Vibrant Coastal Community Known for the Stunning Grand Designs Lighthouse Emerges as Prominent Surfing Destination in the United Kingdom
A picturesque seaside village in North Devon, Croyde, has been recognized as one of the United Kingdom's best surfing locations. This remote, charming area has seen a surge in tourism due to the arrival of faster waves.
The quaint village, with an estimated population of 600 to 700 residents, boasts a three-mile long sandy beach. Croyde Bay has recently earned a spot on the list of the UK's best surfing spots by the National Trust.
According to surfing experts, Croyde Bay offers a faster wave and is particularly popular with advanced shortboard surfers. While the area provides opportunities for less experienced surfers, a word of caution is advised due to the presence of rocks and rip currents, especially as the waves grow stronger.
Over the past few decades, the region has attracted a larger number of younger visitors thanks to the growing popularity of surfing. Additionally, overlooking the scenic bay sits an iconic lighthouse home that made headlines when it featured on an episode of Grand Designs. Currently listed for £5.5 million on Rightmove, the ultra-modern home, considered one of the UK's most spectacular, has yet to find a permanent resident despite rumored interest from A-listers like Harry Styles.
Evidence suggests that Croyde Bay can be traced back to the Viking era, although the exact history of the village remains unclear. In the lead-up to D-Day, the beach played a significant role in training American troops for beach landings and cliff assaults, due to its similarities to the Normandy coastline. Remnants of this training can still be found in the area, such as a dummy pillbox placed into the cliffs at Croyde.
While visiting Croyde Bay, visitors can enjoy a variety of restaurants and gastro pubs catering to diverse tastes. The surrounding areas offer a wealth of historical and natural attractions to explore, making it an ideal holiday destination for adventure-seekers and history enthusiasts alike.
Other notable surfing locations across the UK include Sharrow Beach at Whitsand Bay, Snadymouth, Holywell and Crantock, Combesgate and Woolacombe, Freshwater West in Pembrokeshire, Porthor in Gwynedd, Rhossili in South Wales, Portstewart Strand in Northern Ireland, and Compton Bay on the Isle of Wight. Each of these locations is recognized for its surfing conditions and offers a unique surfing experience.
The residents of Croyde, a picturesque town renowned for surfing, might also appreciate the lifestyle of home-and-garden enthusiasts, as the area's charm extends beyond its waves to include a variety of restaurants and gastro pubs. Inspirations for travelers seeking adventure might not only be found in the UK's best surfing spots like Croyde Bay, but also in the breathtaking views and historical remnants of other popular surfing locations such as Sharrow Beach, Snadymouth, or the Pembrokeshire's Freshwater West.
