Croyde Guide

Croyde is known far and wide for its fabulous surfing beach with its consistent waves and soft golden sand. It's the ideal base for a North Devon holiday, being also close to spectacular Saunton Sands beach, family-friendly Woolacombe and unspoilt Putsborough. Then just a few miles inland is the village of Georgeham, home in the 1920s to Henry Williamson, author of 'Tarka the Otter'. It holds some great events too - every year in June look out for GoldCoast Oceanfest.

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Croyde village

Picturesque Croyde village is a captivating mix of olde worlde thatched houses, pretty colour-washed cottages and seaside charm. Combine this with Croyde's vibrant surfing culture, and it's easy to see why this charismatic little village is loved by visitors of all ages. Croyde boasts a wide range of amenities with great pubs, including the Thatch, Billy Budd's and the Manor House Inn. There's also a selection of cafes and restaurants, surf wear and gift shops, and the ever popular Croyde Ice Cream Parlour. The post office and general store are open all year round.

Croyde beach

The sheltered beach at Croyde is ideal for families, perfect for rock-pooling and sandcastles, and just a few minutes level walk, through the dunes, from the village. During the main season, Croyde Beach is patrolled by RNLI lifeguards making it a safe place to swim, surf and body board. Surf board hire and tuition is also available.
The beach is magical all year round, whether you choose a traditional summer holiday with the children, or a short break out of season.  You might fancy breezy winter walks with only surfers and seagulls for company, or just want to admire the romantic sunsets.

Croyde walks, beauty spots and natural delights

Croyde village lies on the South West Coast Path, and no visit is complete without a walk on Baggy Point headland, owned by the National Trust, with stunning views along the coast and across to Lundy Island. Fans of flowers and wildlife will enjoy a visit to Chapel Wood, near Georgeham, one of the oldest RSPB reserves, while walkers may like to head for nearby Braunton Burrows and Exmoor National Park.

Croyde activities

With Croyde being such a hotspot for watersports, there are lots of local companies in the area offering surfing, kitesurfing, horseriding, kayaking, paddleboarding ... and lots more. For keen golfers, there are two championship courses at Saunton Golf Club, with other courses at Ilfracombe, Woolacombe, Barnstaple and Westward Ho! Cyclists will enjoy exploring the Tarka Trail, along the Taw Estuary into Barnstaple, towards Instow and Bideford, with cycle hire available at many locations.

Other North Devon attractions

Further afield, historic Appledore is a perfect destination for a stroll around the art galleries. Further along the coast, visitors are always impressed by the dramatic dark, brooding rocks of Hartland, and the quaint beauty of Clovelly, with its steep cobbled streets and working harbour. And if island life appeals to you, don't miss out on a boat trip to Lundy from Ilfracombe or Bideford. Whatever you like doing on your holiday, you'll be spoilt for choice in North Devon.

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