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Croyde is a village in the north-west of Devon south of Woolacombe and near
the towns of Braunton and Ilfracombe.
Best known as a holiday destination, Croyde Bay is also a centre for surfing
with breaks suitable for experts and beginners.
To the North lies the long beach of Woolacombe Sands and Baggy Point, and
to the south Saunton Sands, each boasting at least 3 miles of sandy beach.
The village of Croyde dates back to before Saxon times when it was known
as ‘Crydda’, after the Viking raider of the same name.
As you stroll through the village you will notice that many buildings date
back to the 17th Century, including Myrtle Farm, built in 1600 AD. There
are many picturesque cottages including ‘Sweets Cottage’, one
of the prettiest thatched properties in the South-West.
The stream that runs through the heart of the village has been a source of
fun for generations of local people and visitors alike, however it may
come as a shock to discover that for many years the stream wasn’t walled.
This led to several enebriated locals experiencing an unexpected cold bath
upon leaving The Manor Inn, and also led to the quaint local custom of naming
these unfortunate souls ‘Mayor of Croyde’. The office was unpaid
and lasted until... yes you’ve guessed it.... the next person fell
in!
Croyde was home to a Priory, and today’s Thatched Barn was once used
by Monks to stable their animals, so it has always been a watering hole.
Croyde has its own shipwreck, ‘The Weasel’ which sank off Baggy
Point in 1799.
Tourism has always been an important part of the local economy, and as early
as 1908 travellers guides noted this trend.
In 1939 the village was fortunate to be gifted the 240 acres of land that
constitute Baggy Point by Constance and Florence Hyde which is now operated
by the National Trust, who work hard to ensure that Baggy Point remains one
of the most beautiful and unspoilt headlands on the British coastline.
Croyde has indeed been fortunate through-out history. For example during
the Second World War only one bomb landed here, resulting in one dead cow
on Baggy Point, and today the visitor and resident alike can appreciate that
the village has a unique charm, partly due to the wonderful beach, and partly
due to its character as a small coastal village, which is why Croyde retains
a special place in our hearts.
Croyde is a delightful coastal community of colour-washed thatched cottages
with a little stream that meanders its way through the village to a beautiful
sandy bay. Croyde is said by many to be the best surfing beach in the UK,
and there can be few villages in the country with such a perfect blend of
picturesque charm and the buzz of life!
The beach gets busy in the summer
Croyde has been inhabited since the Stone Age, and to this day flint tools
and arrowheads are to be found in the nearby fields. The first settlers of
Croyde were the Vikings and it is from them that the stream "Crydda" and
the village take their name. The buildings in the village have a rich history
stretching back over many generations, the oldest being St Helen's Chapel
in Cott Lane which was built in the 12th century by the Celtic saint Endelentia.
The chapel, in a tiny lane behind St Helen's Priory, is the "Holy Well" or "Lady
Well" which was blessed by St Endelentia and was a popular pilgrimage for
Christians for many centuries.
For those with a thirst for an active life Croyde is ideal. The surrounding countryside with its outstanding scenery is just perfect for walkers; maps are available in the village. Nearby, Baggy Point, run by the National Trust, and Croyde sand dunes, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, have an abundance of interesting wildlife. The surfing in Croyde Bay is superb for either experts or novices, many surf shops are to be found where equipment is available to hire or buy and expert advice and tuition is available. When you need a well-earned break from riding the waves or rambling in the countryside Croyde has a wonderful selection of character eating and drinking places. Many, like The Thatch, which dates back to the 14th century, have been offering hospitality to locals and visitors for many generations.
www.croydebay.com - www.saunton.co.uk - www.woolacombe.me.uk
