Croyde is a small coastal village on the north Devon coast, located between Braunton and Woolacombe and facing the Atlantic. It developed from a traditional rural settlement into a well-known surf destination. The village retains a compact character, with tourism centred around its beach and surrounding coastline.
About Croyde
The village is set slightly inland from the beach, with a cluster of cottages, pubs and small shops arranged around narrow lanes. There is no harbour, and the focus is instead on access to the bay. The settlement has retained a traditional layout, with limited expansion compared to larger coastal resorts.
Croyde is known primarily for its beach and surf conditions, which attract visitors throughout the year. The surrounding landscape includes farmland and low hills, with Baggy Point forming a prominent headland to the south. Nearby areas include Braunton to the east, which provides additional services, and Woolacombe to the north, offering a larger beach and resort facilities.
Beaches in Croyde
The coastline around Croyde features sandy beaches with strong surf and exposure to Atlantic conditions.
Croyde Bay – Sandy beach of moderate size, backed by dunes, exposed to strong waves and widely used for surfing.
Saunton Sands – Large sandy beach stretching south towards Braunton Burrows, wide and open, suitable for walking, surfing and general use.
Putsborough Sands – Sandy beach at the northern end of Saunton Sands, more sheltered by Baggy Point, with consistent surf conditions.
Woolacombe Beach – Extensive sandy beach to the north, highly exposed, offering wide space and popular with surfers and families.
Things to Do in Croyde
The area is focused on beach use, surfing and coastal walking routes.
Surfing at Croyde Bay – One of the main surf locations in Devon, known for strong and consistent waves, with schools and hire available.
Baggy Point Walk – Coastal path route around the headland, providing access to cliffs, viewpoints and sections of the South West Coast Path.
Saunton Golf Club Area – Links golf courses located nearby, set within Braunton Burrows, with coastal views and walking access.
South West Coast Path – Walking route connecting Croyde to Woolacombe and Braunton, passing through dunes, cliffs and open coastal sections.
Beach Activities – General beach use including swimming, walking and seasonal water sports, depending on tide and weather conditions.
Visiting Croyde
Croyde is accessed via local roads from Braunton, which connects to the A361. Roads into the village are narrow and can become congested during peak periods. Parking is available in designated car parks near the beach, with limited on-street parking within the village.
Facilities include pubs, small shops, accommodation and surf-related services, though options are limited compared to larger towns. The village is walkable, with short distances between the centre and the beach.
The best time to visit is between late spring and early autumn, when conditions are suitable for beach activities. During summer, the village and car parks can become crowded, particularly at weekends. The beach is exposed to strong waves and currents, which may not be suitable for inexperienced swimmers.