National Trust - Baggy Point, Croyde, Devon
Details
Accessibility
"Uneven surfaces and routes. Blue Badge parking. Accessible toilet. Easy access path suitable for wheelchair users enjoys views of the coastline.
Accessible toilet
Designated parking
Induction loop
Level access/terrain
Seating available"
Brief description
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croyde
2025: "Croyde is a village on the west-facing coastline of North Devon, England. The village lies on the South West Coast Path near Baggy Point, which is owned by the National Trust. It lies within the North Devon Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Croyde village and its beach is on the Bristol Channel. The beach faces westwards toward the Atlantic Ocean, which begins at Hartland Point some 22 miles in the distance.
Croyde Stream runs through the village, eventually leading to the beach. The centre of the village is roughly at the intersection of Hobbes' Hill, Jones' Hill and St. Mary's Road. At this spot, Croyde Bridge carries the road over the stream.
Public services are provided by the North Devon District Council (NDDC) based in Barnstaple. The village is in the civil parish of Georgeham, and for ecclesiastical purposes within the Diocese of Exeter.The village has several small campsites, a small retail area and two large holiday parks; Croyde Bay Holiday Resort (operated by UNISON) and Ruda Holiday Park, operated by Parkdean Resorts.
The past 30 years have seen large increases in younger-age visitors developing around surfing. The impact of tourism on the village has been varied. Some local landowners have benefited from the increased property prices. Tourism has helped to create jobs that were lost in agriculture. Local farming has declined, with former farmland converted into caravan sites and fields for seasonal camping. Like many seaside villages, the phenomenon of second homes has pushed house prices beyond the reach of most local people. There is little year-round employment, because tourism is seasonal, and most businesses are closed out of season.
Since 1999, Croyde has hosted an annual surfing and music festival (GoldCoast Oceanfest) on the weekend closest to the summer solstice.
Croyde has also benefitted from the 'street food revolution,' being the hometown of Lola's Wings, which has a pitch there, and other visiting street food trucks and trailers.
During the summer season, an outdoor market is held every Tuesday in a field off Moor Lane, past Ruda Holiday Park and heading towards Baggy Point. The sandy 875-yard (800 m) beach, which as of 2022, holds 'Blue Flag' status, lies at the back of the sheltered Croyde Bay. A large dune system has formed past the high-tide mark. Sand underlies the land surface between the beach and the centre of Croyde village, 600 yards (550 m) to the east. The beach forms the middle section of a trio of sandy beaches north of the Taw Estuary. Three-and-three-quarter-mile-long (6.0 km) Saunton Sands is 2⁄3 mile (1.1 km) to the south, and 1.8-mile-long (2.9 km) Woolacombe Sands, divided into Putsborough and Woolacombe beaches, is 0.93 miles (1.50 km) to the north. Barbecues and contained fires are not permitted on Croyde beach.
Croyde is used for surfing; the rides are generally short as the waves tend to pitch up and break quickly. There is a point break off Down End. There is a reef break at the northern (Baggy Point) end of the beach that works for about 60 minutes during some high tides. The shape of the bay funnels waves towards the beach. The beach is also steeper than either Woolacombe, Putsborough or Saunton Sands. Due to this, rip currents are extremely strong especially near the rocks at either end of the beach or at low tide, even when there is only a small swell. These currents present danger to the strongest of swimmers. Any bathing should be done within the lifeguard-patrolled area. The break is very compact at low tide, resulting in many injuries. Croyde has an Anglican church, St Mary Magdalene, and a Baptist chapel[2] which is open on Sundays at 11 am.[3]"
Address
National Trust - Baggy Point, Moor Lane, Croyde, Braunton EX33 1PA, UK
+ National Trust: northdevon@nationaltrust.org.uk
Phone
National Trust: 01271 891970
Website
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/baggy-point
https://www.croydedevon.co.uk/
https://georgehamparishcouncil.gov.uk/
Directions
https://what3words.com/: kneeled.mashing.assurance
"By road:
A361 to Braunton, take Saunton Road B3231 to Croyde, then follow brown signs
Parking: Due to the single track approach road we don't recommend vehicles over 6 metres in length visiting.
On foot:
On Moor Lane. Walk through Croyde village, and follow brown signs to Baggy Point car park"
Opening Times
Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change
Transport
2025: "The nearest railway station is Barnstaple, 10 miles (16 km) away. From Monday to Saturday, there is an hourly bus service to Croyde from Barnstaple, with a two-hour frequency on Sundays.
Road transport from the M5 motorway is 47 miles (76 km) via the A361 trunk road.
Ferry services operate between Ilfracombe, roughly around 10–20 miles away, and Lundy Island.
The nearest airport to the village is Exeter International Airport, the second-closest being Bristol International.
By bus:
Regular service from Barnstaple to Croyde, then follow brown signs"
Amenities
Car park
One electric vehicle charging point available in the visitor car park. Users will need to download the Project EV Pro App. Please note we have limited signal at Baggy Point so we recommend you download this prior to your visit.
Dogs allowed
Electric vehicle charging point
Tea-room
Toilet
Travel Information
For further travel information please see: www.traveline.info
Or call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33
(Calls cost 12p per minute plus your phone company's access charge)
Location
Nearest Venues
*Distances are calculated in a straight line from the current venue, please allow extra time/distance based on available paths or roads.