Forming part of the North Devon Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Croyde is a picturesque village overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It’s one of the top destinations for surfing in England and a popular overnight stop on the country’s longest waymarked long-distance hiking trail.
Backed by rugged dunes is Croyde Beach, a sandy cove nestled between two protective headlands. It boasts steep, powerful waves that attract experienced board riders, as well as gentler breaks for beginner surfers. Each year, Croyde Beach hosts the music and surf-focused Goldcoast Oceanfest.
Croyde is traversed by the South West Coast Path, which stretches for more than 1,000 kilometres between Minehead in Somerset and Poole Harbour in Dorset. For spectacular views of Croyde, follow the path north to the National Trust-owned Baggy Point. If you walk south, you’ll arrive at the Royal North Devon Golf Club, England’s oldest golf course.
Getting there
Croyde is around 20 minutes’ drive from Barnstaple and 1.5 hours from Exeter Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular buses connect to Croyde and the village is small enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the region.