Reasons why you'll love your holiday in Croyde

Cottage holidays in Croyde

Croyde is considered by many as one of the jewels in the crown of North Devon. A picturesque village set in a horseshoe bay backed by countryside. It is what most people think of when they think of a traditional Devon village. Quaint thatched cottages, green hills & the Crydda stream weaving through en route to the sea. The perfect destination for a holiday in the UK.

The popularity of holidays in Croyde increases year on year. Croyde Bay is famed as one of the UK’s best surfing beaches, so it’s no surprise if you want to learn to surf there are ample opportunities to book a lesson here. But it has so much more to offer than that as well. The beach is soft sand underfoot and perfect for families, the Crydda stream flows out into the middle of the beach & there are rockpools to explore at either end. Or if you prefer, the dunes behind are great for running up & down.

What is Croyde Beach like?

The beach is one of several locally to have an RNLI lifeguard patrol during the peak season from April-Sept. Please do pay attention to the lifeguards and stay between the flags; Croyde has a nasty rip current which is easy to get caught in.

It is a privately owned beach and no dogs are allowed in the peak season, from 1^st May – 30^th Sept. They are technically allowed to be walked along the very bottom of the dunes on the South West Coast Path but please do not bring them down for the day. If you’re looking for a dog-friendly beach in North Devon then there are others nearby to enjoy during your holiday.

This is by far one of our favourite beaches locally for a day out with the kids. Even if you mistime your visit and the tide is out there isn’t too far to walk to get to the sea. On either end of the beach, there are small rocks to climb and rockpools to explore (just be mindful of the tide coming back in). The beach itself is soft sand & there are plenty places to hideaway in the dunes if you want to be more tucked away from the rest of the crowds. It does tend to get busy during peak season due to the popularity of holidays in Croyde. So we recommend either getting down there early or coming down later in the afternoon if you prefer a bit of space.

Parking

There are several options for parking near the beach whilst you are on your holiday in Croyde. There is Downend Car Park (though there are steep steps down), opposite Ruda (which is the nearest/most accessible car park for those with mobility issues) and the National Trust Car park on the way to Baggy Point. Alternatively, you can park in the centre of the village if you don’t mind a little bit of a walk. There are refreshments and toilets at both ends of the beach by the car parks.

What is there to do in and around Croyde?

Away from the beach though there are plenty of other things to do whilst you are holidaying in Croyde. One of the best walks in the area is along the South West Coast Path out to the tip of Baggy Point. This beautiful walk starts out at the National Trust car park & then leads along a narrow pathway with the ocean below & views over across to Hartland Point. A short way along you will pass the preserved bones of a whale which was washed up on Croyde Beach in 1915. As you get closer to the headland the walk does get a little steeper. However, that extra effort is worth it, as you are treated with lovely views out to Lundy Island. This is a favourite place for me to just stop and take it all in, I have even seen some seals playing in the sea below before! You can continue the walk all the way round the headland to Putsborough if you are keen, with views of Woolacombe in the distance.

Through the Summer you can find the Croyde Craft Market in the middle of the village. Here you can buy locally-made items to take home with you. This is something we would encourage you to do where possible, rather than purchasing souvenirs from large suppliers. Have a look at our blog on sustainable tourism to see how this relates. Croyde is only a short bus ride, cycle or car journey away from Braunton where you can also find more independent shops

Where to eat in Croyde

The number of places to eat in Croyde has increased over the years. Meaning you no longer need to leave the village to look for a bit to eat whilst you are on your holiday in Croyde. In the centre of the village there are a variety of pubs, restaurants and cafes. The Thatch, which is probably one of the best known, is synonymous with the village and provides a cosy atmosphere throughout the year. New Year’s Eve at the Thatch is also an experience not to be missed (although the last couple of years Covid put a damper on this), with a different fancy dress theme each year. The other pubs, Billy Budds & the Manor, are also popular with visitors & locals alike, with everyone seemingly having their favourite! There is no shortage of food on offer in Croyde with more on offer from the variety of pop-up takeaways located around the village during the peak season.

Our firm favourite for a daytime treat is May Cottage Tea Rooms – obviously, if you’re visiting Devon a cream tea is a must (cream first!) and Carolines are delicious, as are her vast selection of cakes. Service also always comes with a smile. As for the kids, well they always love a trip to the Croyde Ice Cream Parlour (usually a treat from Nanny) – where they can indulge in a vast array of ice cream flavours and toppings.

You can find more information about our Croyde holiday cottages here.