minutes walk away.
Places to stay are certainly not a problem with camp, caravan and holiday parks set right next to the Blue Flag beaches; plus a handful of good hotels, many holiday cottages and brilliant apartments right next to teh beach. With or without the children, Westward Ho! is a terrific place to visit for a relaxing break, stunning views and a friendly welcome.
