Croyde is within the North Devon National Landscape. Croyde Beach is bordered by gently rolling sand dunes and striking cliffs; at Baggy Point, an easily accessible path offers far-reaching views towards Lundy Island. The destination therefore offers distinct highlights for visitors: coastal scenery, walks, surfing and village history.

Coast, tides and nature

The golden sandy beach at Croyde has rock pools that are popular for exploring rock pools at low tide. Exploring the intertidal zone therefore adds a distinct natural feature to the views of dunes and cliffs. Baggy Point lies in a central area of the Saunton to Baggy Point Coast SSSI. Croyde is also home to a toad colony described as the third largest in the country.

Walks and getting your bearings

The easily accessible path at Baggy Point offers far-reaching views towards Lundy Island. The short circular walk at Baggy Point is 2 miles (3.2 km) long. Another named walk, Croyde and Saunton Down AONB Walk, starts and ends at Croyde Village Car Park. When planning, views, the length of a circular walk or a set start and end point may guide your choice. The National Trust Baggy Point car park is close to Croyde Beach and provides another landmark on the coast.

Surfing and lessons

Croyde Bay has a faster wave that is more popular with advanced shortboard surfers. There are also several surf schools in the village offering beginner lessons. This means wave conditions for advanced shortboard surfers and lessons for beginners can be considered as distinct aspects of surf planning.

Village and history

Much of present-day Croyde dates from the 17th century. Traditional thatched cottages and winding lanes shape the character of the village. At Baggy Point, seven of the ten dummy bunkers built for D-Day training remain. They are a reminder of the D-Day training of 1943. The village streetscape and the surviving dummy bunkers therefore offer different historical perspectives on Croyde and Baggy Point.

Getting here and getting around

Bus route 308 runs from Barnstaple and Braunton to Croyde. Check the latest timetable details locally before planning to use the route for your journey. In the Croyde and Georgeham area, National Cycle Network Route 27 runs between Ilfracombe and Barnstaple; check the route before setting off. The Croyde and Saunton Down AONB Walk starts and ends at Croyde Village Car Park. Check trail conditions before setting off on this walk. The bus connection, cycle route and walk’s start and end point each offer different pointers for planning.

Local produce

Menus in the area around Croyde often feature local produce. If regional products are among your travel interests, you can keep them in mind when choosing a place to eat in the area.

Discover more destinations: Sidmouth, Broadhembury, Princetown, Woodleigh, Upottery, Hatherleigh, Sutcombe, Starcross

For the overview of the wider destination: Devon.