10 Reasons to Stay at Croyde Bay Resort

10 Reasons to Stay at Croyde Bay Resort. As the restrictions start to lift here in the UK we took the opportunity to spend the second part of the Easter holidays in Devon with Croyde Bay Resort. This was our second trip to the resort which is located right next to the beach in the North of Devon. It is one of our most favourite places to stay in Croyde, Devon. We visited for the first time in July 2020, you can read all about our experience here. We had such a lovely holiday that I did wonder if it was possible to relive our last holidays in Croyde Bay or improve on it in any way. 

Collaborative post – We were gifted a stay at Croyde Bay Resort in return for this blog post about our Croyde holiday

10 Reasons to Stay at Croyde Bay Holiday Resort

I need not have worried as we had a fantastic time and it was just as wonderful as the last time we visited. I am not exactly what it is about the resort that makes a stay so special. It is probably a combination of things. But for me, as soon as I open the door to our lodge it feels like all the weight on my shoulders has been lifted. It has happened both times we have visited and is hard to explain. But there is just a feeling of contentment and peace which I have not experienced anywhere else. This alone could be the reason why the resort gets so many repeat visitors. Many people return every year, one family we spoke to was on their 4th visit another on their 5th but had been coming to the area for 15 years! So why do they keep returning to Croyde Bay Devon as one of their best places to stay in Croyde?

Accommodation at Croyde Bay Resort

During our visit, we stayed in one of their a three-bedroom lodges. There are twenty-four of these great lodges which are all located close to the beach, just a short walk over the sand dunes. Each will sleep six people plus an additional person on a pull out bed or baby in a cot. With modern furnishings, these 800 square foot lodges have got to be one of the largest we have stayed in of this type.

The living area

At the front of the lodge, there is a large open plan living area which is a really good size. There is plenty of room, and includes a dining table, two sofas, flat-screen TV and a fully equipped kitchen perfect for self catering. I love that it includes a washing machine, which is always needed when holidaying with kids. I always find that with a self-catering holiday I am adding in extra bits as I go. Just in case we find ourselves without a share knife or washing up liquid. Here all those things are provided including dishwasher tablets, loo roll, oven gloves and tea towels. We ate in our lodge three nights during our stay and did not struggle once. 

The bathroom

One of the other things I really like is the full-sized family bathroom. When you have been on the beach all day then you want to bathe the kids. So many places we have stayed there is just a shower. And although this is adequate it is so nice to have a proper bath. And it is spotless with complimentary toiletries. You could be forgiven for thinking that it was only installed a week before we arrived. Our double master bedroom also has an ensuite with shower cubical and hair dryer should you need it.

The three bedrooms are made up of a double and two twin bedrooms. All the beds are made for you on arrival with white cotton sheets and fluffy white towels left ready to use. Each room also has a wardrobe and a set of draws. So there is plenty of storage space. 

There is central heating throughout the lodge which with frosty mornings this week we did need. However, we didn’t feel cold once thanks to the heating. We even managed to sit outside in the sun a couple of times on the huge 3 metre veranda. Reached by double patio doors from the living area. Which makes a wonderful place to enjoy a peaceful alfresco breakfast or evening meal. 

 

Reasons to Stay at Croyde Bay Resort – The great location

I am not sure you can get a better location for holidays in Croyde Bay especially if you are looking for a beach holiday. It is definitely something that makes the resort a great places to stay in Croyde. There is direct access to the beach through the back of the resort. To walk to the beach is five minutes over the dunes which makes it an excellent location when you have children with you. The largest dune which the boys enjoy running up and down is the perfect place to watch the sunset from. Watching the orange globe disappear from view as the sky is lit up in varying shades of yellow, orange and red is magical and fast becomes an evening occurrence. One of the highlights of a Croyde Bay Devon holiday.

There is also Baggy Point which is a well known National Trust Nature Reserve an easy twenty-minute walk from the resort. With lots of different wildflowers and bird species, it’s a great place to explore. Plus the views are stunning. And although we did not see any grey seals during our visit they have been spotted before. 

Instead of heading off towards Baggy Point if you take a short stroll in the other direction it is also a short walk into the picturesque village of Croyde. With delicious ice cream shops, May’s tea rooms which we visited during our last stay and a great pub – The Thatch. There are lots of places to stop for a bite or a drink. Soaking up with the pretty little white washed houses and thatch cottages.

The Beautiful Beaches 

There is something about Croyde Bay beach, with a big expanse of yellow sand and tides that seem to stretch for miles. Croyde beach makes it the perfect beach for both families and surfers alike and makes Holidays at Croyde Bay really special. The boys really enjoy trying to catch waves on their bodyboards. Not only that but it is also an ideal location for rock pooling. The North Devon coast has plenty of slate and stone channels which make great rock pools. You will need your water shoes but in the two times, we have visited we have always enjoyed finding all sorts of creatures. Including mudskippers, crabs, shrimp and sea lice!

As beautiful as Croyde bay Devon is, if you are staying for longer than a few days and want some variation in your beach choices. Right next door is Sauton Sands. A couple of minutes drive up the coast and you are presented with a beach that is much more commercialised, you also need to pay to park! Although Croyde Bay will always be my favourite Saunton sands is backed onto by Braunton Burrows. The largest area of sand dunes in the UK and a recognised UNESCO Biosphere. We did go looking for the little multicolour beach huts but found that out of season they are stored away from the beach. In the opposite direction, there is also Woolacombe beach. We have not visited this one yet but hope to one day. I have been reliably informed that it has the same relaxed and laid back feeling that Croyde has. Just on a larger scale.

 

The Bay Restaurant

Croyde Bay Resort has gone to great lengths to make sure all its guests are kept safe. This includes moving their restaurant and onsite pub outside. We ate at The Bay Restaurant twice during our stay and were really impressed each time with the good food. Not only was the food very tasty but the service was first class. Nothing was too much trouble. Although the menus are not extensive there are still plenty of pub classics to choose from There is also a kids menu which Harry enjoyed. Charlie preferring to choose off of the main menu. I can definitely recommend the prawn cocktail and the burger. They also do a mean sticky toffee pudding but everything we ordered was great food.

At this strange time, you may prefer not to each out. Yet at the same time, you want a night off from cooking. Then it is possible to order take out from the restaurant. I like that it is exactly the same menu whether you dine in or dine out. Orders are placed online and you can even get delivery to your accommodation. The restaurant is also open for breakfast but we chose to test out their delivery service. I was very impressed when we received a full English breakfast in fifteen minutes!

Croyde Bay Resort Onsite Activities

There is always something to keep young children and older children entertained with such a wide array of outdoor activities. And what I really like is that there is no set entertainment (personally I am not a fan). Instead, you are free to pick up things around your plans. As well as the facilities mentioned below. On one side of the resort, there is a field with goal nets where you can kick a ball around, tennis court and also a badminton net. All of the sports equipment is kept close by with plenty of sanitisers. 

On the other side, there is a putting green, table tennis table, table football and the boys favourite bowls. While in the middle there is a play area, crazy golf and another table tennis table and table football. Everything is free of charge the boys favourite was the mini golf by far. Although the couple of giant connect fours which were also a big hit with the boys. There are a number of cottages and lodges placed around the play area which means you can sit in the sun having a relaxing drink, while the children play.

Croyde Bay Resort Facilities

As well as all the activities the facilities are also really good with free parking at the front of the resort for all guests. They have an indoor swimming pool with a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi and also a gym. Due to the pandemic, you need to book both the indoor pool and gym online up to thirty-six hours before. The spa facilities are not currently in operation due to the pandemic. We tried out the pool during our visit. Although a large pool only two families are allowed in at any one time. To try and ensure that everyone gets an opportunity to visit you are only allowed to book one session per day. The water is warm and there is a shallow area which was perfect for Harry to splash around in. Just like the rest of the resort, the pool area is spotless and we have the majority of our session alone. The fitness centre is bookable on the same basis. This great selection of leisure facilities is at no extra cost.

Also on-site there is a surf shop where you can hire boards and wetsuits. They also offer one on one lessons and group lessons. It is something which Charlie really wants to try so I am sure we will be back to give it ago. It really does have everything you need for a fabulous Holidays in Croyde Bay Devon.

Reasons to Stay at Croyde Bay Resort – The friendly staff

I always think that the staff are the most important element of a good stay. Everywhere we went on the resort the staff were really happy and helpful with friendly service and always smiling. Not only did we get a really nice welcome at reception and at the restaurant. But when I ordered breakfast they rang to see if we would like it delivered. Nothing was too much trouble. For me, that really makes a good stay.

Places to stay in Croyde – Flexibility & Price

One of the reasons I think Croyde Bay is so popular is because there is a wide variety of different types of accommodation. Meaning you can find something to suit your budget and your family size. Not only do they have beautiful four and three-bedroom lodges. But there is also the Croyde Bay hotel which has self-contained hotel rooms, studios and mini-suites and two-bedroom holiday cottages that sleep up to six people. They also have easily accessible lodges with ramps and the ability for pet stays where you can bring your dog.

The different types of accommodation vary in price, plus unison members then you can also secure additional discounts on your stay. With prices starting at £175 for a three-night midweek break in a cottage out of season, there are options for everyone and they will regularly share offers on the offer page on their website and across their social media channels. 

Repeat Visitors

I think you can always tell the merit of a holiday resort on the number of repeat bookings they get. Each time we have visited guests we have met have also visited at least once before and in most cases many times. Personally, I would not return to Holidays in Croyde Bay if I have had a bad experience. Not only that but they talk about the resort as an extension of their own family…

We never want to leave 

Our stay was for five nights, normally by this time I am ready to return home or move on. Yet I find a stay at Croyde Bay Resort so relaxing that I would happily stay longer. As we left this time the boys told me how they felt the same, that they had so much fun and what a great holiday they had. They love it so much that they have asked if we can return again next year…. perhaps we have started our own new tradition visiting Croyde Bay Devon for our family holidays? And when you visit we will be one of those repeat visitors that come every year and tell you how amazing it is… I hope so.

Related Blog Posts 

If you have enjoyed this article about our trip to Croyde Bay, Devon and are thinking of visiting yourself. Then some of these related posts maybe of interest.

Baggy Point Walk – is it suitable for children

Rockpooling in North Devon

10 Things to do with kids in Clovelly

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Have you got any favourites places to stay in the brilliant location of Croyde? Perhaps you have stayed at Croyde Bay Resort? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. 

 

 

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