Croyde Beaches

Overview

Croyde, nestled in North Devon, is a celebrated destination for beach lovers and surf enthusiasts alike. This charming village offers a quintessential British seaside experience, drawing visitors with its stunning coastline, part of the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Whether you're seeking a family holiday packed with sandcastle building and rock pooling, or an adventurous surf trip, Croyde provides a picturesque and welcoming setting. The area is renowned for its excellent water quality and the presence of RNLI lifeguards during peak seasons ensures a safer environment for swimming and watersports, though swimmers should always be mindful of currents.

The jewel in Croyde's crown is undoubtedly Croyde Beach itself, a surfer's paradise famous for its consistent waves and vibrant atmosphere, easily accessible from the village. For those looking for breathtaking scenery and a spot favoured by locals, Putsborough Beach offers sheltered conditions and beautiful walks. Families and beginner surfers often gravitate towards Saunton Sands, known for its vast expanse, impressive dunes, and gentler waves. Not to be missed is the award-winning Woolacombe Beach, an iconic North Devon escape celebrated for its golden sands. While these are editor's highlights, the coastline boasts numerous other spots, detailed in our longer list of beaches, catering to varied preferences.

Croyde's appeal extends beyond its main beaches. The village itself exudes a relaxed, friendly surfing vibe, blending traditional Devon charm with a modern beach town feel. While Croyde Beach has seasonal restrictions for dogs, nearby Saunton Sands is dog-friendly year-round, offering a fantastic alternative for pet owners. The area is primarily known for surfing, with conditions at Croyde Beach being potentially challenging for absolute beginners, who might find the waves at Putsborough Beach or Saunton Sands more accommodating. Regardless of your choice, the natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere of Croyde make it a standout UK beach destination.

Visitors often wonder about the best beach for their needs. Experienced surfers typically favour Croyde Beach for its powerful waves. Families often enjoy the vastness and gentler conditions of Saunton Sands or the all-around appeal of Woolacombe Beach. Putsborough Beach provides a more sheltered and often quieter experience. For those seeking information on the unique ecosystems, such as the Braunton Burrows, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve near Saunton Sands, or details on local walking trails like the South West Coast Path which offers stunning views from Baggy Point, our guide provides further insights. Discover more about what makes each beach special in our detailed sections.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Croyde a good place for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Croyde is considered an excellent destination for a family beach holiday. Croyde Bay's sheltered nature, sandy beach, rolling dunes, and rock pools are perfect for children of all ages. RNLI lifeguards are on duty from May to September and during other busy periods, ensuring a safer environment for swimming and playing. The village also offers family-friendly pubs and a welcoming atmosphere.

Croyde Beach

What kind of holiday is Croyde best for?

Croyde is best known as a premier surfing destination, attracting surfers of all levels with its consistent waves. It's also ideal for traditional family seaside holidays due to its beautiful sandy beach and safe swimming conditions. The village has a relaxed, friendly vibe, making it suitable for those seeking a laid-back coastal escape with opportunities for watersports, walking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the North Devon coast.

Croyde Beach

Can you swim at Croyde beach and what is the water like?

Yes, you can swim at Croyde beach. The beach is popular with swimmers, and the water quality is generally good. RNLI lifeguards are on duty during peak seasons (May to September, Easter weekend, October weekends, and October Half Term) to ensure safety. However, it's important to be aware of potential strong undercurrents and rip currents, especially for less experienced swimmers. Always swim between the designated flags when lifeguards are present.

Croyde Beach

Are dogs allowed on Croyde beach?

Dogs are allowed on Croyde beach from October 1st to April 30th. However, during the peak season, from May 1st to September 30th, dogs are not permitted on the main sandy beach. They are, however, allowed on the sand dunes behind the beach and on the South West Coast Path year-round. Some nearby beaches like Saunton Sands are dog-friendly all year.

Croyde Beach

Saunton Sands

Are there accommodations with direct beach access in Croyde?

Yes, some accommodations in Croyde offer very close or direct access to the beach. For example, Croyde Bay Resort backs onto the sand dunes, providing a very short walk to the beach. Ruda Holiday Park also boasts exclusive beach access. Several holiday cottages and houses are located within a short walking distance of the beach.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Is Croyde beach good for surfing beginners?

Croyde Bay is renowned for its surfing conditions, which can be challenging for absolute beginners due to powerful waves, especially at low tide. However, there are several surf schools in Croyde that offer lessons for all abilities, including beginners. They can guide new surfers on the safest parts of the beach and the best times to go. For those looking for gentler waves, nearby Putsborough Beach is often recommended as a more suitable spot for learning.

Croyde Beach

Putsborough Beach

What's the parking like at Croyde beach?

There are several car parks available for Croyde beach. The main ones include a car park at the north end of the beach (EX33 1NZ, sometimes referred to as Croyde Burrows or by Beach Road), Down End car park at the south of the bay, and the National Trust car park at Baggy Point. Prices and availability can vary, especially during peak season when additional fields may open for overflow parking. It's advisable to arrive early during busy periods.

Croyde Beach

Which is better, Croyde, Woolacombe or Saunton Sands?

Choosing between Croyde, Woolacombe, and Saunton Sands depends on your preferences. Croyde is famous for its world-class surfing waves and vibrant village atmosphere, making it great for experienced surfers and those who enjoy a lively scene. Woolacombe offers a very long, sandy beach, excellent for families and all-around beach activities, and is also good for surfing. Saunton Sands is a vast, dog-friendly beach, particularly popular with longboarders and known for its stunning dunes (Braunton Burrows). Putsborough, at the southern end of Woolacombe, is often calmer and good for beginners and families.

People Also Ask

What facilities are available at Croyde beach?

Croyde beach offers a good range of facilities. These typically include toilets (at both ends of the beach), cafes and food outlets, ice cream shops, and surf hire shops. There is also a lifeguard service during peak season, and some car parks have facilities like showers. The nearby Croyde village, a short walk away, has more pubs, restaurants, and shops.

Croyde Beach

How do you get to Croyde beach from Croyde village?

Croyde village is a short walk (around 10 minutes) from Croyde beach. You can access the beach via footpaths leading from the village, such as the one found in the gap between Billy Budd's and The Old Cream Shop, which goes through fields and dunes. Alternatively, you can walk down Beach Road at the northern end of the beach or access it from the Down End car park area at the southern end.

Croyde Beach

Are there any hidden beaches or quieter alternatives near Croyde?

While Croyde itself can get busy, Putsborough Sands, just to the north, can sometimes be a quieter alternative, especially when Croyde is 'blown out' for surfing, as Baggy Point offers some shelter. For truly hidden or more secluded coves, exploring the coastline along the South West Coast Path towards Baggy Point or further afield might reveal smaller, less accessible spots, though these will have fewer facilities. Crow Point, further away, is also mentioned as a quieter, hidden gem.

Putsborough Beach

Crow Point

What is the best time of year to visit Croyde for a beach holiday?

The best time for a traditional beach holiday in Croyde is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is warmest and facilities are fully operational. Spring (March-May) can also be pleasant with fewer crowds and manageable waves for surfing. Autumn (September-November) is often considered prime time for serious surfers due to consistent swells and warmer water temperatures from the summer, with fewer people than in peak season. Winter offers a more rugged, quiet experience, and dogs are allowed on the beach.

What is the general vibe of Croyde village and its beaches?

Croyde has a relaxed, friendly, and cool surfing vibe, largely influenced by its strong surfing community. The village itself combines traditional Devon charm with thatched cottages and a modern beach town feel with surf shops and cafes. The beaches are popular and can be lively, especially Croyde Bay during summer and when the surf is good, attracting families and surfers alike.

Croyde Beach

What should I be careful of at Croyde beach?

When visiting Croyde beach, be mindful of strong undercurrents and rip currents, especially when swimming or surfing. Signs on the beach warn about these, as well as large surf or high breaking waves and strong winds. It's advised not to use inflatables. Always pay attention to the RNLI lifeguard flags and instructions. Also, when walking on the dunes, stick to marked paths as some areas are protected for wildlife, including adder breeding grounds.

Croyde Beach

Are there rock pools at Croyde beach?

Yes, there are rock pools at both the northern and southern ends of Croyde beach. These are great for exploring, especially for families with children, when the tide goes out. While they might not be teeming with a huge variety of wildlife, they offer a good opportunity for children to experience rock pooling.

Croyde Beach