There are so many things to see and do in lovely Croyde in North Devon. Croyde is a world-famous holiday destination for surfers and is perhaps the leading holiday resort in the area. Famous for its beautiful stretches of beach, stunning scenery, and dunes, Croyde is a great choice for group trips, couples’ getaways or family holidays.
Croyde is a large village with several of its own attractions and annual events. There are also a few pubs in the village, some quiet, some more lively depending on your holiday vibe. In essence, there is a lot to do in the immediate area considering how relatively small Croyde is. If you wanted a few car-free days during your break, you wouldn’t feel stranded. Croyde is well-connected to the wider area by buses that connect to Barnstaple, Braunton, Ilfracombe, and beyond.
Croyde is the kind of place that generations of the same family come back to again and again throughout their lives to relive experiences and make precious new memories. If you want to get to know Croyde too, chances are one trip won’t be enough. Why not stay at one of our self-catering holiday cottages in Croyde and start a lifetime of holiday bliss?
Croyde cottages
Learn how to surf or go surfing
Whether you are a novice or a professional surfer, Croyde is a superb spot all year round. Experienced surfers have been waking up at the crack of dawn to meet the sea forever, and we need not introduce the wonders of Croyde’s interesting natural features that make it a world-class series of breaks. For beginners, there is a good number of surf schools located in the village, and there are even classes for children. So, if you fancy some wave riding then no matter the weather, if the red flags aren’t up and the sea conditions are right, then this is a prime reason for getting to know Croyde.
Travel Writer, Annabelle Thorpe, recently stayed in one of our Croyde cottages, The Old Cider Barn, when we sent her on a press trip. She wrote about the property as ‘sumptuous, converted barns’ Read her feature: Why Croyde is riding the crest of a wave.
Good to know
- Does Croyde Beach have lifeguards? Yes – daily between 10am and 6pm from late April to the end of September plus Easter and October half-term weeks. There are some weekend-only dates too. Please visit the RNLI website for more details as dates vary year-on-year.
- Who can teach me to surf? Surf schools that are located close to the beach in Croyde include Surf South West , Croyde Surf Academy , and Surfing Croyde Bay.
- Where can I hire a surfboard and wetsuit? If you are taking a course, all of the above include wetsuit and board hire in their fees. Otherwise, we’d recommend Santa Cruz (open all year round) or Offshore Croyde which is right next to the beach if you want a hassle-free walk-in service.
- Stay nearby: Down View | sleeps 4 + 1 dog
Enjoy a day at Croyde Beach
Croyde Beach is a magnet for those who love a beach day; whether you simply wish to participate in some sunbathing or splash about in the sea, this gorgeous crescent bay is bound to impress you. Croyde Beach is backed by a dune system, sections of which can be explored – the marram grass and small dune slacks and blowouts are home to wildlife and rare plants like orchids. When the tide rolls out, acres of rock pools emerge, which offer you and the kids a natural playground to discover what sea creatures have been left behind in the hollows. For historians, there are remnants of Second World War battlements at Down End (the southern part of the bay). The beaches in North Devon have some of the highest tidal ranges in the country so sometimes the sea can roll out half a mile at its lowest.
Good to know
- Is it safe to swim at Croyde? Lots of people swim at Croyde. When swimming, make yourself aware of where Croyde’s rip tides occur and follow the advice of the lifeguards. Have fun but take care.
- Is Croyde a dog-friendly beach? Yes and no. Dogs are permitted on the beach between October and Easter, otherwise, they are excluded. Nearby dog-friendly beaches include Saunton and Putsborough, both of which are within 1.5 miles of Croyde.
- How do I know when it is high tide at Croyde? Tide times and heights vary daily but they can be predicted. Many local shops sell a tide timetable book, or you can check this website when planning your beach days.
- What facilities does Croyde Beach have? WCs, surf hire, seasonal lifeguard coverage, ramp access, parking.
- Stay nearby: Bamboo | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Go wild at Cascades Tropical Adventure Pool
If you have kids they will go bonkers at Cascades Tropical Adventure Pool. It’s the perfect all-weather attraction for family fun. Even though Cascades is located within Ruda Holiday Park, it welcomes everybody in. Its highlight is a 230-foot-long slide plus rapids and waterfalls galore. There’s a toddlers’ pool too! It’s a kid’s fun pool as opposed to a swimming pool with lanes where you can do some laps – you have to go to Ilfracombe or Barnstaple pools for that.
Good to know
- How much does it cost to go to Cascades? £4.50 per guest and £1 per spectator.
- When is Cascades open? Daily from 9am to 5pm (closes at 7pm on Mondays and Fridays). There are one-hour bookable sessions on 01271 890671.
- Does Cascades open all year round? No. Cascades is only open during the same months that Ruda Holiday Park is. It closes during the winter from the beginning of November to the end of January.
- What facilities does Cascades have? Changing rooms, WCs, disabled WCs, café, gift shops.
- Stay nearby: Rockham | sleeps 4
Go for a stroll on Baggy Point
At the northern end of Croyde Bay is the natural landmark of Baggy Point, a distinctive headland that juts out into the sea. On the other side of Baggy Point is Putsborough Beach which blends into Woolacombe Bay. The view across Croyde Bay is great; there are various points where you can sit on a bench and enjoy the cool sight of seeing the waves break behind you as the sea rolls past. Bring binoculars to watch the surfers and paddleboarders in the bay. Baggy Point has a few trails around or over its 91.5-metre summit. Its elevation isn’t particularly high but it will still feel steep in places.
Good to know
- How long is the Baggy Point path? The main path around the edge of Baggy Point is just under 3 miles long.
- How difficult is the Baggy Point path? Easy. The main path is a linear walk – although you could make it into a circular walk if you wanted to. However, it is unsuitable for pushchairs and wheelchair users. Also, Baggy Point is on the South West Coast Path – see the website for more details.
- Stay nearby: The Barn | sleeps 2 + 1 dog
Go dancing at GoldCoast Oceanfest
For one weekend every June for more than 20 years, Oceanfest has been putting Croyde on the live music map. The event features up-and-coming and well-established favourites from all genres of music. It’s not just about the music either, there are beach events like a school’s surf comp, beach soccer, volleyball tournaments and so much more to watch. Most people camp when they come to Oceanfest, but why not live it up at one of our holiday lets instead?
Good to know
- Who has played live at Oceanfest? In recent years Oceanfest has hosted Gaz Coombes, Newton Faulkner, Roots Manuva, Dizzee Rascal, General Levy, Jess Glynne, Razorlight, Kaizer Chiefs, Michael Kiwanuka, and Craig David (to name a handful).
- When is Oceanfest? Oceanfest typically takes place on the third weekend of June. Please check the website for dates and forthcoming line-ups.
- How much is a ticket to Oceanfest? Prices vary year on year. Please visit the website for details.
- Stay nearby: Burrows Farmhouse | sleeps 8 + 1 dog
See a movie at the Deckchair Cinema
You will have to go a long way to find a more unique way to see a movie than at Croyde’s Deckchair Cinema at the village hall. Whilst traditionalists may prefer a trip to the Neo in Woolacombe, this experience is more akin to a regular pop-up event. There is a varied programme of family-friendly fare and environment-focused documentaries to draw you in. Plus, as the name suggests, you get to watch a movie whilst sitting in a deckchair! Tickets get snapped up for these events, so be sure to check out the listings before your holiday.
Good to know
- When is the Deckchair Cinema open? Keep an eye on the website for future dates and to see what’s coming up next.
- What facilities does Croyde Deckchair Cinema have? Parking, WCs, popcorn (if you’re lucky)!
- Stay nearby: Sundowner | sleeps 8 + 2 dogs
Discover Croyde’s pubs
Croyde has four pubs, each with their own distinct personality. Whether you are looking for something cooler or something thoroughly Devonian there’s a good pub for you right in the village. On Hobb’s Hill, the village’s main street, you will encounter three of them: The Thatch, Billy Budd's, and Blue Groove. A bit further out on St Mary’s Road is the country pub, the Manor House Inn. For an even more in-depth guide to places to eat and drink in Croyde, read our guide.
Croyde pubs
- The Thatch: The Thatch is the best pub for Sunday roast and a fireside ale with a group of friends. It’s rarely quiet on the weekend and it is a good friendly pub for a lively night. It’s also family and dog friendly.
- Billy Budd’s: This pub caters to the weekend crowd really well, with its great range of beers, wines, and spirits; it has a pool table, live sports, children’s play area, and a beer garden. It is family-friendly, dog friendly and has a wide menu.
- Blue Groove: The Blue Groove is more of a bar with a restaurant, taking its cues from equivalent Mediterranean pubs. It sometimes has live music. The menu is full of exotic flavours and this is the place for a wild cocktail!
- The Manor House Inn: The 16th-century Manor House Inn is a traditional Devon country pub with low ceilings, ale on the pump, and cosy seating. This pub welcomes visitors and is the local’s choice throughout the year. The menu is great too.
Map of Croyde
Here is a handy map of Croyde to help you locate everywhere that we have included in this guide.
Stay at a self-catering holiday cottage in Croyde
Have we tempted you to come and see what Croyde is like for yourself? Well, why not begin to plan your next holiday today by browsing our enticing collection of self-catering accommodation in Croyde today? Click on the button below to find your perfect holiday home.
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