The premier surfing beach on the North Devon coast, Croyde Bay is the centre of the North Devon surfing scene and a popular family holiday resort. The village centre is set back from the surf beach behind some high sand dunes, Croyde Burrows. The village has some pretty thatch cottages, three pubs and some surf shops.

Croyde Beach

A great family beach, no dogs north of the river. Beware pollution and sewerage in the water from the river that runs down the middle of the beach after heavy rain. Croyde Beach lost it's blue flag status in 2007. The river by the dunes is a favourite place for young children to play, but is potentially polluted. There are toilets and showers at the north end of the beach by the surf hire shop and also in Downend car park at the south end of the beach and across the road.

Eating out in Croyde

There are some good places to eat out, a couple of favourites being Blue Groove Cafe and The Manor pub, The Thatch nachos are legendary. Good coffee at the Blue Groove. Follow St. Marys Road up around the back of The Manor and Kittiwell House is the place for Croyde Cream Teas. Good locally made pasties from Brook stores, the village shop on the corner by the Post Office. For fish and chips, the only option is the takeaway at Ruda, otherwise great fish and chips at Braunton, Squires or South Sixteen.

Self Catering and Camping at Croyde Bay

Ruda is one of two large holiday camps situated very close to the beach at the northern end. It has a small indoor fun pool and it's own shopping complex. For better value, walk the 5 minutes to the local post office shop on the corner in the village (opposite the village hall). There is parking behind the village hall.

Car Parking

Parking in Croyde in summer can be difficult. The lanes are narrow and most of the roads are private or have double yellow lines (no parking). The main public car park is behind the village hall in the centre, prices are reasonable for the area. There are a few free spaces opposite Billy Budds and some more free spaces opposite Ruda. The main beach car park at the south end is just on the right on the road round from Saunton. It is a private car park and so is priced according to demand, but not as high as Putsborough or Saunton. There is a large car park opposite Ruda, but prices are £5 in summer.

Surfing

Croyde is one of the best beach breaks in England and especially powerful at low tide. The waves at Croyde are a bit more mellow from mid to high tide. There are some surf shops in the village and one on the beach at the north end, where boards and wetsuits can be hired. In the village, the main surf shop is Redwood, but you can also hire at LeSport, SurfingCroydeBay (by Saltrock shop, surfing lessons too), Littlepink Shop (Moor Lane) and Offshore Surf Shop (on the beach).

Last Updated: 2010-04-26 09:58:22

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