Croyde is a delightful coastal community of colour-washed thatched cottages with a little stream that meanders its way through the village to a beautiful sandy bay. Croyde is said by many to be the best surfing beach in the UK, and there can be few villages in the country with such a perfect blend of picturesque charm and the buzz of life!

Croyde has been inhabited since the Stone Age, and to this day flint tools and arrowheads are to be found in the nearby fields. The first settlers of Croyde were the Vikings and it is from them that the stream "Crydda" and the village take their name. The buildings in the village have a rich history stretching back over many generations, the oldest being St Helen's Chapel in Cott Lane which was built in the 12th century by the Celtic saint Endelentia. The chapel, in a tiny lane behind St Helen's Priory, is the "Holy Well" or "Lady Well" which was blessed by St Endelentia and was a popular pilgrimage for Christians for many centuries. Also in Cott Lane is Chapel Farm Gallery and Craft Centre, a well-established gallery for talented local artists. Exhibits include work by Paul Kenton, well known for his watercolour seascapes; Roger Bishop, an outstanding marine life artist; and John Palmer's brilliant landscapes. You will also find many other local artists specialising in pottery, crafts and gifts. From here you can walk through to the peaceful setting of St Helen's Priory gardens and enjoy a classic Devonshire cream tea.

For those with a thirst for an active life Croyde is ideal. The surrounding countryside with its outstanding scenery is just perfect for walkers; maps are available in the village. Nearby, Baggy Point, run by the National Trust, and Croyde sand dunes, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, have an abundance of interesting wildlife. The surfing in Croyde Bay is superb for either experts or novices, many surf shops are to be found where equipment is available to hire or buy and expert advice and tuition is available. When you need a well-earned break from riding the waves or rambling in the countryside Croyde has a wonderful selection of character eating and drinking places. Many, like The Thatch, which dates back to the 14th century, have been offering hospitality to locals and visitors for many generations.