Living in Northam

Living in Northam

Northam is a well-established North Devon village-town sitting on a ridge above the Torridge Estuary, with the Atlantic coast just a short walk away. It has a genuine community feel — neither a holiday resort nor a dormitory settlement, but a lived-in place with its own shops, schools and social fabric. The neighbouring beach resort of Westward Ho! merges almost seamlessly with Northam and gives residents immediate access to one of North Devon's longest stretches of golden sand, along with a pebble ridge that backs onto the protected grassland of Northam Burrows. Families, retirees and young professionals are all drawn here by the combination of outstanding natural surroundings and everyday practicality — a balance that is surprisingly hard to find on this stretch of coastline.

Schools and education

Families with younger children are well served by Northam Community Primary School, a local primary with strong community ties. Westward Ho! also has its own primary provision, giving parents a degree of choice at that stage. For secondary education, most pupils move into Bideford, roughly two miles away, where Bideford College is the main state secondary and sixth form, offering a broad curriculum through to A level. Independent and grammar options are available further afield in Barnstaple and Exeter for families who want to explore alternatives. The proximity to the college means secondary-age children can travel independently with relative ease.

Transport and connectivity

Northam and Westward Ho! are served by regular bus routes linking the area to Bideford and onward to Barnstaple, which is the main regional hub for North Devon. Barnstaple has its own rail station on the Tarka Line, connecting to Exeter in around an hour and a half — a scenic if leisurely journey. For faster road travel, the A39 is the principal arterial route, running through Bideford and heading south-east toward the M5 at Barnstaple or continuing to Exeter. Exeter itself, with its motorway connections, airport and main-line rail services to London Paddington, is roughly an hour's drive in normal conditions. Day-to-day life in Northam is largely car-dependent, as is typical of rural North Devon, so most households will find a vehicle essential.

Food, drink and shopping

Everyday shopping is covered by a Tesco store in the town, supplemented by a range of independent retailers for more local or specialist needs. Westward Ho! has its own small parade of shops and services catering to both residents and visitors. For a wider retail offer — including national chains, a market and supermarkets — Bideford town centre is just a few minutes' drive and provides a full weekly shop without needing to travel further afield. On the food and drink side, The Pilot Inn is a long-standing local pub with a traditional character, and there are further cafés and family-friendly eateries spread between Northam and the beachfront at Westward Ho!. Bideford adds more restaurant choice, including spots along its historic quayside.

What's nearby

The natural surroundings are arguably Northam's greatest asset. Westward Ho! beach is one of the few Blue Flag-eligible beaches in North Devon and offers reliable surf, making it popular with beginners and experienced surfers alike. Behind the beach, Northam Burrows Country Park is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest — a sweeping coastal grassland with waymarked walking trails and views across the estuary and out to Lundy Island on clear days. Bideford, two miles to the south, is a proper working market town with an ancient long bridge, independent shops, a pannier market and a lively calendar of community events. Barnstaple, North Devon's largest town, is around eight miles away and provides a fuller range of retail, leisure and healthcare facilities. For those who enjoy active outdoor pursuits, the Tarka Trail — a long-distance cycling and walking route — is easily accessible from Bideford and runs through some of Devon's most attractive countryside.