Come to Bude in North Cornwall for an adventure-packed holiday surrounding by the stunning Cornish coast and countryside.
There's so much to do when you come to Bude, we recommend that you plan your daily activities well ahead of your arrival, always being sure to provide contingency plans should the weather turn unexpectedly (as it tends to in England!).
Surfing & Beaches
Bude sits right on the Atlantic Ocean, with some of the best waves in Europe arriving at one of the many local beaches. As with all sea-based activities you should take care to check the tide times and local weather conditions prior to going into the water. For more information on safety in the water and lifeguard coverage visit the RNLI website.
Summerleaze beach
Bude's 'main' beach, Summerleaze is the closest beach to the town and one of the busiest. With a wide, sandy beach and breakwater, Summerleaze is protected from all but the largest swells and is much safer for the family and novice surfers.
facilities
- RNLI Shop
- Toilet facilities
- Large car park
- Cafe/Bar & Refreshments
- Children's play area
links
Crooklets beach
A short distance North of Summerleaze beach, Crooklets beach is popular with both locals and tourists alike, for surfing, strolling, rock-pooling and general sunbathing. Rocky outcrops divide Summerleaze and Crooklets beach, providing ample opportunity for all the family to see the sea life left behind by the falling tide.
facilities
- Toilet facilities
- Large car park
- Cafe/Bar & Refreshments
links
Upton beach
Upton beach is just a short drive from Bude, along the coastal road to Widemouth Bay. A short steep walk down the cliff-side leaves you on a very secluded, sheltered beach. Popular with rock climbers, this beach has no facilities nearby, but is well worth a visit if you can make it.
Northcott Mouth
Set in a National Trust area, Northcott beach is popular with surfers and families. The car park at the top of the hill provides ample space for visitors, but does get busy in nice weather so be sure to get there early!
links
Sandymouth Beach
Another beach set in a National Trust area, the remoteness of Sandymouth beach doesn't deter visitors on a warm Summer's day. With a very popular shop and licensed cafe/restaurant, visitors can quite easily spend the whole day at Sandymouth.
facilities
- Toilet facilities
- Large car park
- Cafe/Bar & Refreshments
links
Duckpool
A short drive towards Coombe Valley takes you to Duckpool, another secluded beach, popular with surfers and watersports enthusiasts. There are little or no facilities available here (except for the odd ice-cream van), so make sure that you're well prepared!
Widemouth Bay & Black Rock beach
The most popular beach in the area, Widemouth Bay has a wide, sandy beach, with ample parking and facilities for a day by the seaside. The beach is just a short drive from Bude, and is very popular with surfers of all standards.
facilities
- Toilet facilities
- Large car park
- Cafe & Refreshments
links
Out & About
There's plenty to see and do in and around Bude itself - from going for a stroll from Summerleaze beach up the recently renovated Bude Canal and through the wildlife reserve, to hiking across some of the most dramatic coastline in the UK.
Swimming
If you're not too keen on swimming in the sea, Bude has two swimming pools - Bude Splash has a sloping beach area, wave machine and 33 metre flume, whilst the sea pool at Summerleaze beach offers a more traditional swimming experience, being re-filled at every high tide by the sea.
Ten-Pin Bowling
The Harlequinns Centre on the main road into Bude offers a great ten-pin bowling experience for all the family, with an arcade area, cafe and licensed bar.
Pony Trekking
Fun for all the family! Why not explore the dramatic Cornish countryside on the back of a pony? Pony trekking facilities in Bude include Efford Down Stables and Maer Lane Stables.
Mountain Boarding
Ivyleaf Mountain Boarding between Bude and Kilkhampton has a large course suitable for boarders of all abilities, with qualified coaches on hand to provide tuition.
Surfing
Visit one of Bude's many beaches for one of the best surfing experiences in Europe, with many independent surf schools available for private or group tuition.
Boating/Fishing Trips
Fancy a day's fishing on the Atlantic Ocean or just a cruise along the coastline?
- Bude Boat Charter - Mantis - The Wharf, Bude. Tel: 07977 423511
- Visit Lundy Island - The Quay, Bideford. Tel: 01271 863636
- Waterfront Fishing & Shooting - The Wharf, Bude. Tel: 01288 359606
Golf
Golfers visiting North Cornwall are spoilt for choice, with a mix of coastal links and inland courses all within easy reach of Bude. Bude has it's own links course, situated in the centre of town, and less than 5 miles out of town lies Ivyleaf golf course, with a driving range and 9-hole course.
Bude Golf Course
Established in 1891, Bude Golf Course has excellent drainage making it playable off regular tees all year round, and some of the finest greens in the county.
Holsworthy Golf Course
Holsworthy's 18-hole golf course offers a friendly, relaxed atmosphere with special offers for summer membership.
Ivyleaf Golf Course
Between Bude and Kilkhampton, Ivyleaf is a 9-hole golf course with a driving range. Ideal for a fun and relaxed golfing experience for all the family.
Bude Pitch & Putt
Situated near Bude Cricket Club on the downs between Crooklets beach and Bude town centre, Bude Pitch & Putt is a short 9-hole course offering an introductory golf experience for young and old alike.
Eating Out
Bude and the surrounding area offers a wide selection for diners; high quality bar meals, takeaways, asian cuisine and restaurants can all be found in the town centre. For an extra-special experience why not take the family to one of Bude's outlying villages for a meal in a rural surrounding?
Fish & Chips
- Tasty Plaice - Queen Street, Bude
- Sizzlers - Princes Street, Bude
- The Mermaid - Belle Vue Lane, Bude. Tel: 01288 354769
Cafes
- Bellinis - Queen Street, Bude. Tel: 01288 359550
- Ripe - Lansdown Road, Bude
- Life's a Beach - Summerleaze Beach, Bude
- Scrummies - Lansdown Road, Bude
- The Coffee Pot - Morwenna Terrace, Bude
Asian Cuisine
- Tiandi - The Strand, Bude
- Mirchi Indian Cuisine - Lansdown Road, Bude. Tel: 01288 350300
- India Garden - Princes Street, Bude. Tel: 01288 355170
- The Taste of India - Queen Street, Bude. Tel: 01288 356591
- Chungs Chinese Takeaway - Flexbury Park, Bude. Tel: 01288 352387
- Silver River Chinese Takeaway - The Strand, Bude. Tel: 01288 352028
Bar Meals/Restaurants
- Inn on the Green - Crooklets Beach, Bude. Tel: 01288 356013
- The Tree Inn - Fore Street, Stratton. Tel: 01288 352038
- The Castle Restaurant - The Wharf, Bude. Tel: 01288 350543
- The Bullers Arms - Marhamchurch. Tel: 01288 361277
- The Coombe Barton Inn - Crackington Haven. Tel: 01840 230345
- The Broxmoor Hotel - Widemouth Bay. Tel: 01288 361207
- Elements Restaurant - Upton, Bude. Tel: 01288 352386
