Short answer: Westward Ho! charges a flat £8 for the day whether you stay one hour or eight, which annoys people who only want a short walk. Northam Burrows is the same price and gets you more; Instow and Appledore are minutes away.
This is the thing visitors complain about most. Parking at Westward Ho! is £8 for the day regardless of how long you stay. If you have driven over for a walk on the pebble ridge and a coffee, that is a lot for ninety minutes — and there is no shorter option.
If you are staying for the day it is fine. If you are not, consider whether one of the alternatives below suits better.
Two miles of flat sand with reliable surf on the right swell, backed by an enormous natural pebble ridge that you cross to reach a small café at the far end. Arcades, a playground and doughnut stands near the front. It is a proper holiday-village beach and it earns its keep on a full day.
Across the estuary, also £8 a day, and arguably better value — a huge open beach behind the pebble ridge with a visitor centre, café, clean toilets, ranger events and a lending library of beach toys. Dogs on leads. Parts of the car park flood at high tide, so read the signs on the way in.
The Pier House is a big glass-fronted restaurant above the bay with window tables looking straight out to sea — book, and confirm the booking. The Guillemot Bar at Latitude 51 has excellent wheelchair and mobility-scooter access and enormous portions. Nomad Larder at the Pig on the Hill is walkable up from the beach; closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
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