GOING WITH THE FLOW IN CROYDE
Croyde, North Devon's surfing capital, is one of the most well-known beach destinations in the county, with excellent facilities and a lively, friendly atmosphere.
Photo by Red Morley Hewitt
Croyde is a fantastic spot to come if you enjoy watersports, particularly surfing, because of its outstanding surf, gorgeous scenery, and bustling village atmosphere. In fact, it's recognised as a surfing mecca in the south west, so you'll find plenty of businesses to rent equipment and schedule lessons wherever you are in the village. If you're feeling brave, try an adrenaline coasteering session or sign up for a rockpool ramble to learn more about our aquatic creatures.
Croyde is well-known for its surfing beach, which is regarded as one of the greatest in England and hosts a number of British surf competitions. If you already have some experience, you might as well take advantage of the opportunity and get a lesson with a pro or rent equipment. In the summer, be cautious because the sea can become fairly crowded and have a strong rip current! From the end of March to the end of September, as well as weekends and half-term in October, the RNLI lifeguards patrol the beach on a daily basis. They're open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
More than just surfing
While Croyde is best known for its excellent surfing and for being part of the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there is much more to this charming community than the sea. Croyde has a variety of beautiful pubs, many of which have thatched rooves and encapsulate the classic picture of a Devonshire pub.
The National Trust's Baggy Point is one of the village's most popular walking pathways, offering wonderful coastal trekking and breath-taking views while also being accessible to walkers of all ages and abilities.
Photo by Surfing Croyde Bay
Tarka Trail
Don't pass up the opportunity to ride the Tarka Trail. At Barnstaple Rail Station, you can rent a bike. Make a pit stop at the Waterside Cafe at Chivenor Business Park for lunch.
Coasteering
Set out for a thrilling day of coasteering along Baggy Point. Explore the cliffs that were used to train for the D-Day Landings in WWII, jump into hidden pools, and view the cliffs that were used to train for the D-Day Landings in WWII (Baggy Point was thought to resemble Pointe du Hoc in Normandy).
Where to Eat and Drink
Jay Wennington
The Thatch
Live music, a pint, and their famed nachos are the best things to do here. Visitors and locals alike can be found here enjoying a drink in a traditional bar set in a surfing village setting. Guest ales, gins, rums, and gluten-free alternatives are always available. The meal is standard pub fare, with a particularly tasty Sri Lankan seafood curry as the menu's highlight.
The stores
Light nibbles, great coffee, and a small selection of artisan food and drink goods, including fresh bread, are available for purchase. They occasionally have special dining events, so keep an eye out for updates.
Billy Budd’s
Best for informal eats like pizza and pub cuisine while watching sports. There's a kids' play area in the back, which is popular with families, and it's where you'll find the younger residents.