Westward Ho! Spelt with an exclamation mark at the end and named after the book of the same name written by Charles Kingsley sometime during the mid 1800's.

Westward Ho! an ideal  family getaway which is encompassed by unspoilt Devon coastal scenery and inland rolling hills, best explored on long walks. Although its Victorian heyday is long gone, the village of around 1,700 locals remains a friendly community with plenty to see and do.

The golden sandy beach stretches for two miles and is known for its excellent surf. The inland area is protected by a natural pebble ridge. Close by there are extensive grasslands offering a natural habitat for birds and wildlife in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Northam Burrows Country Park, behind the pebble ridge, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The village itself has a collection of many local shops, mainly geared up to tourisim, and has two churches, the Westward Ho! Baptist Church and the Holy Trinity Church, both worth  a look at. There are also several local pubs serving excellent local fare.Today the resort is quiet and charming, with a vibrant atmosphere and a busy shopping centre, looking out over the sandy beach. A pebble ridge also provides a backdrop to the beach and protection for the Northam Burrows Country Park -  where there are nearly 1000 acres of sand dunes, salt marsh and pasture to explore for the more intrepid walkers. Westward Ho! Is also home to the country's oldest 18 hole golf links course in England, the Royal North Devon Golf Club.