Croyde.

The breaks

Recognised, publicly known surf spots around Croyde. Suitability depends on the day's swell, wind and tide, so treat the level as a guide, not a guarantee.

A village built around a bay

Croyde is a small village of thatched cottages, pubs and surf shops, tucked behind a sandy bay on the North Devon coast, between Baggy Point to the north and Downend Point to the south. The bay faces west into the Atlantic and the Bristol Channel, catching swells from the North Atlantic, and its sandbanks can produce some of the punchiest beach-break waves in England.

The village has been a surf destination since the 1960s, and today it has a busy summer season, with campsites, holiday cottages and surf schools. In autumn and winter, it becomes quieter, and local surfers have the waves largely to themselves.

Croyde Bay and the low-tide waves

Croyde Bay's beach break is famous for changing dramatically with the tide. At low tide, the waves can become fast, steep and hollow, breaking over shallow sandbanks with real power, and this is when the bay attracts experienced surfers. At mid tide, the waves are generally more forgiving, and at high tide, the bay can become a shore break or lose its shape.

The Bristol Channel has one of the largest tidal ranges in the world, so the beach can change completely within a few hours. Check the tide times before you go and ask locals which stage of the tide suits the day's swell.

Downend Point and the reefs

At the southern end of the bay, Downend Point has reef and point breaks over rock that can produce good waves on the right swell and tide, suiting experienced surfers. Baggy Point, at the northern end, is a dramatic headland owned by the National Trust, with reefs that occasionally work on big swells. Both are rocky and require care.

Saunton Sands

South of Croyde, Saunton Sands is a vast beach backed by the sand dunes of Braunton Burrows, one of the largest dune systems in Britain and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The waves at Saunton are long, slow and gentle, peeling across a shallow, gently sloping beach, which makes it one of the best longboard waves in the UK and a great place for beginners.

Saunton is also popular with families and has a large beach car park and café. Its dunes have been used as a film location.

Woolacombe and Putsborough

North of Baggy Point, Woolacombe has a long sandy beach with many peaks, a lively summer atmosphere and surf schools. Putsborough, at the southern end of the same beach, is more sheltered from south-westerly winds and can be a good option when Croyde is blown out. Together, Croyde, Saunton and Woolacombe give North Devon surfers plenty of options within a few minutes' drive.

Croyde season by season

Autumn, from September to November, is usually the best time to surf Croyde, with consistent Atlantic swells, offshore easterly winds on some days, water still relatively mild after summer and quieter beaches. Winter brings powerful swells, cold water and storms, with good days between fronts. Spring offers decent swell and longer days.

Summer is usually small and very busy, with lifeguarded swimming zones and crowded line-ups, but it is the best time for beginners, especially at Saunton and Woolacombe.

Wetsuits and water temperature

The water off North Devon ranges from around 9–10°C in late winter to about 16–17°C in late summer. A 4/3 wetsuit with boots is common in summer and early autumn, and a 5/4 with boots and gloves in winter. Surf shops in Croyde, Braunton and Woolacombe rent and sell wetsuits.

Lifeguards and safety

RNLI lifeguards patrol Croyde, Saunton and Woolacombe during the summer season, marking swimming zones with red and yellow flags and areas for surfboards with black and white chequered flags. Rip currents are common, especially on bigger days and around the headlands, and the large tidal range can cut off access at the base of cliffs.

At low tide, Croyde's waves can break heavily onto shallow sand, so beginners should avoid the bay on powerful low-tide days and head to Saunton instead.

Getting to Croyde

Exeter Airport is about an hour and a quarter away, and Bristol Airport around two hours. Trains run to Barnstaple, about twenty minutes from Croyde, from where buses and taxis connect to the village. A car is the most practical way to explore the area, though Croyde's narrow lanes and car parks become congested in summer.

The Tarka Trail, a long-distance walking and cycling route, passes nearby along the Taw estuary.

Where to stay in Croyde

Croyde has holiday cottages, B&Bs, pubs with rooms and several large campsites near the beach, which are very popular in summer. Braunton, a few minutes inland, is a larger village with more shops, restaurants and surf shops. Woolacombe also has a range of accommodation. Book well ahead for the summer holidays and festival weekends.

Pubs, cream teas and rest days

Croyde's thatched pubs are a big part of the village's charm, serving local ales and food. On flat days, walk the South West Coast Path around Baggy Point, explore the Braunton Burrows dunes, cycle the Tarka Trail or visit the harbour town of Ilfracombe. Exmoor National Park, with its moorland and wild ponies, is within easy reach.

The local line-up

Croyde has a strong local surf community, and on good low-tide days, the line-up can be competitive. Respect local surfers, wait your turn and avoid dropping in. In summer, the bay is busy with visitors and surf school groups, so board control and awareness are important. If the bay is crowded, Saunton and Woolacombe offer more space.

Croyde surf season month by month

A broad planning picture, not a forecast. Swell, wind and water temperature vary from year to year.

Learning to surf in Croyde and Saunton

Croyde has several surf schools, but beginners are often taken to Saunton Sands or Woolacombe, where the waves are gentler and the beaches wider. Croyde Bay itself suits improvers at mid tide and experienced surfers at low tide. Schools provide thick wetsuits, boots and soft-top boards, and many are approved by Surfing England.

Summer and early autumn are usually best for beginners. Ask schools about group sizes, instructor qualifications and how they plan lessons around the tide, which strongly affects conditions.

Comparing options across the country? Read our guide to surfing in the UK.