CROYDE BEACH
Croyde Beach, or Croyde Bay, is a family friendly beach on the North Devon coast. On a sunny day it should be top of the list of things to do in Croyde. The beach is sandy and is set against a backdrop of sandy dunes. There is a wide expanse of rock at both ends of the beach, which makes for excellent rock pooling.
Croyde is famous for it’s waves. At low tide you can get world class A-frame barrels. When the surf is good Croyde features as one of the best, if not the best surf beaches in the UK. The waves have less shape at other stages of tide. The conditions at Croyde Bay are very consistent and during good surf it can get crowded.
Swimmers should heed caution at Croyde, the rip can be very strong at the beach, especially at the far right and left hand side of the bay at low tide. This shouldn’t deter you from taking the kids for a paddling session in the shallows.
Croyde is situated along the Croyde Road once you have passed through Saunton a small village, in North Devon. Pass around the headland and you’ll see the bay in front of you. You can either park at Down End or head into the village and along Moor Lane to access the beach.
A trip to Croyde Bay wouldn’t be complete without donning your wetsuit, and getting into the waves to surf Croyde’s surf break.
Croyde Beach is world famous for surfing. Croyde has probably the UK’s best beach break when the conditions are right. At low tide there can be world-class A frame barrels. The swell and surf at Croyde Bay is very consistent and during good conditions the surfing can get very crowded indeed. Surfers should be aware that when the surf is big there are some very strong rip currents, especially at the far left and right ends of the beach.
Croyde Bay has very powerful waves and strong rip currents. Croyde is perfectly safe to paddle in and if you keep between the lifeguarded flags you’ll have a great time. It is advisable that if you plan to swim, especially out of your depth, at Croyde you should exercise caution and swim between the flags which are patrolled by the lifeguard. For lifeguard information you can visit the RNLI lifeguard page. The Environment Agency rates the water quality for Croyde with regular testing, you can get the latest information here.
Croyde beach is a soft sandy beach ideal for walking along. Dogs are welcome from September to April. The walk along Croyde beach is about 2 miles with the coastline of Baggy Point and Saunton sands at either end of the bay. Croyde Bay is a great place to take a stroll. Outside of the busiest months the beach is quiet and you are welcome to walk your dog. There are some fantastic walks accessible from Croyde Bay.
The walk to Baggy Point is not a strenuous one, so it is ideal for families. It is accessible from the far right hand side of Croyde Bay. Start at the National Trust Tea Shop and treat yourself to a Devon cream tea or a scrumptious pasty on the way back. You will take in far reaching views over the sea and along the coast. there’s a good chance you’ll see hares, sea birds and if you are lucky you may also see seals. Baggy Point is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its geological features. If you are feeling energetic you can take the circular route round to Putsborough which leads back to Croyde village.
Croyde beach has some excellent places to explore right on the beach. There are extensive stretches of rocks at both ends of the beach which form great rockpools. If you fancy a stroll the short walk to Baggy Point is also accessible.
Croyde beach is a brilliant place to relax with friends and family and get away from it all. Pack your blanket, a picnic and your towel and chill out in one of the best spots in North Devon.
FACILITIES AT CROYDE BEACH
WHERE TO EAT AT CROYDE BEACH
GETTING TO CROYDE BEACH
Croyde Bay is easily accessible from the A361. The postal code for sat nav is EX33 2NU.
From the M5 take junction 27 (A361 North Devon Link Road). Follow this road for 37 miles until you reach Barnstaple. From Barnstaple follow the signs for Braunton. Upon reaching Braunton, turn left at the traffic lights and follow the road to Saunton. Continue on this road ,you will pass the golf club on your left, then around the headland and into Croyde.
