21C Barnstaple – Georgeham David’s Hill

Journey Overview

It’s 1hr 53 minutes of sheer bliss on the 21c, which is an open top bus that stops right on the doorstep of one of North Devon’s most iconic and finest holiday parks – Ruda in Croyde Bay and a perfect location for a beach holiday. Nestled between the picturesque Croyde Village and stunning Croyde Bay Beach, it’s a haven for surfers and families seeking fun in the North Devon holiday park. The view from the top of 21c is like nothing experienced before and the gripping denouement of a journey that started in the bustling, thriving market town of Barnstaple with its delicious local produce, street food, culture and heritage – including the remains of the Barnstaple Castle and Barnstaple Elephant, which you can find in the town’s museum. The elephant was discovered in the town and has been dated back to a species that died out over 115,000 years ago! From Barnstaple to busy, but charming, Braunton village and then Saunton with its 2.5 miles of magnetising sandy beach which is the gateway to a further 5 miles of surfing paradise across North Devon, when the bus arrives at Croyde.

Gateway to 21c – By train to Barnstaple  www.nationalrail.co.uk

Or, by bus from Exeter Bus Station. Alternatively by Megabus to Barnstaple from Bristol, Birmingham, Derby Sheffield, London, Leeds, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen, picking up at major locations en route.

A Fab Day Out!

Boarding the bus at Barnstaple, it’s an invigorating 20 minutes to Braunton, where there’s a captivating visit to the Braunton & District Museum to be enjoyed. Entry is free and there’s a great collection of maritime and military. history, a working model railway, Great Field and Agricultural displays.

Then it’s back on the bus as it hugs and winds its way round the coast, looking down onto the marvellous bay below. Stop off for lunch at the fantastic and famous Beachside Grill restaurant in Saunton for chilled out, al-fresco dining. For the adventurous, there’s a surfing lesson to be enjoyed at the Walking on Waves Surf School.

Arriving in Croyde, there’s rock pools for crabbing on the incredible beach, or maybe make the accessible and languid 2.7 mile walk on the South West Coast Path out to the tip of Baggy Point and back again, taking in the amazing views of Bideford Bay and Hartland. Look out for the whale bones and old wreck post!

Finally, if you want to turn the day into an overnighter in the wonderful Croyde, then a visit to the fascinating Croyde Deckchair Cinema is to be recommended for one of their evening films. This charming outdoor cinema caters for everyone, from classic British movies, mainstream to silent, young and old, there’s something for everyone!