Croyde, Cornwall - Where to visit?
Discussion
Croyde Bay DEVON? is a surfers paradise and has a lovely beach.IF? the weather is lovely I`m sure the kids will be happy just to play in the sand and paddle.We took our grandchildren to Ruda Holiday Park which is almost on the beach.I`m not sure if its open to non residents but it has a big indoor water park complex and many other things to keep kids amused.Plenty of places to eat in the village,The Thatch is a large family friendly pub serving good food.
www.watermouthcastle.com is good, we spent a full day there.
Beware young kids in the sea at Croyde, more than a couple of feet of surf and the rips can be strong.
Other good beaches
Saunton great big sandy beach - low tide the water goes out miles
Putsborough a pretty spot (my fav UK beach), steep steps down the cliff, beach pretty much disappears at high spring tides
Good walks out to Baggy Point along SW coast path
Other good beaches
Saunton great big sandy beach - low tide the water goes out miles
Putsborough a pretty spot (my fav UK beach), steep steps down the cliff, beach pretty much disappears at high spring tides
Good walks out to Baggy Point along SW coast path
Croyde is a nice beach. There are also Saunton (huge sandy beach) and Putsborough/Woolacombe within easy reach. If the kids get sick of making sandcastles, head to the north coast for pebbly coves with rockpools to explore - Lee Bay, Combe Martin, Heddon's Mouth are all a short drive away.
Watermouth Castle is a good shout for the kids. Loads of things to do and some of it is indoors. Big Sheep and Milky Way are sort of theme parks (but don't go expecting Alton Towers!)
You could hire bikes and ride the (very flat) Tarka Trail which goes along the river Taw.
Quince Honey Farm in South Molten (about 30mins drive) has got a toddler-friendly indoor climbing/slide/play area and you'll find out more about bees than you ever thought necessary. There's a larger/busier one in Barnstaple called Funderzone, but that attracts bigger kids and my girls didn't like it as they got knocked around when they were little.
Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park is a good day out. Its got performing sealions, meercats, life-size animatronic dinosaurs, a train ride, seals, wolves, llamas etc.
Or there's Exmoor Zoo, which is my daughter visited recently on a school trip. Don't know much about it but she enjoyed it (she's 4).
Go to Lynton and Lynmouth (about 45 mins drive). Scenery is stunning and the kids will like going on the water-powered cliff railway. Views are amazing. Good place for a cream tea, too. There's a restored steam railway that does short trips on the way, at Woody Bay.
That should get you started!
If you need any other info, ask, as i live about 20 mins from Croyde.
Watermouth Castle is a good shout for the kids. Loads of things to do and some of it is indoors. Big Sheep and Milky Way are sort of theme parks (but don't go expecting Alton Towers!)
You could hire bikes and ride the (very flat) Tarka Trail which goes along the river Taw.
Quince Honey Farm in South Molten (about 30mins drive) has got a toddler-friendly indoor climbing/slide/play area and you'll find out more about bees than you ever thought necessary. There's a larger/busier one in Barnstaple called Funderzone, but that attracts bigger kids and my girls didn't like it as they got knocked around when they were little.
Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park is a good day out. Its got performing sealions, meercats, life-size animatronic dinosaurs, a train ride, seals, wolves, llamas etc.
Or there's Exmoor Zoo, which is my daughter visited recently on a school trip. Don't know much about it but she enjoyed it (she's 4).
Go to Lynton and Lynmouth (about 45 mins drive). Scenery is stunning and the kids will like going on the water-powered cliff railway. Views are amazing. Good place for a cream tea, too. There's a restored steam railway that does short trips on the way, at Woody Bay.
That should get you started!
If you need any other info, ask, as i live about 20 mins from Croyde.
As above http://www.themilkyway.co.uk/ (book online as its cheaper). My kids (3 & 1) loved it & most of it is inside so good for a wet day. Watch the birds of prey fly inside too.
On the way down or back (if you pass that way http://www.diggerland.com/devon/
Great food here http://www.therockgeorgeham.co.uk/ & child friendly. Book first thou.
On the way down or back (if you pass that way http://www.diggerland.com/devon/
Great food here http://www.therockgeorgeham.co.uk/ & child friendly. Book first thou.
Edited by gaz132 on Monday 24th June 13:59
Old Merc said:
Croyde Bay DEVON? is a surfers paradise and has a lovely beach.IF? the weather is lovely I`m sure the kids will be happy just to play in the sand and paddle.We took our grandchildren to Ruda Holiday Park which is almost on the beach.I`m not sure if its open to non residents but it has a big indoor water park complex and many other things to keep kids amused.Plenty of places to eat in the village,The Thatch is a large family friendly pub serving good food.
Apologies! - I've never ventured down that neck of the woods before 
Croyde is great, although very busy in the summer. The beaches are OK, Woolacombe or Saunton are probably a bit better, Putsborough is more tucked away but close to Croyde. There are a few small shops and 3 pubs in Croyde, The Thatch is more known and joined to Billy Buds, The Manor is just up the road to Georgham and is OK as well. All are family friendly.
Agree with the other posts on the surrounding attractions, The Big Sheep is good for kids just past Bideford (12 miles from Croyde), there is also a small outlet shopping village near by as well.
I am from that part of the world and enjoy going back every month to see friends and family, in fact I will be in Croyde in a couple of weeks for an annual birthday trip for beers in the sun (hopefully).
If you want any more info, I am happy to help.
Agree with the other posts on the surrounding attractions, The Big Sheep is good for kids just past Bideford (12 miles from Croyde), there is also a small outlet shopping village near by as well.
I am from that part of the world and enjoy going back every month to see friends and family, in fact I will be in Croyde in a couple of weeks for an annual birthday trip for beers in the sun (hopefully).
If you want any more info, I am happy to help.
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