Pictures of Westward Ho!

About Westward Ho!

Interestingly, this seaside resort was born out of the contents of Charles Kingsley's book, Westward Ho. The foundation stone for the resort was laid in 1864 at a time when the land around this beautiful area was occupied by scattered farms and cottages with not much else to recommend it except a magnificent three mile stretch of golden sands. Consequently, Westward Ho, named after the book, was developed overlooking the pebbleridge, as described in the book.

A famous resident of the town was the young Rudyard Kipling. Kipling attended the United Services College which had been established for the Son's of Officers' and it is thought that some of his earlier work may have been written here.

From it's early beginnings, the town grew and prospered as a resort, it ideally met the needs of 19th and 20th-century holidaymakers. During the period of World War II it was considered a suitably safe haven for many evacuees from London and other cities suffering from the full thrust of nightly bombing raids. Following the war, people once more flocked to enjoy all that this pleasant town had to offer. The resort finally reached it's peak in the decade of the 1970's. There is little doubt though, that this seaside town remains much loved by the British holidaymaker. Each year, the attraction of the beautiful beach and the nearby famous golf course causes a rush of visitors, and not just from all over England.

Westward Ho is situate on the beautiful Hartland Heritage Coast, to the edge of Bideford Bay. It is surrounded by some fine countryside strewn with small villages and the larger town of Bideford is but a short distance away. Closeby attractions include, the Big Sheep, a Wildlife park and a museum at Appledore. Being a coastal town you will find excellent fish and seafood served in almost all the local town and country inns and restaurants.
WESTWARD HO! Information submitted by: Terri Walton