Our Croyde Holiday Cottages by the Sea
Croyde is a compact village just north of Appledore in Devon, so the beach is a major part of its allure. Croyde Bay is a sandy beach between Saunton Sands and Baggy Point, with waves that have made it one of North Devon’s main surfing destinations. Surf schools and equipment hire are available locally, so you do not need to bring your own board or have previous experience to book a lesson.
The village itself is set slightly back from the beach. It has places to eat and drink, small shops and a mixture of old cottages and newer properties. Staying here means you can spend the morning on the beach, return to your accommodation during the day and walk into the village in the evening without necessarily using the car.
Croyde also works well if walking is part of the holiday. Baggy Point is immediately north of the bay and is managed by the National Trust. The South West Coast Path crosses the headland, with views back across Croyde Bay and along the North Devon coast. The National Trust also has a two-mile circular walk from Baggy Point car park, as well as longer routes towards Putsborough and Woolacombe.
Surfing, Baggy Point and Days Out from Croyde
Surfing is difficult to separate from Croyde. The bay receives Atlantic swell and attracts experienced surfers as well as people booking their first lesson. Swimming conditions can vary with the surf and tides, so visitors should use the lifeguarded area when patrols are operating and follow the safety information displayed at the beach.
For a day away from the water, Baggy Point can be reached directly from Croyde. As well as the coast path, there is a mostly level graded route leading towards the headland. The National Trust car park has toilets and a seasonal tea-room, making it possible to visit even if you do not want to tackle one of the longer walks.
Saunton Sands is just south of Croyde and provides a very different beach, with a much longer stretch of sand backed by Braunton Burrows. Braunton itself is the nearest larger village for additional shops and services. Head north instead and you can visit Putsborough, Woolacombe and Mortehoe. Ilfracombe is also within reach for its harbour, boat trips and a larger selection of shops and places to eat.
Choosing a Croyde Cottage That Works for Your Stay
Location is particularly important when choosing accommodation in Croyde. A cottage in the village puts pubs, restaurants and shops nearby, while properties towards the western side of Croyde can reduce the walk to the beach and Baggy Point. If you expect to carry surfboards, wetsuits and other equipment backwards and forwards each day, that difference can be worth considering.
Surfers and families may also want outside storage, a utility area or somewhere to rinse and dry wetsuits. A garden gives children more space away from the beach, while private parking can be valuable during busy summer periods. Some Croyde beach houses have balconies or terraces, and selected properties have sea views.
There are larger houses for two families or groups travelling together, where several bathrooms and a large kitchen can be more important than simply finding the highest bedroom count. Private hot tubs are available at some properties and can be combined with enclosed gardens and other outside space.
Those renting dog friendly accommodation need to plan more carefully. Dogs are not permitted on Croyde Beach between 1 May and 30 September. They are allowed from October through April, while dogs can use the dunes behind the beach during the summer but must be kept on a lead. Baggy Point provides another place to walk, although dogs should be kept on leads because of livestock and the cliff edges.
Croyde Bay and the Beaches on Either Side
Croyde Bay is sandy and relatively compact compared with some of its neighbours. Its popularity with surfers means the water can be busy when conditions are good, but the beach is also used by families, bodyboarders and people spending the day on the sand. Parking, toilets and places to get food are available close to the beach.
For more room, Saunton Sands stretches for around three miles south of Croyde. The large expanse of sand makes it particularly suitable for longer beach walks, while Braunton Burrows behind the beach forms an extensive dune system.
Putsborough lies on the other side of Baggy Point. It forms the southern end of the same long stretch of sand as Woolacombe and can be reached by road or on foot via the coast path. Continue north along the beach and you eventually reach Woolacombe, where there are more cafés, shops and traditional seaside facilities.
Having these beaches close together gives you alternatives when staying in Croyde. You can surf or spend the day at Croyde Bay, walk around Baggy Point to Putsborough, or drive south to Saunton when you want a much longer stretch of sand.
