Croyde is a village in the north-west of Devon south of Woolacombe and near the towns of Braunton and Ilfracombe. A village is a human residential settlement commonly found in rural areas. ... The inner harbour, Brixham, south Devon, at low tide Devon is a large county in South West England, bordering on Cornwall to the west, Dorset and Somerset to the east. ... Woolacombe is a seaside resort on the coast of North Devon, England with a long sandy beach and lies at the mouth of a valley. ... Braunton is situated 4 miles west of Barnstaple in north Devon, and is claimed to be the largest village in England (although Kidlington is several times bigger). ... Location within the British Isles Ilfracombe is a seaside resort on the north coast of Devon, England with a small harbour, surrounded by cliffs. ...

A local surfer rides a wave at Croyde

Best known as a holiday destination, Croyde Bay is also a centre for surfing with breaks suitable for experts and beginners. Image File history File links BB23. ... The word holiday has related but different meanings in English-speaking countries. ... Surfing outside Kaneohe Bay, Hawai‘i. ...

To the North lies the long beach of Woolacombe Sands and Baggy Point, and to the south Saunton Sands, each boasting at least 3 miles of sandy beach. Woolacombe is a seaside resort on the coast of North Devon, England with a long sandy beach and lies at the mouth of a valley. ... Saunton is a village located approximately two miles from Braunton, on the North Devon coast in the South West of England. ...

The village of Croyde dates back to before Saxon times when it was known as ‘Crydda’, after the Viking raider of the same name.

As you stroll through the village you will notice that many buildings date back to the 17th Century, including Myrtle Farm, built in 1600 AD. There are many picturesque cottages including ‘Sweets Cottage’, one of the prettiest thatched properties in the South-West.

The stream that runs through the heart of the village has been a source of fun for generations of children, local and visitor alike, however it may come as a shock to discover that for many years the stream wasn’t walled. This led to several enebriated locals experiencing an unexpected cold bath upon leaving The Manor Inn, and also led to the quaint local custom of naming these unfortunate souls ‘Mayor of Croyde’. The office was unpaid and lasted until... yes you’ve guessed it.... the next person fell in!

Croyde was home to a Priory, and today’s Thatched Barn was once used by Monks to stable their animals, so it has always been a watering hole.

Croyde has its own shipwreck, ‘The Weasel’ which sank off Baggy Point in 1799.

The sun setting across Croyde Bay

Tourism has always been an important part of the local economy, and as early as 1908 travellers guides noted this trend. Image File history File links BB24. ...

In 1939 the village was fortunate to be gifted the 240 acres of land that constitute Baggy Point by Constance and Florence Hyde which is now operated by the National Trust, who work hard to ensure that Baggy Point remains one of the most beautiful and unspoilt headlands on the British coastline. The standard of the National Trust The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty, usually known as The National Trust, is a British preservation organization. ...

Croyde has indeed been fortunate through-out history. For example during the Second World War only one bomb landed here, resulting in one dead cow on Baggy Point, and today the visitor and resident alike can appreciate that the village has a unique charm, partly due to the wonderful beach, and partly due to its character as a small coastal village, which is why Croyde retains a special place in our hearts.

Croyde is a delightful coastal community of colour-washed thatched cottages with a little stream that meanders its way through the village to a beautiful sandy bay. Croyde is said by many to be the best surfing beach in the UK, and there can be few villages in the country with such a perfect blend of picturesque charm and the buzz of life!

The beach gets busy in the summer

Croyde has been inhabited since the Stone Age, and to this day flint tools and arrowheads are to be found in the nearby fields. The first settlers of Croyde were the Vikings and it is from them that the stream "Crydda" and the village take their name. The buildings in the village have a rich history stretching back over many generations, the oldest being St Helen's Chapel in Cott Lane which was built in the 12th century by the Celtic saint Endelentia. The chapel, in a tiny lane behind St Helen's Priory, is the "Holy Well" or "Lady Well" which was blessed by St Endelentia and was a popular pilgrimage for Christians for many centuries. Also in Cott Lane is Chapel Farm Gallery and Craft Centre, a well-established gallery for talented local artists. Exhibits include work by Paul Kenton, well known for his watercolour seascapes; Roger Bishop, an outstanding marine life artist; and John Palmer's brilliant landscapes. You will also find many other local artists specialising in pottery, crafts and gifts. From here you can walk through to the peaceful setting of St Helen's Priory gardens and enjoy a classic Devonshire cream tea. Image File history File links BB25. ...

For those with a thirst for an active life Croyde is ideal. The surrounding countryside with its outstanding scenery is just perfect for walkers; maps are available in the village. Nearby, Baggy Point, run by the National Trust, and Croyde sand dunes, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, have an abundance of interesting wildlife. The surfing in Croyde Bay is superb for either experts or novices, many surf shops are to be found where equipment is available to hire or buy and expert advice and tuition is available. When you need a well-earned break from riding the waves or rambling in the countryside Croyde has a wonderful selection of character eating and drinking places. Many, like The Thatch, which dates back to the 14th century, have been offering hospitality to locals and visitors for many generations.

A fantastic new addition to the local cullinary adventure is Blue Groove, well worth a visit if passing by. Contemporary art is on full time display, designed and produced by local artist Conor Wilson. Give it a go, you might just like it.

External link

• Croyde at the Open Directory Project