Croyde Beach — Attraction in North Devon

I spent yesterday at Croyde Beach with my husband and beautiful granddaughters. The weather was fabulous and the sea inviting. We haven’t been to Croyde Bay in summertime for many years so we were horrified to find that the swimming zone is shared with body-boarders! When we entered the water it was truly intimidating to have boarders approach us at speed with no intention whatsoever of altering position or getting off their board to avoid hitting us. There was no way we could relax as boarders were approaching thick and fast. With young children to protect while trying not to frighten them it was no fun. A young child could easily be traumatised by an encounter with a person on o board driving into them. Surely there needs to be a safe zone for swimmers. My husband chatted to the RNLI chaps and they said that originally the swimming zone comprised of mainly swimmers and the odd body-boarder. Now the swimming zone is jam-packed with body-boarders. Surely this is a major health and safety issue. As the school holidays haven’t yet started and our visit was on a weekday I dread to think what it is going to be like when the schools do break...

Clean, sandy beach. Ideal for surfers.

A great stretch of beach even if you're not surfing. Clean and tidy with plenty of firm sand to walk on easily. Lots of stuff washed up to provide 'sticks' for the dog. (Poo bins are at the north end only and on some of the paths from the village.)

There are no facilities at all towards the south; toilets, bars, cafés are at the far north end.

Plenty of paths enter and exit the beach so a short or long walk can be planned.

There is a lifeguard service here but not at all times. Check the noticeboards on entry and always follow the advice given especially if surfing and bathing. Waves here are stronger than the average holiday location.

Parking is nearby though we either park in the village and enjoy the 10 minutes stroll or simply walk from the B&B.

We've been on a few occasions and know to pick our time to visit. It can get very crowded at weekends and is hellish in the height of Summer. Seriously, avoid the traditional holiday season if you can. April and September are best.

Last...

Beautiful sandy beach, Not in my opinion, really for swimming, too many surfers around, If you love to surf, this is for you, lessons are available, the water goes quite a way out, the waves are Amazing, Clean , clear water, Very Beautiful, Ice creams, & drinks, available, Toilets nearby.

Beware, the local shop is expensive, especially if you are buying for the family,

I noticed a lot of families, teaching their children to Surf, Other families seemed quite happy to sit on the sand & just enjoy being with the children, lovely sand castles to be made,

Not sure if I would be happy taking the children just to paddle, too many Surf boards about, but check other reviews, I possibly might just be over the top on safety,

Could also have been because my Sister got taken out by a Surf board, to the back of her legs, as she paddled in the sea, no blame, just wrong place, unfortunately, she fell in the Sea fully clothed, but managed to save her phone, so all was not lost, her words. Anyway , I had a nice time, the views are to die...