Croyde, a quaint village two and half hours from Bristol known for its golden sands and nostalgic late night treats, is gaining attention as an ideal family destination.
This coastal haven has been highlighted for its inviting beaches, world-class surfing spots, and scenic walks along the coastline.
Not just attractive to families, Croyde is equally enticing for couples and thrill-seekers, steadily becoming a favoured choice for UK staycations this year.
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Local entrepreneur Emma Carter expressed her fondness for the village in a chat with the Mirror, saying: “There’s just something about Croyde that makes you never want to leave. I think it’s down to the friendly, laid-back atmosphere you get in every shop or restaurant, and on a summer evening when things quiet down, nothing beats sitting outside with an ice cream from the local shop, listening to the waves. It’s just a special place that ends up feeling like home, even if you’re only visiting for a few days.”
The village not only caters to surf enthusiasts with its amazing beaches but also offers several surfing schools for beginners eager to tackle the waves.
For those who prefer a less intensive experience, body-boarding—a milder version of surfing—is also widely practised, enabling visitors to enjoy the gentle waves near the shore.
The charms of Croyde have made it a favourite for both locals and tourists alike, with its unbeatable surfing conditions and scenic coastal trails.
As local surfer and teacher Tom Reynold puts it: “Croyde has a way of getting under your skin in the best possible way. The surf here is unreal – arguably some of the best in the UK – but even if you’re not into surfing, there’s so much to love. The coastal walks are stunning, the beaches are pristine, and the whole place has this chilled-out, welcoming feel. Once people visit, they just keep coming back. It’s that kind of place.”
Besides the mesmerising coastline, Croyde offers excellent connectivity to other attractions for those travelling with youngsters or seeking variety, like Exmoor National Park and The Big Sheep.
Towns nearby such as Barnstaple and Braunton provide great options for a spot of shopping too. For dining, visitors will be surprised at the variety available, from the traditional British pub The Old Thatch, to lively spots like Billy Budd’s, not to mention modern eateries like Blue Groove or New Coast Kitchen, both of which are popular for brunch.
Sweet-toothed visitors are also catered for at Croyde’s Ice Cream Parlour, open from April to November and even into the evenings during summer, offering a variety of sweet delights.
Local resident Ben Foster shared: “Croyde is one of those places that makes you feel miles away from everything, but you still have everything you need. You have great local food that, I believe, rivals that of London, cosy pubs that feel genuine (down to the farmers coming in for pints after harvests), local crafters and artists, and a proper community feel.”
Mark Hutchins, travel expert at Beachlets, noted: “Staycations have become more than just a passing trend. Since 2004, search interest in ‘staycations’ in the UK has grown by an incredible 9,772 per cent, outgrowing interest in popular international hotspots like Bali, Dubai, Goa and even Spain. Turns out, Brits are becoming far more interested in what’s available on their doorstep than jet setting around the world.”