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Ocean Bay, Bideford

Visitor Rating
Rating
Exceptional
8
4
3

Ocean Bay is a spacious holiday home in Westward Ho!, North Devon, perfect for larger groups wanting a coastal escape. This three-storey property sleeps up to 8 guests and sits just moments from the beach, making it ideal for families or friends gathering together. The location puts you right in the heart of Devon's stunning coastline.

Westward Ho! offers a traditional seaside atmosphere with its long sandy beach and coastal paths. The village provides easy access to shops, eateries and the South West Coast Path for those who enjoy walking.

The accommodation features four bedrooms across three floors and three bathrooms. Social spaces include a large kitchen-diner where everyone can gather for meals, plus a separate lounge for relaxing.

Check Prices & Availability »
At HolidayCottages.co.uk

About Ocean Bay

Ocean Bay is a spacious holiday home in Westward Ho!, North Devon, perfect for larger groups wanting a coastal escape. This three-storey property sleeps up to 8 guests and sits just moments from the beach, making it ideal for families or friends gathering together. The location puts you right in the heart of Devon's stunning coastline.

Westward Ho! offers a traditional seaside atmosphere with its long sandy beach and coastal paths. The village provides easy access to shops, eateries and the South West Coast Path for those who enjoy walking.

The accommodation features four bedrooms across three floors and three bathrooms. Social spaces include a large kitchen-diner where everyone can gather for meals, plus a separate lounge for relaxing. The property includes parking and welcomes up to two dogs, so your pets can join the holiday too.

Clovelly Village lies 11 miles away (25 minutes), whilst The Big Sheep family attraction is 3 miles distant (8 minutes). RHS Garden Rosemoor sits 14 miles away (25 minutes) and Exmoor National Park is 16 miles (30 minutes) for outdoor adventures.

Ocean Bay works brilliantly for multi-generational holidays or group getaways where beach access matters most. Book here for straightforward seaside accommodation that handles larger parties with ease.

Check Prices & Availability »
At HolidayCottages.co.uk

Need To Know

More Group Cottages You May Like

Local Insights: Ocean Bay

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Bideford, Devon

Weather & Local Conditions

16°C

Overcast

Updated: 28 Aug 2026, 3:02am

🌡️
16.40°C
Temperature
💨
12 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

Ocean Bay 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

8m

(26 feet above sea level)

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

🏔️
8m
Elevation
📍
Bideford
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 Bideford 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: 51.0403000° N | Longitude: 4.2455° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Bideford (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 Bideford, 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 Ocean Bay.

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

🚗
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: 51.0403000, -4.2455000

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at Ocean Bay

Sleeps 12 Guests Comfortably

Six bedrooms across three floors mean there's plenty of space for everyone in your group to sleep well and have their own areas.

Steps from the Beach

The property sits incredibly close to Westward Ho! beach, so you can be on the sand within minutes of leaving the front door.

Dog-Friendly for Two Pets

Bring up to two dogs along on your holiday so the whole family can enjoy this coastal break together without leaving anyone behind.

Large Kitchen-Diner Space

The spacious kitchen-diner lets your whole group cook and eat together, making mealtimes easy and sociable for everyone staying here.

Three Full Bathrooms

With three bathrooms spread across the property, morning routines run smoothly even when you've got a full house of twelve guests.

Coastal Path on Doorstep

Direct access to the South West Coast Path means walkers can head straight out for spectacular clifftop hikes and coastal scenery every day.

Getting To Ocean Bay

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Ocean Bay by car, follow the A39 towards Bideford then take the B3236 into Westward Ho! The property is easily found within the village with parking available on arrival.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Barnstaple, approximately 8 miles from Westward Ho! From Barnstaple station you can take a taxi or local bus service directly to the village.

Parking available at property
Barnstaple station (8 miles)
Accessible via A39 and B3236

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

The Big Sheep
Distance: 3 miles
EX39 5AP
Clovelly Village
Distance: 11 miles
EX39 5TQ
RHS Garden Rosemoor
Distance: 14 miles
EX38 8PH
South West Coast Path
Distance: 0.2 miles
EX39 1GZ
Westward Ho! Beach
Distance: 0.1 miles
EX39 1GZ
Northam Burrows Country Park
Distance: 1 mile
EX39 1NZ
Bideford Town Centre
Distance: 2.5 miles
EX39 2DR
Tesco Superstore Bideford
Distance: 2.8 miles
EX39 3QS
Westward Ho! Village Shops
Distance: 0.3 miles
EX39 1HB
Bideford Bus Station
Distance: 2.5 miles
EX39 2QE
Barnstaple Railway Station
Distance: 8 miles
EX31 2AU
Westward Ho! Taxi Rank
Distance: 0.2 miles
EX39 1GJ
The Big Sheep
Distance: 3 miles
EX39 5AP
Clovelly Village
Distance: 11 miles
EX39 5TQ
RHS Garden Rosemoor
Distance: 14 miles
EX38 8PH
South West Coast Path
Distance: 0.2 miles
EX39 1GZ
Westward Ho! Beach
Distance: 0.1 miles
EX39 1GZ
Northam Burrows Country Park
Distance: 1 mile
EX39 1NZ
Bideford Town Centre
Distance: 2.5 miles
EX39 2DR
Tesco Superstore Bideford
Distance: 2.8 miles
EX39 3QS
Westward Ho! Village Shops
Distance: 0.3 miles
EX39 1HB
Bideford Bus Station
Distance: 2.5 miles
EX39 2QE
Barnstaple Railway Station
Distance: 8 miles
EX31 2AU
Westward Ho! Taxi Rank
Distance: 0.2 miles
EX39 1GJ

Is Ocean Bay Right For Your Group

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

For Families
The Big Sheep family attraction sits just 3 miles away offering rides, shows and animal encounters that keep children entertained all day. Westward Ho! beach provides endless sandcastle building, rock pooling and safe swimming areas. The Milky Way Adventure Park lies 12 miles distant with indoor and outdoor activities. Northam Burrows Country Park offers nature trails and open spaces for running around. The property's six bedrooms mean kids can spread out comfortably.
Groups Will Love...
The expansive kitchen-diner at Ocean Bay creates the perfect social hub for groups of 12 to gather, cook and eat together. This large space means you won't feel cramped when preparing group meals or sitting down for breakfast before beach days. The layout encourages everyone to muck in with cooking duties whilst chatting around the table. Having this generous communal area transforms mealtimes into proper social occasions rather than cramped affairs.
Pet Friendly
Ocean Bay welcomes up to two dogs, making it perfect for pet owners who won't holiday without their animals. The beach at Westward Ho! allows dogs year-round on certain sections, giving your pets proper seaside exercise. The South West Coast Path starts right outside, offering miles of clifftop walks where dogs can explore safely. Northam Burrows Country Park sits 1 mile away providing more open space for off-lead running and playing.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Ocean Bay

The Pig on the Hill

Located 0.4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX39 1HD

Sandcastles Café

Located 0.2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX39 1HB

The Royal Hotel

Located 0.3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX39 1HB

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Ocean Bay

How many people does Ocean Bay sleep?
Ocean Bay accommodates up to 12 guests across six bedrooms spread over three floors. The property includes three bathrooms to serve the group comfortably.
Is Ocean Bay pet-friendly?
Yes, Ocean Bay welcomes up to two dogs so your pets can join your coastal holiday. There are excellent beach walks and coastal paths right on the doorstep for exercising your dogs.
What sleeping arrangements are available?
The property has six bedrooms distributed across three floors providing flexible sleeping arrangements for groups of up to 12 people. Three bathrooms serve all guests throughout the accommodation.
Is there parking at the property?
Yes, parking is provided at Ocean Bay for guests arriving by car. The property is easily accessible from the main roads into Westward Ho!
How far is Ocean Bay from the beach?
Ocean Bay sits just moments from Westward Ho! beach, one of North Devon's finest sandy stretches. You can walk to the shore within minutes of leaving the property.
What facilities does the kitchen have?
The large kitchen-diner provides ample space for group meal preparation and dining together. This social area works well for groups of 12 wanting to cook and eat as one party.
Are there good walks nearby?
The South West Coast Path runs right past Westward Ho! offering spectacular clifftop walking routes. Exmoor National Park lies 16 miles away for more extensive hiking opportunities.
What attractions are close to Ocean Bay?
The Big Sheep family attraction is 3 miles away taking 8 minutes by car. Clovelly Village sits 11 miles distant, whilst RHS Garden Rosemoor is 14 miles away for garden enthusiasts.

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Ocean Bay Reviews

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