Stu’s guidebook
Sightseeing
The resort town of Bude is situated in the top right corner of Cornwall, right next to the Devon border. It is quite a remote spot and sits on its own stretch of wild and rugged coast backed by miles and miles of countryside. For this reason it is largely self-contained, yet has not become too big, or too commercial.
People often like to compare Bude to Newquay - I don't really subscribe to this. Bude can be lively, but is nowhere near as raucous as Newquay. It has much more of a family / bucket and spade vibe. And while Newquay sprawls, Bude is quite compact and it doesn't take long to escape the crowds and find somewhere special to yourself.
Bude is first and foremost a holiday town, but it is also a quite quirky with some interesting history. However, what really makes it special is the setting with the Atlantic coast to one side and rolling countryside the other, making this a great base for exploring the far North of Cornwall.
Like all of Cornwall's resort towns, Bude is all about the beaches. There are miles of fantastic beaches here stretching from Widemouth Bay in the south to Duckpool and the Devon border in the north. All are a mix of rugged rocky cliffs, Atlantic waves and expanses of golden sand, although the town's main beach, Summerleaze, does deviate from this format a little.
This wide, deep beach of golden sand reaches almost to Bude's town centre, which makes it the most popular beach in town. That and the big car park right on the beach. This is a great family beach, although the waves can be a little frisky and currents unpredictable. But fear not for Summerleaze is home to the Bude Sea Pool which offers safe swimming whatever the conditions.
As the tide goes out Summerleaze joins up with neighbouring Crooklets beach, which is well known for its surf. Crooklets was home to the UK's first life-saving club back in 1953 and the tradition remains strong here.
196 locals recommend
Bude
13 Lansdown RdThe resort town of Bude is situated in the top right corner of Cornwall, right next to the Devon border. It is quite a remote spot and sits on its own stretch of wild and rugged coast backed by miles and miles of countryside. For this reason it is largely self-contained, yet has not become too big, or too commercial.
People often like to compare Bude to Newquay - I don't really subscribe to this. Bude can be lively, but is nowhere near as raucous as Newquay. It has much more of a family / bucket and spade vibe. And while Newquay sprawls, Bude is quite compact and it doesn't take long to escape the crowds and find somewhere special to yourself.
Bude is first and foremost a holiday town, but it is also a quite quirky with some interesting history. However, what really makes it special is the setting with the Atlantic coast to one side and rolling countryside the other, making this a great base for exploring the far North of Cornwall.
Like all of Cornwall's resort towns, Bude is all about the beaches. There are miles of fantastic beaches here stretching from Widemouth Bay in the south to Duckpool and the Devon border in the north. All are a mix of rugged rocky cliffs, Atlantic waves and expanses of golden sand, although the town's main beach, Summerleaze, does deviate from this format a little.
This wide, deep beach of golden sand reaches almost to Bude's town centre, which makes it the most popular beach in town. That and the big car park right on the beach. This is a great family beach, although the waves can be a little frisky and currents unpredictable. But fear not for Summerleaze is home to the Bude Sea Pool which offers safe swimming whatever the conditions.
As the tide goes out Summerleaze joins up with neighbouring Crooklets beach, which is well known for its surf. Crooklets was home to the UK's first life-saving club back in 1953 and the tradition remains strong here.
Perhaps the best beach in the area though is Widemouth Bay (pronounced "widmouth"). This large stretch of wonderfully sandy beach is less than a mile out of Bude and has won numerous Blue Flag awards over the years. Along with plenty of facilities there is good surf and fantastic rock pools to explore.
When the tide is in, the waves are mesmerising as that crash up the beach. When the tide it out there is miles of sand and loads of rock pools.
The left hand side of the beach is dog friendly, whereas the right hand side of the beach is no dogs. A very strict pick-up after your dog is adhered so both beaches are family friendly.
You can hire a wetsuit, body or full surf board and there is a lifeguard on duty from May to October.
As the sunsets, its not unusual for some small campfires, BBQ, marshmallow toasting and guitar sing-a-longs vibe.
It's about 4-5 GBP to park, i think you can get a week pass if you ask nicely with a discount. Classic Cornish man with a hut takes cash, so usually worth storing up some pound coins for this and keeping them in your car.
161 locals recommend
Widemouth Bay
Perhaps the best beach in the area though is Widemouth Bay (pronounced "widmouth"). This large stretch of wonderfully sandy beach is less than a mile out of Bude and has won numerous Blue Flag awards over the years. Along with plenty of facilities there is good surf and fantastic rock pools to explore.
When the tide is in, the waves are mesmerising as that crash up the beach. When the tide it out there is miles of sand and loads of rock pools.
The left hand side of the beach is dog friendly, whereas the right hand side of the beach is no dogs. A very strict pick-up after your dog is adhered so both beaches are family friendly.
You can hire a wetsuit, body or full surf board and there is a lifeguard on duty from May to October.
As the sunsets, its not unusual for some small campfires, BBQ, marshmallow toasting and guitar sing-a-longs vibe.
It's about 4-5 GBP to park, i think you can get a week pass if you ask nicely with a discount. Classic Cornish man with a hut takes cash, so usually worth storing up some pound coins for this and keeping them in your car.
Immerse yourself in history, myths and stunning scenery at Tintagel Castle set high on Cornwall's rugged north coast. Inextricably linked with the legend of King Arthur, for centuries this dramatic castle and coastline has fired the imaginations of writers, artists, and even the brother of a king.
https://youtu.be/f-ZXmfqc0HA
299 locals recommend
Tintagel Castle bridge
South West Coast PathImmerse yourself in history, myths and stunning scenery at Tintagel Castle set high on Cornwall's rugged north coast. Inextricably linked with the legend of King Arthur, for centuries this dramatic castle and coastline has fired the imaginations of writers, artists, and even the brother of a king.
https://youtu.be/f-ZXmfqc0HA