Surf Town: Croyde, North Devon
Barrels, beach breaks and surf culture in Britain's surfing heartland.
Here's all you need to plan your surf trip to the UK's only World Surfing Reserve.
Tucked into North Devon's wild Atlantic coast, Croyde sits at the heart of the only stretch of UK coastline to earn World Surfing Reserve status. Packing in breaks for all conditions, a buzzing beachside scene and a bucket-load of surf heritage to boot, it's a destination that rewards every kind of surfer.
From punchy A-frames at Croyde to longboard-friendly cruisers at Saunton and sheltered corners when the swell gets serious, there's always somewhere working. Add the iconic trail to Baggy Point, rocky coves for coastal adventures, and post-surf hubs for spas and sundowners – and you've got one of Britain's most complete surf escapes.
From campsites to cool hotels, cafés to culture hotspots, here's all you need to know for your North Devon surf escape.
Where to stay in and around Croyde
Wake up to sea views from a boutique hotel, revel in the flex of your own apartment, or unzip your tent footsteps from the sea – Croyde has bases for boardriders on all budgets.
Whether you want a bed and board hire, a wave-side spa and sundowners by the pool, or just somewhere to rest your head between sessions, here's our pick of the top surf stays in Croyde:
Saunton Sands Hotel
Overlooking three miles of golden sand on one of the UK's most iconic surfing beaches, Saunton Sands Hotel offers a luxury coastal escape in the heart of North Devon's World Surfing Reserve.
Camping at Croyde Bay
Camp at the heart of the break and discover the ultimate base for your surf trip at Camping at Croyde Bay.
Baggy's
Whether it's a winter surf trip, a family summer holiday or a long weekend escape, Baggy's blends the best of Croyde's surf culture with laid-back luxury and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere.
Our top hangouts in Croyde and North Devon
Whether you're finding your feet or chasing autumn barrels, North Devon's surf scene has everything from expert coaching to beach cafés, pubs and spas for post-surf pampering. When the wetsuit comes off, there's plenty to keep the stoke rolling.
Cafe Croyde Bay
At the heart of Croyde's surf and outdoor community, Cafe Croyde Bay is the go-to spot for post-surf coffees, relaxed breakfasts, and laid-back evenings after a day on the coast.
Surfing Croyde Bay
Surfing Croyde Bay offers the complete coastal experience: waves, adventure, recovery, and community, all in one of the UK's most iconic surf destinations.
Museum of British Surfing
UK surf history, boards, archive photos, shaping culture of the North Devon surf scene.
Visit →The Thatch
Probably the biggest surf social hub in North Devon. Expect packed beer gardens, post-surf pints, and live music.
The Beach Cafe and Sunset Bar, Croyde
Grab a coffee, settle in for a beer, watch the sun drop into the Atlantic and let the day stretch out a little longer.
The Break, Saunton
Sandy feet, boards stacked outside and front-row views of one of Britain's longest beaches.
Where to surf in Croyde and North Devon
Surely it's the trio of Saunton, Croyde and Woolacombe that put North Devon in the company of World Surfing Reserves with Ericeira and Malibu.
Powerful peaks at Croyde, long, peeling walls at Saunton, and more sheltered options around Putsborough and Woolacombe mean there are waves for every ability and every forecast. When serious swells start pushing through in autumn, the region can produce everything from playful longboard runners to hollow, slabby barrels.
Whatever your level, there's a break with your name on it.
Baggy's
Whether it's a winter surf trip, a family summer holiday or a long weekend escape, Baggy's blends the best of Croyde's surf culture with laid-back luxury and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere.
Perched above Croyde Beach at the start of the Baggy Point coastal walk, The Lodge sleeps 6 adults and 3 children across three ensuite bedrooms, while The Studio is perfect for couples or small families. Both come with sweeping views over Croyde Bay, outdoor dining and BBQ space, and that rarest of holiday luxuries – being able to hear the surf from your bed.
With a woodfired sauna, cold plunge, Café Croyde Bay and Surfing Croyde Bay all on site, Baggy's is perfectly placed for dog friendly surf trips and North Devon escapes throughout the year.
Saunton Sands Hotel
Overlooking three miles of golden sand on one of the UK's most iconic surfing beaches, Saunton Sands Hotel offers a luxury coastal escape in the heart of North Devon's World Surfing Reserve. Combining sea-view hotel rooms, self-catering apartments and award-winning wellness facilities, it's the perfect base for surf trips, beach holidays and restorative stays by the coast.
Guests enjoy direct access to Saunton Beach, with surf hire and lessons available locally for all abilities. Practical touches including secure surfboard storage and an outdoor shower make it easy to move seamlessly from beach to hotel after a day in the waves.
Back at the hotel, Source Spa offers indoor and outdoor pools, thermal experiences, a beach-view relaxation lounge, and a red-light therapy sauna designed to support recovery and wellbeing. Dining ranges from relaxed beachfront lunches at the Beachside Grill to ocean-view dining showcasing seasonal local produce.
Set within the UNESCO North Devon Biosphere Reserve, Saunton Sands blends surf culture, wellness and laid-back coastal luxury in one spectacular beachfront setting.
Camping at Croyde Bay
Camp at the heart of the break and discover the ultimate base for your surf trip at Camping at Croyde Bay. As a family-run site managed by lifelong surfer Stu, here you can enjoy a peaceful, high-quality experience for families and surfers in campervans, tents or motorhomes.
Just a 10-minute level walk to the beach and five minutes from the village's legendary pubs, you couldn't be better placed to enjoy everything Croyde has to offer. Featuring level pitches with electric hook-ups and top-tier facilities. Enjoy our purpose-built, ‘10/10 rated’ hot showers, Wi-Fi, mobile phone charging and covered washup area. All included in the price.
With £10 surfboard hire, morning coffee and a quiet, friendly atmosphere, we focus on the details so you can focus on the waves. Come see why we're a top-rated choice for North Devon escapes.
Cafe Croyde Bay
At the heart of Croyde's surf and outdoor community, Cafe Croyde Bay is the go-to spot for post-surf coffees, relaxed breakfasts, and laid-back evenings after a day on the coast.
Located just moments from the beach, this licensed café and bar combines a welcoming surf-town atmosphere with sea views, locally-inspired food, speciality coffee, and a space where surfers, families, and visitors come together.
Whether you're fuelling up before an early morning session, warming up after the waves, or settling in to watch the sunset, Cafe Croyde Bay captures everything people love about North Devon's coastal lifestyle: relaxed, social, and connected to the ocean.
With homemade food, quality coffee, and a friendly team at the centre of it all, the café has become a favourite meeting point for both locals and travelling surfers exploring the UK's only World Surfing Reserve.
Surfing Croyde Bay
Surfing Croyde Bay offers the complete coastal experience: waves, adventure, recovery, and community, all in one of the UK's most iconic surf destinations. More than a surf school – it's a hub for the local surf scene, coastal adventurers, and everyone wanting to enjoy the energy of Croyde Bay.
From first-timers finding their feet to experienced surfers looking to refine their technique, our instructors deliver high-quality coaching in small groups, with a maximum student-to-coach ratio of 6:1. Every session is designed to build confidence, improve skills, and maximise time in the water, while keeping the atmosphere relaxed, supportive, and fun.
Alongside surf lessons, we offer premium surfboard and wetsuit hire, and for those seeking to explore the coastline beyond the surf, guided coasteering adventures provide an unforgettable way to discover coves, cliffs, and sea caves.
After a day in the Atlantic, unwind in our panoramic surfside sauna and cold plunge – the perfect post-surf reset overlooking Croyde Bay.
