World-class surf and beaches that stretch for miles, Croyde and Saunton offer some of the most incredible coastline that England has to offer.

Located within 2 miles of one another, Croyde and Saunton offer very different beach days out but both beaches are located on the most breathtaking coast with views that stretch for miles. It’s no wonder that surfers will travel miles to hang ten on this beautiful coast. We have created this guide to help you find your way around these coastal towns.

Croyde and Saunton Guide – car parking and surfing beaches:

Where to park your car in Croyde?

Croyde Car Park – Croyde, EX33 1LX

This is the favourable carpark to use for beach days out and exploring Croyde.

Website: northdevon.gov.uk/parking/disabled-car-parking/croyde-car-park/

Baggy Point – Baggy Point National Trust Car Park, EX33 1FF

Baggy Point is a perfect carpark location for those looking for direct access onto the South West Coastal Path.

Website: nationaltrust.org.uk/baggy-point

Throughout the busier summer months, you will find a number of surrounding fields will open up for additional car parking. These car parks will be clearly signposted.

Croyde Bay Beach

This RNLI lifeguarded beach offers a perfect beach day. It’s one of the smallest beaches along Devon’s Golden Coast but there’s plenty of rock pools for exploring and golden sands for building sandcastles, Croyde Bay Beach is an ideal location for families with many car parks surrounding the beach. A popular spot for the more experienced surfer but with plenty of space for paddling and swimming. If you are looking to visit Croyde with your dogs, you will need to visit between 1st October and 30th April, although neighbouring Woolacombe Sands Beach and Saunton Sands Beach both accept dogs all year round.

Where to park your car in Saunton?

Saunton Sands Car Park – Braunton, EX33 1LQ

There is just one main car park in Saunton and it’s got the best location with direct beach access. This beachside location is perfect spot to park for your beach day out.

Website: sauntonbeach.info/car-park/

Saunton Sands Beach

Over 3 miles long with pumping waves, this golden sandy beach is suitable for the whole gang including your four-legged friends. This sandy beach is a perfect spot for surfers of all levels and with car parking right on the beachfront, it’s convenient for all families.

Croyde and Saunton Guide – local walks:

These villages lie on the South West Coastal Path and you’ll only ever be a hop, skip and a jump away exploring this incredible coast by foot. While it may be true that North Devon offers the most beautiful Atlantic Ocean coast, you really need to see it for yourself. Here are a few of our favourite walks:

Croyde to Baggy Point circular

Located to the very west of Croyde beach is Baggy Point. We highly recommend taking a stroll along these sweeping coastal paths to enjoy the panoramic views across the rugged coast. If you look closely you may even spot the remains from WW2 where the Americans trained for the battle of Normandy. Baggy Point offers a number of different routes but the most popular is the 4.5-mile circular route.

National Trust Walking Map: nationaltrust.org.uk/baggy-point/trails/baggy-point-circular-walk-via-bloodhills-cliff

Croyde to Saunton Down circular

Take this circular wander from Croyde up and over to Saunton Downs. After a wander across the seafront coast seafront, where this walk will take you to new heights as you climb through the rolling hills of North Devon.

Website route: northdevon-aonb.org.uk

Saunton Sands Beach

Saunton Sands is 4 miles long, so whatever your ability, you can choose a distance to suit you. Your dogs can certainly burn off some steam as they run for miles. But with such a beautiful beach beneath your feet, you may want to pack your swimmers too.

Croyde and Saunton Guide – places to eat and drink:

Whatever you choose to get up to on holiday, we know that it’s all about spending quality time together. So it’s no surprise to us that action-packed days out, often lead to relaxing evenings at the pub. However, choosing which pub to go to can often be not so relaxing. Luckily for you, we have enjoyed many great evenings in Croyde and Saunton so have many places to recommend:

The Thatch, Croyde

The Thatch offers a sun-trap beer garden, delicious food and a choice of local beer and ciders, what else could you want from a holiday meal out? This charming pub offers atmosphere by the bucket and delicious daily specials you must try.

Website: thethatchcroyde.co.uk

Billy Budds, Croyde

If you are looking for pub classics, burgers or nachos this is the perfect spot for you. However, it’s not just about the food here, offering a huge variety behind the bar and plenty of outdoor space to enjoy a pint of the cold stuff on a summer’s day.

Website: billybudds.co.uk

Blue Groove, Croyde

The Blue Groove offers delicious food for your whole table, with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options available. They serve scrumptious food and refreshing cocktails, this is a perfect location to enjoy an evening of cocktail with friends or family meal out.

Website: blue-groove.co.uk

The Manor Inn, Croyde

This pub a favourite with the kiddies, with a large outside play area for them to enjoy whilst the adults, sit back and relax. Equally important is the location, so enjoy the delicious variety of food in this picture perfect pub in this charming little village.

Website: themanorcroyde.co.uk

Stoned Pizzas, Croyde

After an action-packed day at the beach, this is the most delicious stop for food on the go. You will find Stoned located opposite the entrance of Ruda Holiday Park, with a variety of stone backed pizzas including vegan alternatives.

Website: stoned.org.uk

Beachside Grill, Saunton

The most idyllic beachside spot of all. If you’re looking for a evening to remember, we highly recommend dinning at Beachside Grill. Serving locally sourced food, flame grilled to perfection and an ever changing view across Saunton Sands beach.

Website: beachsidegrill.co.uk

Croyde and Saunton – places to stay:

Bay View Farmers Campsite

Croyde’s oldest family run holiday park is just a few minutes to the beach and offers static caravans, glamping log pods and pitches for camping, touring and motorhomes.

Website: bayviewfarm.co.uk

Unison Croyde Bay Resort

Unison Croyde Bay Holiday Resort can be found in the most tranquil beachside location. This holiday resort offers direct access to Croyde Bay. In addition to the spectacular location, you can choose from a variety of self-catering lodges, hotel studios and mini suites.

Website: croydeunison.co.uk

Ruda Holiday Park

Ruda Holiday Park offers a variety of cravans, lodges and pitches in the most blissful location, opposite Croyde Bay Beach. Above all Ruda offers a great location for families to enjoy a North Devon family holiday at the seaside.

Website: parkdeanresorts.co.uk/location/devon/ruda/

Saunton Sands Hotel

Saunton Sands Hotel offers the most awe-inspiring views out to sea. As well as the breathtaking views this 4* hotel has to offer, it comes equipped with an onsite Source Spa & Wellness including an on-site gym and pool.

Website: sauntonsands.co.uk

Surfers Paradise camping

If you want to pitch up your tent for the night right next to the beach, you won’t find a closer location. So if you are looking for a beachside break or surfing holiday Surfers Paradise is the camping site for you.

Website: surfparadise.co.uk

Croyde and Saunton – things to do:

Saunton Golf Club & Course

Just a short drive from Saunton Sands Beach, you will find Saunton Golf Club & Course. Located in the most soothing location, you will find two Championship 18-hole courses.

Website: sauntongolf.co.uk

This Mortehoe guide is here to help you explore this picturesque little village.

Just a stone’s throw from Woolacombe is the classic little Devon seaside village of Mortehoe. Located almost directly above Woolacombe, Mortehoe is full of coastal walks, local tea rooms and family friendly pubs.

Mortehoe is surrounded by sweeping coastal paths, so is best explored on foot. So take a wander to enjoy the dramatic cliffs and spectacular scenery. 

Mortehoe Guide – local walks and hidden beaches:

Where to park your car in Mortehoe?

Located in central Mortehoe is the local pay and display car park. Reasonably priced and conveniently located, you’ll only be a short stroll from enjoying this ancient little village.

Website: northdevon.gov.uk

Morte Point

Within the rolling hills of Mortehoe, to the very right of Woolacombe beach is the most rugged point of all. As the waves crash against this rugged cost you will often see the hidden rocks which have claimed many ships to the ocean. Morte Point is notorious for the most disastrous shipwrecks in the late eighteen hundreds. Move over Cornwall, this is the real shipwreck coast! So it’s no surprise Morte Point translates to “death point”. Centuries later this route is explored for the most striking scenery and ocean views which stretch as far as the eye can see. For the more experienced walkers, you can follow this walk for miles but for families take a stroll to the point and turn back the way you came.

Morte Point to Bull Point Lighthouse

With such a rugged coast you will not be far from spotting something pretty special, as you pass Rockham Bay beach along the way, can you spot the shipwreck at low tide that now belongs to the ocean? This walk will bring you back out almost where you started, only passing the local pub on the way back, surly after all that walking you have earned a cold one?

Bull Point Lighthouse

This ramble is just a short walk from both Twitchen House and Easewell Farm. If you can take your eyes off the coast, you will often spot the colony of seals bopping through the ocean. Take the stroll from Mortehoe car park, and follow this relatively flat route to the lighthouse and back. Perfect for families and pushchairs too.

Mortehoe Guide – places to eat and drink:

Holiday days and day trips to the North Devon coast can be action-packed, so it’s only natural your evenings may end with dinner on the go or maybe an evening at our local pubs where refreshingly cold drinks and delicious pub grub is plenty. Mortehoe is home to 2 of the most characteristic family friendly pubs, so take your pick from the Ship Aground or Chichester Arms and enjoy a real Devonshire family meal out.

The Ship Aground

The Ship Aground is spread across 2 floors, with plenty of room for families and four legged friends. You’ll be spoilt for choice with a menu offering a great variety with daily specials and local beers and ciders to wash it all down.

Website: shipaground.co.uk

The Chichester Arms

Families and four-legged friends, this traditional pub is suitable for the whole gang. Serving a variety of pub meals for everyone and with their own private car park outside, it’s certainly convenient for families.

Website: chichesterarmsmortehoe.co.uk

Mortehoe Guide – takeaways and food on the go:

Afternoon tea and fresh bakes

We could not tell you about Mortehoe without bringing to light the wonderful Mrs Fea’s Café. Treat yourself to a slice of homemade deliciousness or maybe even a cream tea. I am sure you have already earned it, after all, that exploring. But remember you’re in Devon now, so it’s always jam on top!

Website: thesmugglersrest.co.uk/miss-feas-cafe

The Town Farmhouse

With the most idyllically located tea gardens, you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings with a belly full of freshly made cakes.

Website: thetownfarmhouse.co.uk

Mortehoe Seafood, Fish & Chips

What’s a holiday at the seaside without fish and chips? More importantly, what’s a holiday at the seaside without the best locally sourced chip supper? Enjoy food freshly baked to each order and take a drive to enjoy fried fish with a view. We wouldn’t enjoy seaside snacking any other way.

Website: mortehoefishandchips.co.uk

Easewell Barn Cafe and Takeaway

You dine here once and you’ll be back for more. Easewell Barn takes the ease off holiday cooking with freshly made food served all week long. We highly recommend a trip out for breakfast and with and with free parking right on the doorstep, it’s a perfect stop for a hassle-free meal out.

Rockleigh House Takeaway

Serving homemade food packed full of flavour, Rockleigh Takeaway is located in the heart of Mortehoe and locals rave about it.

Website: rockleightakeaway.com

Mortehoe Guide – places to stay:

Mortehoe is an area of natural beauty so wherever you stay, you will be surrounded by beautiful scenic locations with spectacular views. Wherever you decide to stay you will be centrally located, with everything on your doorstep, including those unforgettable views.

Damage Barton Caravan & Camping Club Site

Taking the camping experience back to basic’s, where it’s all about quality family time and enjoying the coast. Damage Barton is a relaxed campsite offering a true camping basics experience for everyone that visits.

Website: damagebarton.co.uk

Easewell Farm Holiday Park & Golf Club

Back to basics for this tranquil campsite with a big heart. It’s all about spending quality time together with the added bonus of an onsite pool, sea view golf course, family-friendly pub and use of over 40 free facilities across Easewell Farm’s sister sites (all located within 2 miles). We think Easewell Farm offers the full coastal camping package, with the most idyllic location with plenty going on for days out and about.

Website: woolacombe.co.uk/devon-holiday-parks/easewell-farm

North Morte Farm Caravan and Camping Park

This idyllic location is perfect for the most relaxing holiday offering plenty of camping pitches and accommodation too. Linking directly on to the South West Coastal Path, this is a perfect location for a relaxing walking holiday.

Website: northmortefarm.co.uk

Twitchen House Holiday Park

This charming Edwardian manor house is located within a relaxing woodland surrounding. With a lovely laidback feel with action-packed facilities on Park to enjoy. You will struggle to fit everything in with swimming pools, 80ft speed slides, entertainment, nature and bush craft activities and so much more.

Website: woolacombe.co.uk/devon-holiday-parks/twitchen-house

Mortehoe Guide – things to do:

Mortehoe Museum

Located in the very heart of this little village, you will find out all about the smuggler past and history of ‘Old Morte’ at the Mortehoe Museum, find out where the smuggler’s shipwrecks still lay on our coast to this day. With an outside play area to keep your little ones amused and a great little spot to enjoy a family picnic. Just for extra convenience, the local pay and display car park is right outside.

Website: mortehoemuseum.org.uk

Mortehoe and Woolacombe Seaview Golf Course

As you make your way from tee to tee, you will need to take a moment to take in the tranquil beauty of the coastal surroundings. Best of all, this sea view golf course is located at our very own Easewell Farm.

Website: woolacombegolf.co.uk

Woolacombe is notoriously known for its incredible beaches and pumping surf. As one of North Devon’s finest coasts, you’ll find breathtaking views and spectacular award-winning beaches. So whatever your day at the coast, this Woolacombe Guide is here to help you plan those long-awaited days out.

It really is no secret that Woolacombe has one of the most striking beaches, but don’t just take our word for it. In 2020 our very own Woolacombe Beach was voted one of the best beaches in the World on Tripadvisor. Fourth best beach in Europe and taking the top spot as England’s best beach … AGAIN!

This came as no surprise to us, miles of golden sand, rolling waves and soft sand dunes. This is what seaside holidays are all about. But best of all, each of our North Devon Holiday Parks are just a hop, skip and a jump from one of the best beaches in the world.

Woolacombe Guide – car parking and sandy beaches:

Where to park your car in Woolacombe?

Parkin Estates Car Park – Located on the seafront, this car park is the best location to access Woolacombe beach, local shops and restaurants.

Website: parkinestates.co.uk/useful-info

Marine Drive Car Park – Positioned with direct access on to the South West Coastal path. This is the top location for those off walking. As well as access to the beach through the dunes and a lovely little cafe to enjoy on the way back to the car.

Website: northdevon.gov.uk/parking/council-car-parks/ilfracombe-car-parks/marine-drive-car-park

Sandy Burrows Car Park – With easy access to the beach, this car park is for those heading straight to the beach. This is the shortest walk for all heading to the pet-friendly entrance.

Website: parkinestates.co.uk/useful-info

Putsborough Sands Beach

Located at the very southern end of Woolacombe Beach is Putsborough Sands. You can enjoy the best mix of dramatic cliffs, rock pools, and sandy bays. This RNLI lifeguarded beach is the perfect location for families who like to explore and relax. Also, a highly popular location to walk (especially with dog walkers), as many visitors park up in Woolacombe and take the 5-mile stroll along the beach and back. Best of all as you reach Putsborough Sands, a lovely cafe awaits serving divine Devonshire cream teas. You have earned it after all!

Middle Beach or Marine Drive Beach

Nestled in between Putsborough and Woolacombe Sands is Middle Beach, take a stroll through the golden sand dunes to find a perfectly distanced spot with plenty of room to Hang 10. Even in the busy Summer months, Middle Beach is often quieter. This RNLI lifeguarded beach is a perfect location for families, who prefer a quieter beach experience.

Woolacombe Beach

With 3 miles of golden sand between your toes and plenty of room to enjoy family days out. This eye-catching RNLI lifeguarded beach offers a perfect day out for all families and children of all ages. As well as a great family day out, this is a ideal location for thoses who want to take the plunge and learn to surf.

Harris, Gin & Shellsborough Beach

Take a stroll across the esplanade and find this little hidden gem of Harris, Gin and Shellsborough. This location is perfect for all families with a sense of adventure. Get your buckets and nets at the ready and head on down to a beach that offers a wonder of surprises the high tide left behind.

Barricane Beach

Sandwiched in the middle of the many cove beaches along the esplanade is the prettiest one yet. The sea is clear, the view is extraordinary and rockpools are aplenty. Barricane beach is perfect for families with older children who like to explore. Throughout the spring and summer months, a small cafe will be craned onto the beach. Serving delicious baguettes throughout the day and their famous Sri Lankan curry by night. It certainly will be a meal with a view.

Combesgate Beach

Located between Grunta and Barricane beach you’ll find this quiet, hidden gem we know as Combesgate beach. Follow the sweeping steps onto this quiet rocky beach. If you are looking to go shell hunting this is the greatest beach for you.

Woolacombe Guide to exploring on foot:

In this area of outstanding beauty, you will only ever be a short stroll from some of the most breath-taking views.

Potters Hill

A moderate walk from Marine Drive, take the stroll up Potters Hill and beyond if you wish. This steady walk offers the most picturesque view from the top.

Walk type: Moderate

Car park: Marine Drive

Website: nationaltrust.org.uk/trails/mini-mountain-walk

Woolacombe Downs

A moderate walk with a few hills along the way. But a stroll up Woolacombe Downs is worth it for the breath taking panoramic views from the top. This route offers so many variations, so this can be a personalized route depending how far you would like to go.

Walk type: Moderate

Car park: Marine Drive

Website: nationaltrust.org.uk/trails/potters-hill-and-woolacombe-down-walk

Sand dunes

An easy stroll with spectacular scenery, take the ramble between the dunes and back along the beach.

Walk type: Easy

Car park: Marine Drive

South West Coast Path

In Woolacombe coastal paths are plenty. But if you are looking for a beautifully scenic route then we highly recommend following the South West Coastal Path. Plan your idyllic coastal route, through the National Trust link below:

Website: nationaltrust.org.uk/woolacombe/lists/walks-around-woolacombe

Woolacombe Guide – takeaways and food on the go:

Woolacombe Fryer

We know that a trip to the seaside and fish and chips go hand in hand. Woolacombe Fryer is located less than 5 minutes from the esplanade. So grab your take out and head down to the esplanade for a chippy tea that overlooks the beach.

Website: woolacombefryer.com

Gobble Box

Whatever your taste, Gobble Box has got you covered. Serving the most divine buttermilk chicken, ultimate burgers, fresh seafood and options available for vegans and vegetarians. This highly popular takeout is a must-try while you are in Woolacombe. A favourite is the mouth-watering buttermilk chicken.

Website: gobbleboxwoolacombe.co.uk

Woolacombe Bay Pizza Company

Serving up delicious freshly made pizzas, burgers and sides right in the very heart of Woolacombe. So, call ahead or pop by to place your takeaway order. A firm favourite with the locals and often the last takeaway open for those late-night treats.

Website: woolacombepizza.co.uk

Fudgies Bakehouse

What’s a trip to the South West without a proper local pasty? Fudgies serves the finest Devon pasties, with the largest variety of fillings.

Sea Breeze Ice Cream & Coffee Shop

With the largest selection of ice creams, how will you ever choose your favourite? After all what’s a holiday, without a little overindulging!

Website: seabreezeicecream.co.uk

Big Chief Waffles

Enjoy speciality waffles cooked freshly to order just the way you like them. As the smell of waffles fills the air, will you be able to resist?

Woolacombe Guide – things to do:

Woolacombe Bay Cinema

For the ultimate cinema experience, you must visit Woolacombe’s Neo Cinema. You’ll find the cinema nestled away in the very heart of Woolacombe Bay Hotel. There you’ll be able to sit back and relax on the plush sofas and armchairs, enjoy the luxuries from the cinema bar and enjoy an unforgettable experience.

Website: woolacombe-bay-hotel.co.uk/cinema-in-woolacombe/now-showing

Funder Island

Funder Island is a greatly popular one with the kids, centrally located in Woolacombe with easy access. So take some time out to enjoy a family game of adventure golf, let the kids enjoy the rides or sit back and enjoy a coffee.

Mortehoe and Woolacombe Golf Club

Take time out for a relaxing game of golf in the most tranquil coastal surroundings. But best of all, this sea-view golf course is located at Easewell Farm Holiday Village if you happen to be staying there.

Website: woolacombegolf.co.uk

Learn to surf in Woolacombe

Take to the sea, with skilled instructors which all have a passion for surf you’ll soon be up on your board yelling with joy. But throughout the busier spring and summer months you will need to book with plenty of notice to secure your lesson.

Woolacombe Surf Centre – Website: woolacombesurfcentre.com

Hunters Surf School – Website: huntersurf.com

Here in Woolacombe we really are spoilt with locations to visit and things to do. So whatever it is you choose to get up to while in Woolacombe, we hope you enjoy our little piece of Devon.

Find out more about holidays and day trips to Woolacombe:

• Dog friendly guide to Woolacombe
• Surfing review in Woolacombe
• Walking in Woolacombe
• What do to if it’s wet in Woolacombe
• Guide to Woolacombe’s best pubs