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Brits swapping Spain and Bali for stunning UK seaside town with golden beaches

Writer's picture: UK Hidden GemsUK Hidden Gems

One hidden gem in the UK is quickly becoming a favourite staycation destination, overtaking popular holiday hotspots like Bali, Spain, and Goa.


With its golden sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, the surfing capital of North Devon has become an unexpected go-to spot for families, couples, and adventure lovers in 2025.


As staycations continue to rise in popularity, more and more holidaymakers are heading to Devon and Cornwall, with this charming village proving to be a firm favourite.


Image of Cornwall
Image credit: Photo © Tim Evans (cc-by-sa/2.0)


Known for its stunning beaches, top-class surfing, and breathtaking coastal trails, this Devon village is perfect for both family trips and romantic getaways.


The trend of choosing UK holidays over long-haul destinations like Bali, Spain, and Dubai has never been stronger, making Croyde a must-visit spot.


A dream location for outdoor enthusiasts, Croyde’s coastline has gained a reputation as a surfing hotspot, even rivalling Newquay, Cornwall’s famous surf town.


For beginners, there are plenty of surf schools offering lessons, while those not quite ready to ride the waves can try bodyboarding, another popular activity at Croyde Bay.


Image of Cornwall
Image credit: Photo © Jeff Wells (cc-by-sa/2.0)

But it’s not just surfers who will love Croyde—there are scenic walks and cycling routes along the South West Coast Path, perfect for nature lovers.


One of the best spots on this route is Baggy Point, offering visitors breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and a chance to see diverse wildlife up close.


Food lovers won’t be disappointed either, as Croyde is packed with great places to eat, from traditional pubs and cosy brunch spots to lively sports bars. And between April and November, visitors shouldn’t miss Croyde’s Ice Cream Parlour for a delicious sweet treat.


There’s plenty more to explore nearby, with Exmoor National Park and Watermouth Castle both just a 30-minute drive from Croyde, making it an ideal base for even more adventures.


Remember - LeaveNoTrace!


As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!


Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.


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Users will also have acess to over 9,000 parking spots across the UK as well as over 1,600 staycations in the UK.




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