BEACH LIFE
The popular seaside village of Croyde offers not one but several long, white sandy beaches that attract surfers, sunbathers and nature lovers alike.
CROYDE BAY BEACH
Croyde Bay Beach is the main beach in Croyde and is famous for its excellent surfing conditions. It features golden sands, clear blue waters, and stunning views of the surrounding cliffs. The beach is also backed by sand dunes, providing a picturesque setting.
Beach activities
Croyde Bay Beach has some fantastic rock pools, perfect for exploring. Plus, there are several public footpaths around the village, including a walk to the famous Baggy Point offering stunning views. If you like to be active on your holidays you will love all the activities available, such as swimming, surfing, fishing and surfboard/canoe hire; as well as coasteering sessions and surf lessons that can be booked at Surfing Croyde Bay.
Beach cafés
Café Croyde Bay or The Beach Café Downend offer tempting dishes, drinks and snacks and a sea view. You’ll find toilets, shops, a slipway, and a beach car park with disabled parking.
Lifeguards:
A lifeguard service is available from May to September as well as on the Easter weekend, all October weekends and October Half Term. So, you can enjoy your beach adventures with peace of mind.
Dogs:
Dogs are allowed on the beach between October and April. So, bring your furry friend along and enjoy your holiday together.
Woolacombe Beach
Only a 5 mile drive away is award-winning Woolacombe Beach with miles of white sands, and crystal-clear waters. Grab a bite to eat at the Beachcomber Café or The Porthole, or take a leisurely stroll along the South West Coast Path for breathtaking views. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent wetsuits, surfboards, kayaks, paddleboards, and bodyboards at Steve’s Surf Hire. The beach welcomes dogs all year round, with some restrictions from May to October. During that time, dog owners need to stay within the clearly designated dog-friendly zones.
Saunton Sands Beach
Saunton Sands Beach is also a 5 mile drive away from Croyde. The golden sandy beach stretches for three miles and is backed by the UNESCO-protected Braunton Burrows Biosphere Reserve. Saunton Sands boasts some of the country’s best surf and is well known for its long, slow waves. There is a car park, beach shop, restaurant, surf lessons as well as beach hut, deckchair and surf board hire available. The beach is dog-friendly throughout the year.
Putsborough Sands
If you’re looking for tranquillity, Putsborough Sands is only a 6-minute drive away. The long stretch of sandy shoreline, with dunes and cliffs providing a scenic backdrop are the perfect place to unwind There is also a beach shop, café, and toilets and surf board lessons and surf board hire available plus, it’s dog-friendly all year round.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK?
Blue Groove is a contemporary eatery and bar with a seaside vibe offers a classic international menu and delicious cocktails.
The Manor House Inn is the original pub in Croyde is a 16th century former coaching inn, where the old coach house still stands. There is a large restaurant and conservatory overlooking the courtyard as well as a large children’s play area
The Siam Bistro is a small but cosy bistro serves mouth-watering Thai food for eat-in or takeaways. Highly recommended.
Breakfast:
– Cafe Croyde Bay.
– The Beach Cafe Downend.
COASTAL WALKS
Explore the Fruit and Nut Trail
The Fruit and Nut Trail is a nature trail with stunning views over Croyde. It can be accessed from the village at the end of Cott lane, from Cloutmans Lane, from Mill Lane opposite the Manor, and from the cross opposite the Baptist Church.
Saunton Down Circular Trail
Begin with a level footpath towards Saunton beach, then ascend the hill opposite the Saunton hotel on a slightly steep route. Take in the breathtaking views of the dunes before descending on the other side, leading you back to Croyde.
Croyde to Putsborough Scenic Route via Baggy Point
This leisurely path winds along the picturesque cliffs of Baggy, offering stunning views of the ocean and Woolacombe. At the top, you have the option to shorten the journey and head back to Croyde or continue onwards to Putsborough.
Croyde to Woolacombe and back
Follow the little lane from Croyde leading to Putsborough beach, where your route takes you through the burrows and into the vibrant village of Woolacombe. Enjoy and ice cream or a slice of cake at one of the small cafés before strolling back along the beach.
Wander along Saunton beach
This easy route offers a leisurely stroll on the wide expanse of golden sand. You can either take the bus to Saunton or start on the footpath near the hotel, the choice is yours.
Baggy Point short walk- 2.8 miles (4.5 km), easy
Circular walk around Croyde and Saunton Down – 4.5 miles (7.2 km), moderate
Combe Martin to Woolacombe- 13.9 miles (22.4 km), challenging
RETAIL
At Croyde village stores you can find groceries, snacks, beach essentials, and other everyday items.
There are also a number of surf shops as well as some small arts & crafts shops.
On Thursdays, you can admire beautifully handcrafted items at the Croyde Craft Market in the village hall – a good place to find a unique souvenir.
Braunton, the neighbouring town to Croyde, has a vibrant high street with a mix of independent shops and well-known brands.
THINGS TO DO IN CROYDE
- Take a walk along the South West Coast Path for panoramic views, hidden coves and rock formations.
- Baggy Point just north of Croyde provides stunning views of the coastline and is a great place for hiking and wildlife spotting.
- Rent bicycles and explore the famous Tarka Trail, which stretches along the River Taw.
- Take a stroll through Croyde village and admire quaint cottages.
- If you are looking for a real adventure, try coasteering. Traverse the rocky coastline, climb, swim, and jump into the sea from cliffs. Sessions can be booked at Surfing Croyde Bay.
- Take a boat trip to Lundy Island, which is located just off the coast of North Devon. The protected nature reserve is known for its diverse wildlife, including puffins, seals, and dolphins.
- Head further afield to Exmoor, just 30 minutes by car. This nature-lovers haven is a Dark Sky Reserve, meaning you can gaze up at starry skies and shooting stars. The area is also great for nature trails and red stag safaris.
ON RAINY DAYS
- Escape the rain and sample a traditional cream team at one of the many cafés, or try out the local cuisine with friends and family.
- Explore the beginnings of Surfing at the Museum of British Surfing in Braunton.
- Visit Burton Art Gallery and Museum in nearby Bideford houses with their impressive collection of artwork and exhibitions.
- Only a 30-minute drive away, Tineke Cooks offers cooking classes where you can learn to prepare some delicious dishes.
- Enjoy a swim at Torridge Leisure Centre.
- Bounce at the Air Extreme Trampoline Park.
- Paint the pottery of your choice at Paint a Pot.
- Watch a film at the quirky Deckchair Cinema at the village hall. Even though you might think so, it’s not outside, perfect for a rainy day.
