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Orca House, Westward Ho

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Orca House is a striking detached contemporary home in Westward Ho!, North Devon. This reverse-level property sleeps 8 guests and sits moments from the beach. The design puts living spaces on the first floor and most bedrooms on the ground floor. Groups will love the private hot tub in the enclosed rear garden, perfect for relaxing after beach days. The property offers off-road parking for up to three cars, making arrival stress-free for larger groups.

Westward Ho! is a classic seaside village with a long sandy beach. The area offers direct access to Northam Burrows Country Park, where walking trails wind through dunes and grassland.

Check Prices & Availability »
At HolidayCottages.co.uk

About Orca House

Orca House is a striking detached contemporary home in Westward Ho!, North Devon. This reverse-level property sleeps 8 guests and sits moments from the beach. The design puts living spaces on the first floor and most bedrooms on the ground floor. Groups will love the private hot tub in the enclosed rear garden, perfect for relaxing after beach days. The property offers off-road parking for up to three cars, making arrival stress-free for larger groups.

Westward Ho! is a classic seaside village with a long sandy beach. The area offers direct access to Northam Burrows Country Park, where walking trails wind through dunes and grassland. The Royal North Devon Golf Club sits next door.

The accommodation features 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms across two floors. First-floor living areas include a modern kitchen and social spaces. Outside, a balcony with rattan armchairs overlooks the garden. Garden furniture and a BBQ complete the outdoor setup.

The beach is within a mile, alongside cafés, restaurants and surf hire shops. Northam Burrows Country Park (0.5 miles, 2 minutes) provides coastal walks. The Royal North Devon Golf Club (next door) offers championship golf. A beachfront surf academy operates nearby for water sports enthusiasts.

Orca House combines modern design with an unbeatable coastal location. Best suited for beach-loving groups and families wanting easy access to North Devon's coastline.

Check Prices & Availability »
At HolidayCottages.co.uk

Need To Know

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Local Insights: Orca House

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Westward Ho, Devon

Weather & Local Conditions

16°C

Overcast

Updated: 28 Aug 2026, 3:01am

🌡️
16.10°C
Temperature
💨
11 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
92%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever August throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
  • October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A large cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film with the whole group beat a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Orca House sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
📱
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share with the whole group.

Location & Elevation

13m

(43 feet above sea level)

Orca House sits in a peaceful Devon setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

🏔️
13m
Elevation
📍
Westward Ho
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
🚗
Driving Note: The roads to Westward Ho are typical Devon lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 51.0423880° N | Longitude: 4.222015° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Westward Ho (Friday, 28 August 2026):

5:22am

Sunrise

6:13pm

Golden Hour

7:13pm

Sunset

🌅
5:22am
Sunrise
🌇
7:13pm
Sunset
📸
6:13pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
🌙
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (6:13pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

August Daylight

This month in Westward Ho, you have approximately 13.85 hours of daylight. The long summer days mean plenty of time for group adventures before a relaxed evening back at the cottage.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at Orca House.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

💡
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

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Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Devon. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 28 Aug 2026 | Location: 51.0423880, -4.2220150

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at Orca House

Private Hot Tub

The enclosed garden hot tub provides the perfect spot for groups to unwind together after exploring the beach and coastal paths.

Steps to the Beach

Located moments from Westward Ho! beach, groups can walk to the sand in minutes for surfing, swimming and seaside fun.

Parking for Three Cars

Off-road parking for three vehicles means everyone arrives without the hassle of finding spaces in this popular coastal village.

Golf Club Access

Next door to Royal North Devon Golf Club, groups can book rounds on the championship course and use the bar and restaurant.

Reverse-Level Design

First-floor living spaces capture views and light whilst ground-floor bedrooms provide easy access to the garden and hot tub.

Modern Group Spaces

Contemporary open-plan living areas and balcony seating give groups plenty of room to gather, eat and socialise together throughout the stay.

Getting To Orca House

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Orca House by car, take the A39 towards Bideford then follow signs to Westward Ho! The property is in the heart of the village with convenient off-road parking for three cars upon arrival.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Barnstaple, approximately 8 miles away. From there, it's a short taxi ride or bus journey to Westward Ho! and your coastal home.

Off-road parking for three cars
Barnstaple station (8 miles)
Easily accessible from the A39

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Northam Burrows Country Park
Distance: 0.5 miles
EX39 1NW
Royal North Devon Golf Club
Distance: Next door
EX39 1HD
The Big Sheep
Distance: 2 miles
EX39 5AP
Westward Ho! Beach Coastal Path
Distance: 0.8 miles
EX39 1LF
Northam Burrows Dune Trails
Distance: 0.5 miles
EX39 1NW
Kipling Tors Coastal Walk
Distance: 1.2 miles
EX39 1JD
Westward Ho! Village Shops
Distance: 0.9 miles
EX39 1HT
Bideford Town Centre
Distance: 3 miles
EX39 2DR
Atlantic Village Outlet
Distance: 2.5 miles
EX31 2AS
Bideford Bus Services
Distance: 3 miles
EX39 2QG
Barnstaple Railway Station
Distance: 8 miles
EX31 2AU
Local Taxi Services
Distance: 0.9 miles
EX39 1HT
Northam Burrows Country Park
Distance: 0.5 miles
EX39 1NW
Royal North Devon Golf Club
Distance: Next door
EX39 1HD
The Big Sheep
Distance: 2 miles
EX39 5AP
Westward Ho! Beach Coastal Path
Distance: 0.8 miles
EX39 1LF
Northam Burrows Dune Trails
Distance: 0.5 miles
EX39 1NW
Kipling Tors Coastal Walk
Distance: 1.2 miles
EX39 1JD
Westward Ho! Village Shops
Distance: 0.9 miles
EX39 1HT
Bideford Town Centre
Distance: 3 miles
EX39 2DR
Atlantic Village Outlet
Distance: 2.5 miles
EX31 2AS
Bideford Bus Services
Distance: 3 miles
EX39 2QG
Barnstaple Railway Station
Distance: 8 miles
EX31 2AU
Local Taxi Services
Distance: 0.9 miles
EX39 1HT

Is Orca House Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
Westward Ho! beach is within a mile, offering surfing lessons at the beachfront surf academy. The Big Sheep theme park sits 2 miles away with rides and animal encounters. Northam Burrows Country Park provides space for exploring dunes and spotting wildlife. The enclosed garden at Orca House gives younger children a safe outdoor area to play.
Groups Will Love...
The private hot tub in the enclosed rear garden is perfect for groups of 8. After beach walks or golf rounds, everyone can gather in the hot tub to relax and socialise. The garden setup includes a BBQ and furniture, creating an outdoor entertaining space. The balcony on the first floor adds extra seating with rattan armchairs.
Pet Friendly
Orca House welcomes pets, making it ideal for groups who want to bring their dogs on holiday. The enclosed rear garden provides a secure space where pets can roam safely. Westward Ho! beach is dog-friendly year-round and Northam Burrows Country Park offers miles of walking trails. Water bowls and outdoor access make this property suitable for four-legged guests.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Orca House

Royal North Devon Golf Club

Located Next door from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX39 1HD

Pier House

Located 0.9 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX39 1LF

The Pig on the Hill

Located 1.5 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX39 3QB

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Orca House

Is Orca House pet-friendly?
Yes, Orca House welcomes pets so your dogs can join the group holiday. The enclosed rear garden provides a secure space for them to enjoy.
How many cars can park at the property?
The property provides off-road parking for up to three cars. This makes it easy for larger groups arriving in multiple vehicles.
Does Orca House have a hot tub?
Yes, there is a private hot tub in the enclosed rear garden. It's available for exclusive use by your group throughout your stay.
How far is the beach from Orca House?
The beach at Westward Ho! is within a mile of the property. You can walk there in minutes for surfing, swimming and beach activities.
What is the bedroom layout at Orca House?
The property has 4 bedrooms sleeping 8 guests with 4 bathrooms. Most bedrooms are on the ground floor with living spaces on the first floor.
Can we access the Royal North Devon Golf Club?
Yes, guests have access to the neighbouring golf club's bar and restaurant. You can book rounds on the championship course for an additional charge.
What outdoor space does Orca House have?
The property features an enclosed rear garden with hot tub, a first-floor balcony with rattan seating, garden furniture and a BBQ. All outdoor areas are private to your group.
Are there shops and restaurants nearby?
Westward Ho! village centre is within a mile with cafés, restaurants, surf hire shops and classic seaside attractions. Everything you need is within walking distance.

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