Croyde is a popular beach, sandwiched between the two longer sandy stretches of beach – Woolacombe Sands to the North and Saunton Sands to the South.

It’s a sandy bay, sheltered by a series of dunes and slopes, and features a rivulet running through the middle of the beach. It has terrific rock pools at either end of the beach, although our rightbeach contacts recommend the northern end of the beach for the best selection. Either way, these are ideal for keeping little ones occupied when not splashing in the water or making sand castles.

Away from the dunes the beach can feel exposed if there’s breeze, so take a wind break and a kite to get the best of both worlds.

Croyde is particularly notable for the waves and water. It’s a reliable surf beach, regularly featuring swell and decent breaks at either end of the bay. Swimmers beware however, as there are significant rip tides even when the swell is relatively low. But this shouldn’t deter you from taking the kids for a paddling session in the shallows.

Beach blurb

• Tide and weather »
• Lifeguards: RNLI Lifeguard service April 22nd – September 30th & October half term
• Water quality: recommended
• Dogs: Dogs not allowed May 1st to September 30th

See Croyde Bay beach on a map …

Things to note to ensure your trip goes well:

• Take your nets and head to the north end of the beach for the best rocks pools. Ideal if the weather’s a bit on the cloudy side.
• Remember to take your kite. Away from the dunes, the breeze is perfect for this.
• If you’re there to surf then hang around Down End to catch the point break or make use of the reef break at the northern end of the beach (aka Baggy Point) for an hour or so during high tides.

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Area	Rating	Observation
Beach		Rock pools, big waves, shallow paddling in the sea, and flat sand.
Crowded (1=deserted)		Fairly popular with all ages, from families with young kids right through to hardcore surf dudes..
Surf		Waves are usually pretty good. Swimmers need to watch out for strong rip tides..
Sand		Wide flat sand backed by dunes.
Parking		Parking is £5 per day but you can park at the nearby campsite (Ruda) for free.
Toilets		Toilets are free and have baby-changing facilities.
Food		Devon ice creams available at the beach shop … yummy!
Shopping		A well stocked beach shop, plus surf hire.

Review by Mark H