Croyde Beach, Croyde, Braunton, Devon, EX33 1NZ
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Croyde and Saunton Sands are two of the finest beaches in England, sitting just minutes apart on the North Devon coast and both within easy reach of Byron. They are free, magnificent, and endlessly entertaining for families, and yet each has its own distinct character that makes them genuinely worth visiting separately during your stay.
Croyde is a proper surf village, small and spirited, with a beach that has been drawing surfers to its waves for generations. The break here is genuinely impressive, and watching experienced surfers ride the Atlantic swell is a spectacular show in itself. For families, the beach offers excellent bodyboarding, a hugely popular activity with children and teenagers alike, and numerous surf schools run lessons for all ages throughout the season. The village itself has great cafes, ice cream shops, and a holiday atmosphere that feels authentically North Devon rather than manufactured.
Saunton Sands stretches for over three miles of golden sand backed by the Braunton Burrows dune system, creating one of the most expansive and beautiful beach landscapes in the country. The scale here is extraordinary. On a summer day, you can walk for miles, build epic sandcastles, fly a kite in the Atlantic breeze, and still feel like you have your own stretch of coast. The wide, gently shelving beach is excellent for paddling with younger children.
Both beaches have Blue Flag or equivalent award status and offer lifeguard cover during the main season. Saunton has a well-regarded beach cafe, while Croyde has a cluster of excellent options in the village.
From Byron, Croyde is around ten minutes by car and Saunton roughly fifteen. These are the kinds of days that your family will talk about for years. No booking, no entrance fee, just the Atlantic Ocean and miles of golden sand waiting for you.
