AD Presstrip – We were invited to stay at Croyde Bay Resort for the purpose of this review.
Croyde Bay Resort Review. For our first mini-break since the easing of lockdown, we travelled to North Devon to stay for four nights at the Croyde Bay Resort. Which is situated a stone’s throw from the bay itself. I am not sure you could get any better from a location perspective. And although the location is perfect there is a lot more to this resort than just its proximity to the beach. Without a doubt, we will be returning, as we left wishing we could stay for the rest of the week.
Croyde Bay Resort consists of a hotel, self-catering holiday cottages and also some self-catering lodges. Meaning there is a lot of choices and something for everyone and party size. We stayed in a four-bedroom lodge which is designed to sleep eight. They also have easily accessible lodges with ramps and the ability for pet stays where you can bring your dog.
Our Accommodation – 4 Bedroom Lodge
There are twenty-eight lodges on the resort, most of them are three-bedroom ones which will sleep six. There are four which are four-bed and will sleep eight. To say these are on the large size is probably a bit of an understatement. I do not think I have ever stayed in a self-catering lodge like this with so much room and with such a modern stylish feel.
There is an open plan living area at the front of the lodge which includes a large lounge area with two full-sized sofas and a flat-screen TV (with Netflix). A fully equipped kitchen including a full-size dishwasher, washing machine, fridge and freezer. Plus plenty of cupboard space and a rather snazzy microwave. Next to the kitchen there a dining table which will seat eight. Leading out through double patio doors there is a large veranda.
Outside Space
The veranda also has its own seating area with chairs and stools so that it would accommodate eight outside if needed. It was hot and sunny while we were there. And on returning Saturday from the beach we also noticed that the staff had popped an umbrella out for us. It is perfect for eating alfresco. Plus there is plenty of room to dry wetsuits and swimwear as well as store the kid’s boards.
The lodge had four bedrooms, three twin rooms and one double. Two of the twin rooms have slightly smaller beds which are for children up to the age of 12. When I read this on the website I did wonder if they would be tiny. But to my untrained eye, they didn’t look much different maybe a little narrow. There is a large family bathroom which had a full-size bath and shower. One of the things I am not keen on is generally there is a lack of storage in the bathroom. But this one had plenty at the end of the bath.
Master Bedroom
There is also a master bedroom with its own ensuite and a large walk-in wardrobe. I was extremely impressed with the storage throughout the lodge. Each bedroom had its own set of draws and wardrobe with more than enough space for a week or even two. Plus next to the front door there was a unit to store beach stuff, shoes and anything else you wanted. Which is great when you are travelling with kids as there is always so much stuff!
Not that we needed the heating when we visited but there are radiators throughout operated by a thermostat in the main living area. Meaning that you can visit in the cooler months quite easily. Although the concept may not be unique I personally have not experienced accommodation to this quality and size elsewhere.
The Facilities at Croyde Bay Resort
When we visited due to the pandemic certain facilities were not operating. This meant that we could not make use of the indoor pool or spa. However, the pool did look gorgeous and it is nice to have something to use if the weather isn’t great. The resort also has a number of outside activities which they have increased in number because of the pandemic. These included pitch and put, crazy golf, an outside play area, tennis, table tennis, boules, corn toss and table football.
It meant that the boys always had something to do. They especially liked the boules which were right outside our lodge. Meaning that hubby and I could enjoy a drink on the veranda while they played. And of course, the play area was also a hit. Near each outside activity, there was a little hut which housed things like golf clubs etc and a sanitising station. To help keep you and the equipment as clean as possible. During our stay, I quite often saw staff walking around with cleaning products giving things a wipe down.
Bar & Restaurant
There is also a bar and restaurant on site. When we visited it was possible to eat in the restaurant but you did need to book a timed slot. Because of the pandemic, they have removed a lot of the tables and chairs leaving plenty of space between the remaining ones. There is a clear one-way route around the restaurant which is marked on the floor. You order your food yourself via an app and then they deliver it to a small side table next to yours so you can help yourself. Drinks are ordered from the bar directly.
It is also possible to order from the same menu for pick up which I think is a nice touch and a clever way of doing things. As there is a Q code available in the lodge which you scan to access the app. From here you can place your order and then you will get notification of when the order is ready. It is also possible to do the same thing for breakfast.
We ate in the restaurant one night during our visit. The staff all had protective masks or visors on and were extremely helpful and polite. The menu options for adults and children are what I would call good pub fare and priced accordingly. We opted for steaks and the children for chicken nuggets and chips. You can tailor the sides to meet your requirements which is great for fussy eaters. I particularly enjoyed the steak that I ordered.
Tables need to be booked in advance in the current environment. The staff did a wonderful job under difficult circumstances and thoroughly cleaned between settings. I was very impressed with the whole set up.
Location of Croyde Bay Resort
The proximity of the beach is amazing. Literally you walk out the end of the resort and across some dunes and you are on the beach. It is ideal when holidaying with little ones. Or super keen surfers that want to catch the tide first thing in the morning. Plus it is very handy for watching the sun go down. As beautiful as Croyde Bay is and we would happily spend every day of our break there. It is important to note there are a number of other beaches close by too including Woolcombe and Saunton Sands which less than a ten-minute drive away.
We also walked into Crodye Village which is easy to do so. Opting to use the footpaths around the back of the resort and not the road. It took between ten and fifteen minutes. The village is lovely and has a great ice cream shop and several places to get food. Plus there is May Cottage which does a lovely cream tea.
When we visited we went to Ilfracombe to go on a boat trip out to Lundy Island which I also recommend. There are several different tour operators offering a wide variety of different trips. We managed to see seals, puffing and dolphins on our trip. I have written a blog post all about our experience – A trip to Lundy Island.
Conclusions – Croyde Bay Resort Review
We had a fantastic stay at Croyde Bay Resort and without doubt, we will be returning. The boys really did not want to leave and we felt the same. It was the perfect break and allowed us some much-needed quality time as a family unit. Something despite spending lots of time together over the last months we have struggled with. Just like many full time working parents with young children we have struggled to get the balance between work, homeschooling and family time right. Croyde Bay Resort helped to give our family back that balance.
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Croyde Bay Resort Review
58 Responses
A lovely family weekend for you all and you were so lucky with the weather
An amazing time for you all! The photos look fantastic! Mmm that food is making me hungry! A great resort that I will have yo look into. Brilliant!
The lodge looks lovely perfect for a family stay. And the location and proximity to that gorgeous beach is fantastic,
Looks like a great place!
Looks a fantastic place, going to look into booking for my family! Thank you
these lodges look great==and really well organised
Amazing place – will certainly keep in mind gor furure hols
this looks completely stunning
This looks a great place to stay with pleny of space and good accomadation!
What a beautiful place to vacation. The rooms are gorgeous. Look like a wonderful time could be had here
Looks lovely nice holiday home and beach love the photos
This looks like the kind of place that we would really enjoy. The cottages look so nice and it sounds like you had fun as a family. Wish this was closer to me!
Looks like a great place for a holiday. The lodges look great.
Looks like a wonderful place for a break with the family. My boys love a spot of Mini Golf.
This resort offers everything you would want to have in a family vacation. That lodge you stayed in is huge! I’d choose that over a hotel room for sure. The resort gives great fun, perfect views and a really memorable family vacation.
The location is stunning! And the lodge itself looks so clean and up-to-date! How beautiful! Looks like something I’ll have to consider in the future for my family!
This looks like an absolutely wonderful and restful vacation spot. So jealous!
Wow, that is an amazing place to visit, it’s beautiful and it feel so relaxing to be there. I am so jealous and wish to be there, too.
I wish I were there right now! Looks like a beautiful place to stay for the whole family. What a lovely place and view!
This looks like the perfect family break, it reminds of the type of holidays I had as a child and they were the best kind!
You just inspired me to do a little island hoping in Turks and Caicos. I sure do need it! Although that would require getting on a boat with friends! Ha ha! Looks like a fantastic time with great food. The skyviews are incredible. You deserved it!
This resort looks gorgeous and very relaxing! I would love to visit there one day. Also the food looks delicious!! I’m glad you guys had a great stay there.
Such a beautiful place to rest, have fun and celebrate your loved ones and the time spent with them.
This looks like a nice place to stay. I love the look of the crazy golf, such fun. I haven’t played crazy golf in ages.
This resort offers everything you would want to have in a family vacation! Amazing!
Wow, what a place to visit! It looks really amazing and beautiful photographs. 🙂
This place looks stunning! It seems like you guys had a nice experience there, looking forward to visit there sometime! Thanks for sharing this with us!
Gorgeous photos and this looks like a great place to stay. One to add to the list!
Looks like a lovely place to visit. Hope you had a good time
Croyde is such a beautiful location – I would love to visit again.
What an absolutely stunning resort. This is exactly the sort of place I like to go with my two. I’ll definitely be checking them out 🙂
Louise x
Looks stunning!
this looks a perfect place for a holiday, the lodge is stunning and very relaxing. That beach…..wow! I need to visit here!!!
Looks lovely! Would love to visit
Looks like an amazing place to stay and the scenery is beautiful!
We spent many happy holidays in Devon when I was little. I’d love to be there right now.
will def check this place out for next holiday planning
What an impressive range of facilities. The lodges are lovely, too. Pleased that you had a great time.
This looks fantastic reminds me of family holidays as a child would love to take my children somewhere
Fantastic holiday. Can tell the boys loved it.
It sounds like the perfect place for a relaxing staycation. We love Devon but tend to stick to the Torquay / Paignton area in the past. We’d love to visit here for a change.
The views and accommodation look amazing. Looks like a wonderful family break.
Looks amazing!
really does look stunning
will definitely have to have a trip here–looks stunning
never fancied this type of holiday–but beginning to change my mind–looks stunning
looks a lovely resort
What an amazing place, the lodges look really lovely, plenty or room and very bright and clean. Great that the beach is really close by too, always love it when you are within walking distance. Weather seemed perfect as well, always a bonus.
what a lovely looking place–could be great for a family get together
stunning looking spot–really stunning
It looks like a really lovely place!
Visited this park a few years back and had a great time
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Thanks. Great job.
I love this area and will definitely bare all this in mind for our next trip.
Seems nice for a visit. Though personally I am not keen on open plan design. Can be good to have separate kitchen / dining / /sitting rooms.
Wonderful article, looks a lovely place to stay
Bookmarked for next year hopefully
Great review of Croyde Bay Resort, It looks like a lovely place to visit, it sounds like you had a lovely time regardless of some things being closed during the pandemic 🙂