Croyde Bay is one of North Devon’s most iconic beaches, and for good reason. From the rolling waves and golden sands to the friendly surf culture that defines the village, it captures everything that makes this coastline so special.
Staying at Ocean Pitch puts you right at the heart of it all, just a few steps from the sea, surrounded by views that make every sunrise and sunset feel like a postcard.
Days here move with the rhythm of the tide.
Morning coffees overlooking the waves, evenings spent watching surfers ride the last sets of the day, it’s a place where time slows down. Ocean Pitch captures that balance between excitement and ease, making it the ideal base for exploring everything that surrounds Croyde.
But if you want to broaden your beach horizons, there are plenty of nearby gems waiting for you to explore. Each offers its own unique take on North Devon’s coastal beauty, while keeping Croyde Bay as your home base.
Start with the Best: Croyde Bay
Croyde Bay is the beating heart of this stretch of coastline. With consistent surf, scenic coastal walks, and a lively village atmosphere, it’s easy to see why so many visitors return year after year.
The famous Baggy Point walk offers sweeping views over the bay, while local surf schools welcome everyone from beginners to seasoned riders. When you stay at Ocean Pitch, you’re perfectly placed to wake up to the sound of the sea, grab your board, and make the most of every tide.
After a morning surf, wander into the village for coffee at Blue Groove or grab a hearty lunch at The Thatch. Every corner of Croyde reflects that welcoming, easygoing energy with a blend of surf culture and countryside charm that’s uniquely North Devon.
From local craft shops to surf stores and traditional pubs, it’s a place that invites you to slow down and savour the coastal lifestyle.
If you fall in love with Croyde’s relaxed charm, and it’s hard not to, there are a few nearby beaches that share the same sense of adventure and open space.
Woolacombe: Expansive Sands Just Up the Coast
Around fifteen minutes north of Croyde, Woolacombe offers a vast, three-mile stretch of sand that feels endless on a summer’s day. It’s one of North Devon’s best-known beaches for surfing, swimming, and long coastal walks.
Despite its size, it maintains a calm, family-friendly feel, making it perfect for a relaxed day trip. Arrive early for parking, enjoy coffee at the Beachcomber Café, and take in views that stretch all the way to Lundy Island on a clear day.
If you’re exploring in the late afternoon, stay to watch the sun dip below the horizon; the golden light that washes over the sand is unforgettable. The village has a handful of local shops and restaurants where you can grab fish and chips or a post-surf ice cream before heading back to Croyde.
Saunton Sands: Wide Horizons and Coastal Calm
Just a short drive from Ocean Pitch, Saunton Sands is known for its endless shoreline and peaceful pace. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to slow down, stretch their legs, or take in the quiet beauty of the dunes.
Backed by the Braunton Burrows UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it’s a haven for walkers, nature lovers, and paddleboarders. Saunton has a simple charm that makes it a great contrast to Croyde’s energy, calm, open, and breathtakingly beautiful.
The waves here tend to roll in long and gently, making it a favourite spot for longboarders and those looking to take a slower approach to surfing. With a café overlooking the water and easy access to the dunes, Saunton is perfect for an unhurried afternoon soaking in the scenery.
More to Discover on Foot or Two Wheels
For those who prefer to stay closer to camp, some of the best discoveries can be made on foot or by bike. The coastal path from Croyde to Baggy Point rewards walkers with dramatic cliffside views and wildflower-covered slopes in spring.
Continue along to Putsborough Sands for a quieter stretch of coastline where you can picnic or paddle in clear shallows.
Cyclists can follow the scenic Tarka Trail, weaving through Braunton and beyond into the tranquil countryside. The route passes estuaries, bridges, and hidden viewpoints, all within easy reach of Croyde. These slower-paced adventures are a reminder that you don’t always need to travel far to find something special.
If you’re looking for something truly local, ask the Ocean Pitch team for their favourite sunset spots or quiet viewing points. Their local knowledge can lead you to tucked-away trails and coastal nooks that most visitors never see.
Ilfracombe and Clovelly: Character, Coastlines, and History
If you’re ready to trade surfboards for cobblestones, head inland to two of North Devon’s most picturesque coastal towns.
Ilfracombe is a short drive from Croyde and blends traditional seaside appeal with artistic flair. Explore its harbour, admire Damien Hirst’s Verity statue, or take a boat trip to spot seals along the coastline.
Local galleries and restaurants give it a creative energy that feels distinctly North Devon. Food lovers will also find some of the region’s best seafood here, freshly caught fish served right by the water.
Clovelly, a little further west, feels like stepping back in time. This privately owned fishing village has cobbled streets, whitewashed cottages, and sea views that seem unchanged for centuries.
Wander down to the harbour, stop for lunch at the Red Lion, and take in the peaceful charm that defines this hidden gem. In summer, the Clovelly Maritime Festival fills the village with local music, market stalls, and a welcoming community spirit.
Extend Your Adventure from Ocean Pitch
At Ocean Pitch, you’re already in the heart of North Devon’s most beautiful coastal area. Each of these nearby locations offers a new perspective on the same natural beauty that makes Croyde Bay so special. From quiet dunes and cultural harbours to vast sandy stretches, they’re the perfect day trips to complement your time by the waves.
After a day exploring, there’s nothing quite like returning to Ocean Pitch, watching the last light fade over the Atlantic and listening to the waves roll in. Each day might take you somewhere new, but it always ends in the same perfect place: right here, beside the sea.
Book your stay at Ocean Pitch and experience the best of North Devon, starting with Croyde Bay and extending to every hidden gem just beyond it.
