Woolacombe or Croyde in August

[TrueBlue]

We are looking at renting a cottage in either Woolacombe or Croyde in North Devon next August... I haven't been to either and would like to hear from anyone who has been what they think of them and which one they prefer. We are going with 4 kids under 6 and would like a typical beach holiday. I am a bit worried about one of the kids getting lost if the beaches are quite big/crowded and the beach in Woolacombe and Croyde seem quite big... Would love to hear from anybody who has been there!

We've been to both, and they are similar, however, you are unlikely to get anything for next August - so I would just ring round and see if there is any availability before you worry too much about the details.

We love North Devon and have been quite a few times now. Croyde is a much smaller beach than Woolacombe, which is huge. It is super busy at Woolacombe in August but my kids love it. If you approach Woolacombe via Croyde you go past Putsborough beach which is the far end of Woolacombe and has rock pools as well, perhaps a bit less manic for little kids. I think Croyde is a bit less busy and more manageable.Big downside is the cost of parking - £5. If you go to Croyde you can park free in the National Trust carpark at Baggy point and walk down - if you're members.Something we only discovered this year is that at the far end of Woolacombe, on the road to Mortehoe, there are a lot of little beaches - one called Barricane, one called Grunta and I think there's a third - that are a lot quieter and more rocky.

Also consider Saunton Sands - very big but not as commercialised and backed by big dunes.There is also a very nice sedate estuary beach at Instow.

When we went this year we went to the tunnels beach at Ilfracombe - it's grey sand and shingle but has a victorian bathing pool filled by the sea which is good fun to take little dinghies/inflatables on - although your children may be a little young.

We have always stayed inland rather than at the coast so have not had a problem booking - although on an economy drive this year so will have to camp!

Thanks morningpaper and littleshebear for the info - it's very helpful. Looking at a cottage in Woolacombe at the moment but still not totally sure of availability. If not, I will start looking for something in Croyde or Putsborough as they sound quite good too. It does seem like most of the places on the beach get booked up a year in advance. Better get my skates on too!