A winter weekend in north Devon sounds like just what this season was crying out for. The forecast promised unseasonably mild temperatures and sunny skies, but what it delivered was an unexpectedly deserted beach.
Croyde has long been a favourite among surfers and families alike, but visiting in November is always a bit of a gamble. Would the village be as quiet and still as the sea? Thankfully, our visit had all the promise of being a hidden gem rather than a ghost town.
The drive from the car park to the beach was lined with rolling hills and picturesque fields, dotted with rabbits grazing peacefully in the sunshine. It's clear that Croyde has managed to preserve its natural beauty, unlike some other resorts which are plagued by development and over-tourism.
As we arrived at the beach, it was almost surreal – there were no crowds of tourists or families on holiday, just us and the sea stretching out before us. The waves rolled in with a soothing roar as we waded into the crystal-clear water, feeling invigorated but also rather cold.
Despite the lack of crowds, Croyde still has plenty to offer. The village is filled with quaint shops, cafes, and pubs, each one offering its own unique charm. On our visit, we found ourselves in one of the latter on a Friday night when it was packed out and buzzing with atmosphere – a far cry from some other off-season destinations.
If you're looking for an early winter break that's off the beaten track, Croyde is well worth considering. Not only does it offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, but it also provides a chance to experience the authentic charm of a seaside village without all the fuss and crowds of the summer months.
For our stay at Endless Summer Beach House, we were able to make the most of Croyde's natural beauty. Braunton provided an exciting highlight on Saturday when it hosted its annual fireworks display – and what a spectacle it was! The quiet lanes, friendly locals, and delicious food all added up to a trip that would not be forgotten.
Whether you're looking for relaxation, adventure, or simply the chance to experience a seaside village in a different light, Croyde is definitely worth adding to your bucket list.
Croyde has long been a favourite among surfers and families alike, but visiting in November is always a bit of a gamble. Would the village be as quiet and still as the sea? Thankfully, our visit had all the promise of being a hidden gem rather than a ghost town.
The drive from the car park to the beach was lined with rolling hills and picturesque fields, dotted with rabbits grazing peacefully in the sunshine. It's clear that Croyde has managed to preserve its natural beauty, unlike some other resorts which are plagued by development and over-tourism.
As we arrived at the beach, it was almost surreal – there were no crowds of tourists or families on holiday, just us and the sea stretching out before us. The waves rolled in with a soothing roar as we waded into the crystal-clear water, feeling invigorated but also rather cold.
Despite the lack of crowds, Croyde still has plenty to offer. The village is filled with quaint shops, cafes, and pubs, each one offering its own unique charm. On our visit, we found ourselves in one of the latter on a Friday night when it was packed out and buzzing with atmosphere – a far cry from some other off-season destinations.
If you're looking for an early winter break that's off the beaten track, Croyde is well worth considering. Not only does it offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, but it also provides a chance to experience the authentic charm of a seaside village without all the fuss and crowds of the summer months.
For our stay at Endless Summer Beach House, we were able to make the most of Croyde's natural beauty. Braunton provided an exciting highlight on Saturday when it hosted its annual fireworks display – and what a spectacle it was! The quiet lanes, friendly locals, and delicious food all added up to a trip that would not be forgotten.
Whether you're looking for relaxation, adventure, or simply the chance to experience a seaside village in a different light, Croyde is definitely worth adding to your bucket list.
, nice to see it still got its chill vibes going on. Village feels like a peaceful escape from crowds & chaos, perfect spot for those looking for winter wonderland without all the noise 
. And that fireworks display? Mind blown 
. It's great they're preserving its natural beauty, not losing that authentic feel. Worth adding to bucket list, defo 
Croyde's got it goin' on - natural beauty preserved, quaint shops & pubs, and not a soul in sight during the off-season 
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! The idea of having an empty beach and being able to connect with nature without the crowds sounds like a total dream come true 
. And it's so great that you got to experience all the charm of the village, from the quaint shops to the pubs on Friday nights - it sounds like you had an amazing time! 
You're right, Croyde is definitely off the beaten track and perfect for those looking for a more relaxed winter break. I'm getting some serious wanderlust vibes here 
. The eerie stillness of the deserted beach was somewhat offset by the presence of rolling hills, picturesque fields, and the gentle grazing of rabbits, all set against a backdrop of crystal-clear blue skies 
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- it's like someone took a mix of hazelnut and caramel and just... whoa. Anyway, I started thinking about the perfect travel companion – you know, that person who's always down for an adventure, but also knows when to chill out with a good book and a warm beverage 
️. Like, have you ever noticed how some places are just meant for solo explorers, while others are like, "Hey, come on in! We've got plenty of space for your whole crew!" 
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - Nelson Mandela 
Still many beautiful places like Croyde that people should visit instead of popular tourist spots.