Croyde bay is one of the most popular surfing sites in the country and for this reason attracts all those who already surf and those who want to learn in addition to the rest who just want to relax on the great beach.

Situtated on the north- west coast of devon, around ten miles from Barnstaple, Croyde is a small but pretty village with a few pubs and shops and an array of small camping sites as well as the big Ruda holiday park. The holiday park usually plays host to families and the camping sites generally house the younger campers and surfers. Myrtle and Mitchums meadows are great campsites if you fall into the latter category. Myrtle is open throughout July and is right in the centre of the village and at the start of august Mitchums opens(practically on the beach).The pitches are cheap and the facilities are basic(shower and toilet blocks) but clean and the camp crew are always on hand if you need them as well as being a pretty good laugh! They also accept same sex groups under 25, hard to find! I'd definitely suggest that families go for a b&b or the Ruda holiday park which boasts it's own indoor pool and leisure facilities, also right near the beach.

As for the nightlife, there isn't really any unless you like the pub. Billy Budds is a favourite with a great chilled atmosphere and the thatch caters for the slightly older crowd. Be sure to visit the thatch for a dirt cheap full english breakfast with unlimited tea and toast! Also make sure you visit the ice cream shop...it's fab and opens until pretty late. The nearest club is over in Woolacombe but you'll need your own transport to get there.

The point in going to Croyde is for the beach and/or the surf. If you're new to the whole watersports thing, Croyde has it's own surf school and you can always see groups of people practicing their stance in large groups on the beach.You can also hire your own surfboard and wetsuit and teach yourself. The beach has a certain area flagged off for surfers which the lifeguards enforce so if you're a swimmer then there's no need to worry about passing surfboards!

Croyde offers shops enough to cater for your eating requirements but if you need cash the nearest cashpoint is 10 miles away in Barnstaple so you'll need a car to get to it. Apart from this all you need is a laid- back attitude and your swimming gear to have a great time in croyde, whatever the weather!