Short answer: Two miles of flat sand and a playground near the front make Westward Ho! a good toddler beach. Parking is a flat £8, so make a day of it. Northam Burrows across the estuary lends beach toys for free if you forgot the bucket.
Two miles of flat sand is exactly what a toddler needs. The surf can be real on the right swell, so keep a small child to the shallows or the pools the tide leaves behind.
Time any beach visit for a falling tide. Firm wet sand is easier to push a buggy across, and the shallow pools the sea leaves behind are warmer and safer for a toddler than the sea itself.
A playground, arcades and doughnut stands near the front. The playground is the useful bit; the rest is a budget question.
The enormous bank of cobbles behind the beach is fascinating and hard going. Do not try to cross it with a buggy.
Across the estuary, with a visitor centre, clean toilets, ranger events and a free lending library of beach toys. If you forgot the bucket and spade, this is where to go.
The Guillemot Bar at Latitude 51 is spacious with beach views and very good access — plenty of room for a buggy. The Pier House has window tables looking straight out to sea.
Parking is £8 for the day whatever you stay, so plan a full day rather than a quick visit. The Big Sheep is five minutes inland if the weather turns.
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