Caroline Abbott
15 April 2026
Croyde is a picturesque and fun part of North Devon, with a vibrant and family-friendly atmosphere. It has one of the county’s best beaches, making it a popular destination for a traditional seaside holiday, and it’s one of the best surfing spots in Devon.
We’ve pulled together everything you need to know about visiting Croyde Beach and the charming village of the same name. Covering where to park your car, where you can walk your dog, and things to do in and around Croyde, this guide aims to help you make the most of your trip.
Whether you’re planning a couple’s retreat, family holiday or getaway with a big group of friends, we’ve got self-catering holiday cottages to meet your needs. You can browse our collection of properties in Croyde by clicking on the button below.
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FAQs
Is Croyde safe for swimming?
Yes. The beach has a Blue Flag, which is awarded for excellent water quality and environmental management. At peak times, there are RNLI lifeguards on duty (see below for details).
What is Croyde known for?
Croyde is best known for its surfing beach, which is part of a designated World Surfing Reserve. It sits within the North Devon Coast National Landscape.
Are BBQs allowed on the beach?
No, BBQs and fires are not allowed on the beach or in the sand dunes. Regular patrols monitor the area day and night, and if a BBQ or fire is found, you will be asked to extinguish it immediately. This is because hot embers put the protected habitat and other beachgoers at risk.
Is Croyde worth visiting in the winter?
Yes, if you appreciate dramatic coastal scenery, vibrant sunsets and a quieter atmosphere compared to the summer. Water temperatures are similar to late spring, and many attractions and pubs are open year-round.
What is the population of Croyde?
Croyde has a population of just over 600 people.
Where is the nearest train station to Croyde?
The nearest rail station is Barnstaple, 9 miles away. You can take a bus or taxi from the station to Croyde.
Where are the best places to eat in Croyde?
If you’re after a family-friendly pub, try The Thatch, The Manor House Inn or Billy Budds. For fine dining, there’s New Coast Kitchen and Restaurant Roku. For somewhere more casual, try Cafe Croyde Bay, The Beach Cafe or Blue Groove.
About Croyde Beach
Croyde Bay lies between Baggy Point to the north and Downend to the south. It’s close to Saunton Sands and Woolacombe Sands, and around 5 miles from Braunton. It’s considered one of North Devon’s best beaches. The beach is a 1-mile walk from the village. It is a half-mile-wide sandy beach, backed by large sand dunes and flanked by rocky headlands at either end. It is accessible via footpaths or a slipway. The beach faces west towards the Atlantic Ocean, and it’s a premier surfing destination with powerful waves, prominent rip currents and heavy sandbars.
Lifeguards at Croyde Beach
RNLI lifeguards patrol Croyde Beach daily between May and September, as well as during the Easter school holidays. In October, lifeguards are on patrol at weekends and during half term. Lifeguards are on duty between 10am to 6pm. Remember, if there are no flags, there are no lifeguards.
Dogs on Croyde Beach
Dogs are welcome on the entire beach during the off-peak season, which runs from the beginning of October to the end of April. During the peak season, from the beginning of May until the end of September, dogs are not allowed on the sandy beach, but they can be walked on the dunes and the South West Coast Path. Owners must keep their dogs under control and clean up after them at all times.
Things to do in Croyde
Croyde is famous for its surf and there are surf schools for beginners and experienced surfers. You could also go swimming, bodyboarding, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or coasteering.
If water is not your thing but you want to be active, you could hike the South West Coast Path to Baggy Point for spectacular views – it’s one of the most scenic coastal walks in Devon. The first part of the walk is gentle and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, but the full loop becomes narrower and steeper. Alternatively, you could take the Tarka Trail for a circular walk to Saunton – it’s a moderate 4-mile walk. Exmoor National Park is a great place for walking and is around 20 miles away.
Local markets are held weekly during the summer season. Croyde’s biggest annual event is GoldCoast Oceanfest – a music, surf and lifestyle festival which is usually held in June. It is taking a fallow year in 2026 but is expected to return in 2027.
Nearby family attractions offering rides, shows and animal encounters include The Big Sheep in Abbotsham, near Bideford (20 miles), The Milky Way Adventure Park near Clovelly (27 miles), Watermouth Family Theme Park and Castle near Ilfracombe (15.5 miles) and Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park (18 miles).
Croyde Beach is a good place for exploring rockpools and building sandcastles. For a family-friendly night out, you could watch a movie from the comfort of a deckchair in the village hall at the unique Deckchair Cinema.
Car parking at Croyde Beach
Croyde can get very busy, especially during the summer months, so arrive early to secure a parking spot. The large Downend Car Park, sometimes spelt Down End, is located close to the beach, on the approach to Croyde from the Braunton side, and offers hourly rates. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For up-to-date costs and details, visit the website.
There is also a National Trust Car Park at Baggy Point. Parking is free for National Trust members. In the summer, a number of surrounding fields open up for additional car parking. These are clearly signposted.
Facilities at Croyde Beach
Croyde has facilities at the beach itself and in the village. Toilets are available at Downend Car Park. Equipment for watersports, including wetsuits, surfboards and bodyboards, can be rented at the beach. In the village, there are shops including surf and gift shops, pubs (some of which have play areas), cafes and a post office.
Stay with us in Croyde
From coastal apartments to traditional thatched cottages, we have a wide range of self-catering holiday accommodation in and around Croyde. No matter what size or type of property you’re looking for, you’re bound to find something to suit you in our collection, which you can browse by clicking the button below. If you want to expand your options, you can explore our full collection of North Devon cottages and wider Devon cottages.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.