October half term is fast approaching and if you have booked to stay with us this year, here are some things you can get up to in Croyde and around North Devon this October. If you haven’t booked yet, we are down to just a handful of hotel rooms with nearly all the self-catering sold out. Book now.
Please note this is a general guide and opening times and restrictions are regularly changing, so please check with individual businesses and with ourselves for what is open. Many local attractions require prebooking.
Indoor Swimming Pool
Enjoy some socially distanced swim time with your loved ones. Always a kid’s favourite when staying at the resort.
Swimming pool sessions are now bookable for 30-minute slots and are bookable up to 36 hours in advance.
You will be sharing the pool with up to 2 other families and we ask that you maintain social distancing at all times. As our pool is treated with chlorine, this is considered a safe environment to swim in. Our team will carry out sanitising procedures in touch areas that are not chlorine washed. The sauna, steam room and spa bath remain closed at this time.
Beach Walks and Brave the Sea
The ocean temperatures towards the end of October are as warm as early June, so you’ll still be able to get in the surf if you fancy it. If not, then there’s plenty of beaches for walking and watching the local surfers.
Our on-site surf school, Walking On Waves, offers lessons and equipment hire – whether you want to be taught by the pro’s or go in yourselves.
Croyde is a little quieter this time of year so there is plenty of space for walking on the beach and remember you can bring your four-legged friend along too, as dogs are allowed on the beach from the end of September through to April.
If you fancy venturing a little further, you can try the Four Beaches walk, head up Baggy Point, simply walk along the coastal path just behind the resort or as many do… just take the short stroll down to Croyde village for ice cream or a pasty.
Family & Dog Friendly Pubs
If you do take that stroll into the village, there is not just ice cream, pasties and surf shops for you to check out; there’s also a host of family and dog-friendly pubs and restaurants.
The Thatch is Croyde’s most popular pub. They have indoor and outdoor seating, allowing dogs in the pub section and outdoors. Then there is The Manor, which has the same rules for pets and a wide-ranging menu to suit the family.
For good coffee check out The Stores and for a more modern setting, there is the Blue Groove. There is also Hobb’s for a more intimate setting and Billy Budd’s for family pub fare.
Family Friendly Attractions
There’s plenty of local family-friendly attractions in North Devon that are open this October Half Term. Most require pre-booking in advance, so make sure to plan ahead.
The Big Sheep – Located just outside Bideford, about 40 minutes from Croyde Bay Resort, is a unique family adventure park that has various indoor and outdoor facilities. Pre-booked online tickets are £10 for both adults and children, with children under 1 charged at £4. Note that some rides required an additional £1 to ride.
The Milky Way – Around a 45-minute drive away is The Milky Way Adventure Park. One of Devon’s award-winning attractions. They have indoor and outdoor facilities. Tickets are around £14 for adults and children 5 and over. Children aged 2-4 are around £8 and children under 2 are free.
Exmoor Zoo – Exmoor Zoo, about 40 minutes away, is a not-for-profit charity in Devon, with all money made going directly back into the zoo and conservation. The majority of Exmoor Zoo is outdoors and ticket prices are £14.95 for adults and £11.95 for children aged 3-15, with under 3’s free.
Combe Martin Wildlife Park – Similarly to the above, Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park is mainly outdoors. It’s about 35 minutes away and tickets are £15.49 for adults and £14.49 for children. https://cmwdp.co.uk
Historic and Learning Attractions
If you’re looking for more outdoor activities that include an element of history, culture or learning then you could check out one of the below.
Clovelly – The unique fisherman’s town preserves some of the key history of the southwest and is a throwback to a bygone era. It’s 50 minutes from the resort. The ticket prices are; Adult: £7.95. Child: £4.60 (ages 7 to 16). Family: £21.50 (2 adults, 2 children). Children under 7 years of age, free.
RHS Rosemoor – Visit these beautiful gardens, just a 45-minute drive from the resort. Tickets are £12.15 for adults and £6.10 for children aged 5-16, with under 5’s free.
Arlington Court – Built in 1823, this historic site has the Carriage Museum (New Wing only), tea-room, garden & wider estate currently open. It’s 40 minutes away and is £5 for adults and £2.50 for children.
Games at Croyde Bay Resort
Challenge the family to some of the indoor games we have in our Funzone and see who will be victorious and have bragging rights for the holiday!
For the October Half term break from 24th to 30th October, subject to government restrictions and our own risk assessments, we intend to open the Funzone daily from 9-6 for pre-booked 45minute sessions.
In here you will find table foosball*, pool table* (*chargeable), cornhole, giant Jenga, table tennis, giant connect 4, shuffleboard, PlayStation.
Enjoy Family Time
Sometimes it’s nice to just get away together and enjoy time away from home. Sit and play a board game, watch the sunset over the sea, visit one of the family-friendly pubs in the village or order takeaway from our restaurant for your room.
If you’re staying in our lodges, these also come with Netflix enabled TV’s, so you can log in with your account and finish the day with a family movie!
We hope you have a great half term and please do ask any of the team if you have any more questions about what to do.
