How to Get to Westward Ho!

Welcome to Westward Ho!, a quaint seaside town located in the North Devon region of England.

Westward Ho! is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, stunning coastal views, and charming village atmosphere that will make you feel right at home.

Whether you are planning a family vacation or a romantic getaway, this picturesque town has something to offer for everyone.

But how do you get here?

Brief Overview of Westward Ho!

Named after Charles Kingsley’s novel, Westward Ho!, this town is situated on the North Devon coast and is surrounded by breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the coastline.

The town was developed during the Victorian era as a popular seaside resort destination.

Still today, visitors flock here to enjoy miles of golden sands flanked by dunes, perfect for surfing and other water sports.

If you are looking for an escape from city life or just want to spend some quality time with your loved ones in a peaceful environment, then Westward Ho! should definitely be on your bucket list.

From Barnstaple to Westward Ho!

Begin on a captivating journey from Barnstaple to Westward Ho! in North Devon, where historic charm intertwines with a stunning coastline.

Explore Barnstaple’s vibrant market town, meander through picturesque countryside, and arrive at Westward Ho!’s a golden beach and rich maritime heritage.

This enchanting route unveils a seamless blend of history, natural beauty, and seaside allure, creating an unforgettable experience.

By Bus: Exploring the Public Transportation Options

If you’re travelling on a budget or simply prefer public transportation modes, you can easily get to Westward Ho! from Barnstaple by taking one of the regular bus services.

The two primary public transport operators in the area are Stagecoach and Beacon Bus.

Both companies offer regular services that run between Barnstaple and Westward Ho!, with fares starting at around £2 for a single trip.

Stagecoach operates several routes that connect the two towns, including the 21A, 21C, and 319.

These buses usually depart from Barnstaple Bus Station every hour or so during weekdays (Monday to Saturday), with reduced frequency on Sundays and holidays.

The journey duration is around 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Beacon Bus also runs frequent bus services between Barnstaple and Westward Ho! via Bideford, which provides additional options for those looking for more flexible schedules or routes.

Their route number is 21B and fares start at £2 per ride.

Hiring a Taxi or Private Car

Travel conveniently from Barnstaple to Westward Ho! with Uber, ensuring a comfortable ride as you journey to the captivating coastal village.

With just a few taps on your smartphone, you can book an Uber and relax, knowing that your transportation needs are taken care of, allowing you to focus on enjoying the golden beach and all the attractions that Westward Ho! has to offer.

If you want a more flexible or personalized mode of transportation from Barnstaple to Westward Ho!, there are several taxi companies in the area that provide reliable services.

These include Taw & Torridge Taxi Service, North Devon Taxis, Star Cars & Taxis, and many others which can be found through online search engines or local directories.

Taxis can be hailed directly off the street or booked in advance via phone calls or online bookings.

Prices vary depending on the distance travelled but usually range from £20-£30 per trip during normal business hours.

Alternatively, if you prefer driving yourself but did not bring your own car along for the trip, there are several car hire companies in the area that can provide you with a vehicle to suit your needs.

Some of the popular options include Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hertz, and Europcar.

Prices start at around £35 per day for a standard hatchback or small car and increase depending on the type of vehicle chosen and the duration of the rental.

Getting to Barnstaple

Barnstaple is located in North Devon and can be easily reached by car from major cities such as London, Bristol, and Birmingham.

If you are travelling from London, take the M4 westbound until you reach the M5.

From there, continue on the M5 until Junction 27 (Tiverton). Take the A361 towards Barnstaple and follow it until you reach the town centre.

If you are travelling from Bristol or Birmingham, take the M5 southbound and follow it until Junction 27.

Once you reach Barnstaple town centre, there are several parking options available for visitors.

The main car park is located on Seven Brethren Bank and provides easy access to the town’s amenities.

There is also a smaller car park located at Anchorwood Bank which overlooks the River Taw.

By Train: Train Stations near Barnstaple

Barnstaple has two train stations: Barnstaple Station and Chapelton Station.

However, only trains operated by Great Western Railway stop at Barnstaple Station while Chapelton Station serves as a national rail interchange where passengers can transfer to local buses or taxis to get to their final destination.

Trains from London Paddington station run regularly throughout the day with journey times ranging between 2 hours 50 minutes and 4 hours depending on connections.

Trains leaving Bristol Temple Meads station run every hour with journey times of around one hour and forty-five minutes.

There are also direct services running from Exeter St David’s which takes around an hour.

Train fares vary depending on booking time and class of travel selected; however early booking is recommended in order to secure cheaper fares as prices tend to rise closer to travel dates.

Train tickets can be purchased online or at the station ticket office.

Overview of the town’s layout and attractions

Westward Ho! is a small coastal town located in Devon, England. As a popular holiday destination, the town has plenty of attractions to offer its visitors.

One of the most famous landmarks in Westward Ho! is the expansive, sandy beach stretching for over two miles.

The beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and other water sports.

The beachfront also boasts a selection of cafes and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy the stunning sea views.

In addition to its beautiful beachfront, Westward Ho! features a charming town centre with numerous shops and restaurants.

Here you can find everything from souvenirs to locally sourced produce. The local architecture is also noteworthy: many historic buildings have been preserved or restored to their former glory.

Notable examples include St Margaret’s Church on Golf Links Road and Kingsley Statue, which honours Charles Kingsley, the author who gave Westward Ho! its name.

Walking & Cycling Routes

Westward Ho! offers some fantastic walking routes that are perfect for those looking to explore the stunning natural beauty of Devon’s coastlines.

One popular trail is the South West Coast Path which passes through Westward Ho!

This path stretches for 630 miles along England’s southwestern coastline from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset.

Another popular walking route in Westward Ho! leads up towards Northam Burrows Country Park, a vast grassland area teeming with wildlife where wild horses roam free.

From here you can continue walking along Northam Beach, another expansive sandy stretch that offers breathtaking views out across Bideford Bay.

If you’re after something slightly shorter but equally scenic then consider taking a stroll along Beach Road Promenade towards Appledore Quay, this four-mile path offers panoramic views of the estuary.

Overall, whether you’re after a leisurely seaside stroll or a more challenging hike, Westward Ho! is an excellent destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Conclusion

Getting to Westward Ho! can be an adventure in itself, with many options available for travellers.

Whether you choose to drive or take public transportation, there are advantages and disadvantages to each method.

By car, you have more flexibility and control over your journey but may encounter traffic and parking issues.

By public transportation, you can relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about driving but may be limited by schedules and routes.

Once you arrive in Barnstaple, there are several options for reaching Westward Ho!, including buses and taxis.

It’s important to research the different transportation options ahead of time to determine which one will best suit your needs.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the layout of Westward Ho!

So you can navigate the town with ease.

Overall, travelling to Westward Ho! is a worthwhile experience that offers beautiful scenery and a charming coastal town to explore.

With careful planning and preparation, getting there can be stress-free and enjoyable.