Dog-friendly beaches given Blue Flags
Two North Devon beaches have been awarded prestigious Blue Flag awards this week. The stunning beach at Westward Ho! has been awarded the flag for the 11th year in a row while the nearest beach to Smythen Farm, Woolacombe, has also scooped the accolade. The Blue Flag award is designed to recognise the diversity of the nation's coastline, as well as boost domestic tourist numbers, and both beaches have passed a number of stringent tests in water quality and ecology to earn the right to fly a blue flag. The awards mean these beaches are the perfect place to take your pooch on your stay at our luxury dog-friendly cottages. Woolacombe is one of the finest beaches in Devon and it’s easy to see why it’s won so many awards. It's a big favourite for families and surfers, as the rolling surf brings in big Atlantic breakers while the three-mile long stretch of golden sand is perfect for long walks. The sheer length of the beach means it’s always possible to find quiet places, even at the height of summer. Westward Ho!, across Bideford Bay, is similar. The beach is even longer than Woolacombe and dogs are allowed at one end all year round, while from October to April the whole beach is dog friendly. Both Westward Ho! and Woolacombe also boast a host of amusements and restaurants just yards from the beaches.
