Woolacombe Accommodation

For North Devon Coast surfing head for Croyde and Woolacombe beaches!

Beach scene, Woolacombe. Peaceful corners, and endless golden sands

Sit back and watch the world go by at Woolacombe & Croyde, North Devon

Surf magic at Woolacombe and Croyde, North Devon Coast

Croyde Tourist Information, Croyde Surfing, Croyde North Devon UK

Croyde village on the North Devon Coast, south of Woolacombe is fast becoming a real international centre for surfing, and for Devon surfing it's one of the best hotspots alongside Woolacombe. The most comprehensive guide to surfing in Croyde and this area can be found on the Croyde Surf Cam weblink to the right. Get a taste of the surfing magic of this area, and listings of the many surfing instructors, surf clothing and surf gear shops and more!

Surfing the waves at Croyde is certainly one of it's key attractions. The beach itself is famous worldwide as a surfing centre and is of course a Blue Flag beach with excellent cleanliness and facilities. There's plenty of surfing shops selling surfing clothes at Croyde, as well as surfing tuition centres and the beach has lifeguards during the high summer season. In summer Croyde beach does get more crowded. Croyde offers fast, hollow waves and at low tide especially they keep hold of their shape producing larger swells. Croyde is best for surfers with experience, especially around the reef and Downend Point. Head for Saunton Sands for a slower pace if a novice!

Croyde History & Attractions

Croyde is so named after a Norse Raider called Crydda who alighted at Croyde Bay. This North Devon village recognises it's Viking origins annually with it's Viking Festival every June! Croyde village though actually dates back to the pre-Saxon period. Croyde village is a charming little setting, with thatched cottage streets and a surfing bohemian edge. It's homemade ice cream is also rather popular, with several Croyde shops offering it.

Take time to explore the nearby village of Georgeham near Croyde. It had a rather famous resident author during the 1920s - Henry Williamson who wrote the children's favourite, 'Tarka The Otter'. The Tarka trail, the 180 mile marked Devon walkway stretches down through Devon from this stretch of the North Devon coast, and is so named after the famous book. Certainly Henry Willaimson was inspired by the beauty of both the North Devon Coast and the inland woodland valleys - it's all there in both 'Tarka the Otter' and his other tale 'The Little Water Wanderer'.

Croyde North Devon Attractions

The Croyde Rock and Gem Museum is a 'little gem', and well worth checking out. It holds a selection of beautiful rocks, gems, and shells from all over the world! Gem Rock & Shell Museum, 10 Hobbs Hill, Croyde, EX33 1LZ . Tel: 01271 890407

Baggy Point Walking

It's well worth branching out on the walking front along the North Devon Coast. Baggy Point between Woolacombe and Croyde is a particularly popular spot with North Devon coastal walkers. There are some superb walks round the point and opportunity to take in the spectacular cliffs here. Try a spot of Rock Climbing as well or walk up Middleborough Hill to Putsborough and on to Woolacombe.

There's a National Trust Car Park at Baggy Point providing lots of maps and guides to walking in this area, and they also provide information on the nature and geology of the area. For guided walks and rambles around Baggy Point contact the National Trust, Steve Mulberry N. Devon Coast & Countryside 01271 850887, or see Green Guides published by Paul Ro & Abbi Madget, Tel: 01271 812617

Croyde Surfing & Sailing Centres

For catamaran sailing off this stretch of the North Devon coast, contact Glenn or Hayley at SailCats, Crow Beach Braunton North Devon UK. Tel: 01805 624489 mobile: 07941 829816.

Why not learn to surf at Croyde with Surf South West. This centre is based in the heart of Croyde Bay, prime surfing territory, and the surf school has been approved by the British Surfing Association for seven years. Surf South West, Croyde, North Devon, EX33 1YP. Tel: 01271 890400.

Croyde beach really is Devon's surfing hotspot, with it's superb larger swells, especially at low tide, and it's fast growing surfing outlets and shops and some lively pubs. Check out the Croyde Surf Cam and check out 'The Little Pink Shop' for your surfing gear, situated on Moor Lane, Croyde. Croyde Surf Cam list tidal times and weather reports, and you can check their video for today's Croyde scene! Three choices for surfing are available at Croyde, including Croyde Beach, the reef and Downend Point. Alternatively, try the sheltered beach at Putsborough. The reef is only recommended to surfers who are used to pacy waves and rocks.

For gentler rides check out Woolacombe and Saunton Sands, both more sheltered and offering longer, gentler waves - perfect if you're learning! Waves do change dependent on the tide, and the biggest swells come actually in the last few hours before high tide! Find further information on the Croyde Surf Cam.

Croyde Eating out & Entertainment

There's some lively pubs and restaurants in Croyde, growing up fast around the thriving surfing crowd, all with great atmospheres!

The Blue Groove Restaurant, 2 Hobbs Hill, Croyde Bay, North Devon. EX33 1LZ. Tel for booking: 01271 890111

The Thatch, Croyde's Famous Freehouse, on the Cott Lane towards Down End. Fine ales, food and warm welcome. Tel: 01271 890349.

Billy Budds, again on Cott Lane, cool beers, hot food and friendly welcome: tel: 01271 890606

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