things to do
Locally
Family Days Out In North Devon
Explore North Devon and you’ll soon discover we are blessed with beautiful rolling countryside, quirky country lanes and extensive wild moorland. But what most people remember about their days out in North Devon are the fabulous sandy beaches perfect for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, horse riding and relaxing. Whether you’re here with friends, a partner or with your family, there are plenty of fun things to do in North Devon.
Croyde Bay Resort is the perfect base to explore Croyde and the surrounding areas. The surfing paradise of Croyde beach is a hop across the dunes and just a short five-minute drive away is three miles of golden sands at Saunton. Both beautiful beaches offer extensive sandy playgrounds without the crowds, yet they are still packed with plenty to enjoy on the beach and in the sea.
There are plenty of things to do in our local area from learning to surf or coasteering (cliff jumping) to Exmoor Safari and the Tarka Trail. For adults and children alike, there is so much more to explore in North Devon than just beaches.
On those rare occasions when the weather fails us or if the family just fancy a change of scenery, there are plenty of activities nearby to keep everyone happy. We asked our guests what their favourite days out in Croyde are, so if you need a little help with your itinerary, then check out our recommended attractions for the ultimate day out in North Devon.
Exclusive discounts for guests.
This just has to be one of the UK’s most innovative & exciting family attractions ever, providing wacky and unique entertainment for all the family. As the name suggests, this animal themed family amusement park abounds with all thing’s sheep, with lamb feeding, sheep shearing and the world-famous sheep racing. The Big Sheep is terrific for tots, toddlers, and teens, awesome for adults, and fantastic fun for families! Guaranteed fun, whatever the Weather!
Visit The Big Sheep all year with Family Festivals in the Spring, Summer and Autumn on the outdoor live events stage and seasonal events for Halloween, Bonfire Night, Fireworks, Christmas Markets, and a BIG Easter Eggstravaganza.
The Big Sheep is situated at Abbotsham, a 35 minute drive from Croyde Bay.
More information www.thebigsheep.co.uk
If you’re looking for fun days out and with thrills a plenty, The Milky Way Adventure Park has it all!
Ride the Cosmic Typhoon and Cosmic Caterpillar coasters, bump around on the dodgems, save planet earth on the Blast Quest interactive ride and whizz down the Gravity Rider donut slide. Have a wild time in North Devon’s biggest indoor adventure play area with assault courses and slides built for adults & children.
To wind down, enjoy a stunning show from the residents of the North Devon Bird of Prey Centre, paint some pottery, ride the mini-train or visit the very popular Sci-Fi exhibit.
With over 110,000 sq ft of indoor fun & acres of outdoor activities, The Milky Way theme park is the biggest all weather family day out in North Devon!
Trip Advisor Best of the Best award winners.
The Milky Way is situated near Clovelly, a 45-minute drive from Croyde Bay.
More information www.themilkyway.co.uk
Exclusive discounts for guests.
With an enchanting mix of children’s activities and nostalgic blasts from the past, Watermouth Castle appeals to kids from 1 to 100 years of age! Welcome to one of Devon’s premier tourist attractions – a unique and magical experience that has something to entertain all ages. With a whole host of attractions, there’s always something to capture the imagination…
- Rides for children of all ages – take a spin on the Toboggan Run or a whirl on the Steam Carousel.
- Charming attractions – visit the Land of the Little Folk, get lost in the hedge maze, or spend an afternoon playing crazy golf.
- Beautiful gardens – stroll through dog-friendly Victorian gardens.
- A castle with breathtaking views – stands on the battlements and look down on Watermouth Cove, explore the quirky museum of curios, or go down into The Dungeons.
Come and see for yourself!
The Big Sheep is situated at Abbotsham, a 35 minute drive from Croyde Bay.
More information www.watermouthcastle.com
There’s no need to bike all 180 miles of this route through the backdrop to Henry Williamson’s classic story – Tarka the Otter
Many families just plump for the six miles from Braunton to Barnstaple.
Along this flat section you can Tarka hunt along the banks of the Taw and spot all kinds of wildfowl on the mudflats. Starting in Braunton along the flat and traffic free trail makes this the perfect for families.
Stop by Heanton court which is located along the tarka trail for a spot of lunch by the River Taw or once in Barnstaple try the vintage tea room of Tea by the Taw serving a wide range of delicious homemade cakes and cream teas.
If you fancy a nice coastal walk before dinner, try the Croyde to Saunton trail. This 3.7 mile walk takes you along Croyde beach and the South West Coast Path before climbing steeply up and over Saunton Down and then looping back into Croyde through woods and country lanes. It is apparently do able in 2 hours and guarantees a healthy appetite!
By bike or on foot follow signs for the Tarka Trail. The Braunton to Barnstaple route is signposted from the tourist information centre in Braunton. Rent Bikes from the Waterside Bike hire located in Chivenor.Contact: 01271 545019 www.watersidebikehire.co.uk
More information www.tarkatrail.org.uk
Explore this Devon gem and tremendous national park by capturing the beauty and some amazing attractions that this park has to offer.
From walks to days out, family trips and dog friendly visits there truly is something for everyone.
Visit the attractions of Tarr Steps, explore the coast and stunning views of Valley of the Rocks, enjoy a peaceful woodland walk through Watersmeet or venture into Heddon Valley.
This is also the ultimate spot for wildlife such as the elusive Exmoor Red Deer, Roe Deer, Exmoor ponies and other countless wildlife species. Don’t forget to bring your camera and binoculars as this is wildlife at it’s very best!
Scout through the unique villages and find some charming country pubs, historical finds, and landmarks. You may even find local Exmoor produce along the way making the perfect souvenir to take home! Result!
The closest spot of Exmoor National Park is 36 minutes away from Croyde Bay.
More information https://www.visit-exmoor.co.uk/
Take pleasure in venturing to the picturesque village of Clovelly.
Follow the cobbles streets down to the harbour with a variety of sites to see on the way down it will surely be one to remember.
The village is built into a 400-foot cliff and was even once owned by the queen of England. How cool is that?
Take in the beauty of the historical landmarks, beautiful court gardens and impressive coastal walks which are also dog friendly. If your canine companion is on the lead they can come too!
Make your way down to the harbour at the bottom of the village which is a popular spot for fishing and crabbing or grab a bite to eat at the local restaurant “The Red Lion”.
Looking for events? Check out Clovelly’s annual festivals such as the “Seaweed Festival” in May or “The Maritime Festival” in July.
This is a 55-minute drive from Croyde Bay and 10 miles from Bideford.
More information https://www.clovelly.co.uk/
Here’s an opportunity to relax and unwind on a spectacular wildlife and coastal cruise on board the Ilfracombe Princess.
This large modern, comfortable passenger vessel is purpose built to sail close to the coast. Allowing you to enjoy one of the most dramatic coastal landscapes in England, with immense seascapes and the highest cliffs in Britain, as well as frequent sightings of Seals, Porpoises and Dolphins.
Check out the shoreline waterfalls, lighthouses, mines, secluded hamlets, and picturesque historic cob villages. this must be one of the most exciting ways to explore the stunning North Devon coastline. They have also received Trip Advisors 2023 travellers’ choice award, so need we say more?
Ilfracombe is a 30-minute drive from Croyde Bay.
More information www.ilfracombeprincess.co.uk.
Dartington Crystal is a renowned glass manufacturing company in Devon that opens its doors to visitors who want an inside look at the art of glassblowing.
The tour starts with a video overview of the company’s 50+ year history before guests can visit the factory to observe skilled technicians crafting the signature luxury crystal using time-honoured methods. A highlight is watching the intricate process of shaping molten glass into fine stemware and vases.
After the factory tour, visitors can stop by the on-site restaurant to enjoy a meal then visit the glass shop, where guests can browse and purchase traditional collections that they have seen being created right before their eyes.
Whether you’re fascinated by glass making craftsmanship or seeking a unique gift, the combination of the behind-the-scenes factory tour along with the restaurant and extensive gift shop makes Dartington Crystal a top attraction in Devon.
More information www.dartington.co.uk
Do you have any adrenaline junkies in your family? This one could be for you!
Delve into the experience of coasteering with Coastal Adventures! This exciting mixture of scrambling and climbing around cliffs, swimming through ocean carved channels and jumping off headlands into sea pools and gullies is the ultimate activity experiencing the North Devon coast at its best.
Coasteering can be as challenging as you want it to be with the option of two routes available depending on your ability, ensured safety equipment and only some of the best fully qualified instructors who have even grown up around the area! What can we say learn it from a local!
Ensuring you safety and enjoyment throughout this is suitable for couples, families and large to small groups of friends who want to encounter something different and exhilarating.
Check it out for yourself!
More information www.coastaladventuresnd.co.uk
Here’s an idea for all the family – it’s stimulating, it’s healthy, it’s out in the fresh air, it’s certainly fun and it’s right on your doorstep.
Our onsite surf school – Walking on Waves offers beginner, intermediate and advanced surf lessons, and surf hire for all ages.
There are taster sessions, courses for small groups, private lessons or why not book a family lesson and share those first wave experiences together (and at a great family rate). The level of instruction is so good, that while there are no guarantees, almost all are standing up to catch a wave after just one lesson!
“All our instructors are ISA level qualified and are dedicated surfers who love helping others try surfing for the first time or working with advanced surfers who want private coaching to take their surfing to the next level, and everyone in between.” – The Walking on Waves Team.
Exclusive discount for guests.
More information www.walking-on-waves.com
Don’t forget we have a spectacular range of amazing facilities here on the resort to keep you busy whilst you are here on your holiday!
Not to mention they are completely free when you are staying with us, how great is that?
There are facilities to suit all ages with indoor and outdoor activities available, whatever the weather!
- Work up a sweat in our well-equipped gym then plunge into our 25m heated swimming pool or if you are looking for some relaxation head to our steam room and sauna!
- Challenge a family member with a game of mini golf or head to the tennis courts!
- Look out for our outdoor games dotted all over the resort such as bowls, rounders & draughts and even a large sports field for volleyball and football.
There is so much more to be discovered!
Check out our fun facilities here: Fun Facilities.
