Are you looking for fun and interesting things to do in Bude on your next holiday?
Bude is a beautiful seaside town located in North Cornwall on the Atlantic Coast. A popular tourist destination, thanks to its sandy beaches and dramatic coastline.
Bude also has a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as a number of historic buildings.
Visitors to Bude can enjoy a number of activities, including walking along the seafront, exploring the town’s shops and cafes, and visiting the nearby beaches.
With its beautiful beaches and wide range of activities, Bude is an ideal place to visit for a day or a longer stay.
Where Is Bude?
Bude is located in North Cornwall, on the Atlantic coast. Although Bude is in Cornwall it borders Devon so exploring both wonderful counties is possible.
The nearest city to Bude is Plymouth, located 44 miles away. The ancient capital of Cornwall, Launceston, is 19 miles away.
Is Bude Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Bude is a beautiful seaside town with plenty to see and do. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore the shops and cafes, or visit the nearby Bodmin Moor, Bude is an ideal place to visit.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Bude?
The best time to visit Bude depends on what you want to do while you’re here. If you’re looking to enjoy the beaches and the outdoors, then the summer months are the best time to visit.
However, if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, then visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring or autumn may be a better option.
Beaches In Bude
Bude is home to a number of beautiful beaches.
Summerleaze Beach
Summerleaze is the town’s main beach and is a great place to relax, swim, and sunbathe. The beach is also popular with surfers.
Summerleaze beach is located just a 5-minute walk from the centre of Bude and offers plenty of parking.
The River Neet runs alongside the sandy beach which is sheltered by a breakwater, making it a popular choice for families and surfers alike.
Beach huts and chairs are available to hire, and there’s even a sandy play area for the kids.
If you get hungry, the beach cafe will sort you out with something to eat or drink.
Dogs are allowed on the beach but they must be on leads between May and September.
Widemouth Bay Beach
Widemouth Bay is a large sandy beach located just 3 miles from the centre of Bude.
Widemouth Bay is a stunning Blue Flag beach, perfect for surfing and bodyboarding.
The beach is accessed along the South West Coast Path and is popular with families and surfers.
At low tide, there are hundreds of rock pools to explore, so bring a bucket and fishing net!
Dogs are welcome all year round on the south part of the beach and from October to April on the north side of the beach.
Widemouth Bay is the perfect place to spend a day in the sun, and it is sure to provide memories that will last a lifetime.
Crooklets Beach
Crooklets is a small sandy beach located just north of Summerleaze Beach. It is a short 1-mile walk along the South West Coast Path.
Crooklets beach is a beautiful, Blue Flag awarded beach, perfect for rock pooling and enjoying the stunning views.
The Bude Surf Life Saving Club is located at Crooklets beach, so there is always someone on hand to ensure your safety.
If you decide not to walk from Bude, there is a large car park near the beach. There is also a play area, skate park, and beach café nearby if you fancy something to eat or drink.
If you’re looking for entertainment, there are amusements and pubs nearby.
Beach huts are available for hire if you want to make a day of it, and dogs are allowed apart from between 10am and 6pm May until September.
Bude Sea Pool
Bude Sea Pool is a popular free activity that has been open since the 1930s.
The saltwater pool is part man-made and part natural rock that locals and visitors enjoy as a safe place for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.
Bude sea pool is looked after by Friends of Bude Sea Pool and is financially supported by local business sponsors and donations.
The pool is open all year round and provides the perfect place to spend a day out.
Bude Canal
The Bude Canal was originally created for transporting sand to local farms. However, it is now mostly used for recreational purposes such as canoeing, kayaking, and cycling.
The canal starts in town and follows the level towpath out towards Bude marshes. Along the way, there are several places where you can stop and enjoy the scenery or spot wildlife.
For further information, you can visit the Bude tourist information centre right by the canal.
Bude Tunnel
Bude tunnel is a unique attraction that has gained popularity thanks to some fun TripAdvisor reviews.
The 70 metre perspex tunnel is located out the front of Sainsburys and leads to the car park.
The tunnel gained newspaper coverage after visitors to the area started posting selfies of them by the tunnel as well as adding more fun reviews on TripAdvisor.
The Bude tunnel is more than a fun attraction, it has also helped raise money for the above-mentioned Bude Sea Pool. Thanks to the generous donations of visitors, the Bude tunnel has become an important part of supporting the upkeep of this treasured attraction.
Bude Castle
Bude Castle is a Grade II listed building that was built in 1830. The Castle is set within the sand dunes overlooking Summerleaze beach and alongside the Bude Canal.
Admission to the castle is free between 10am and 4pm. There are three galleries that have a changing programme of over 30 exhibitions including paintings, photography, ceramics and more from local artists.
There is also a Cafe Limelight with perfect views across the canal and beach. The outdoor area is set within the original garden walls and kitchen garden.
Bude To Sandymouth Circular Walk
The Bude to Sandymouth Circular Walk is a beautiful route that takes you along the South West Coast Path from Bude to Sandymouth.
The walk is around 4.5 miles long and takes you past some stunning scenery, including Summerleaze Beach, Crooklets Beach and Northcott Mouth.
Depending on the tide, you might be able to return via the beach where you can see incredible rock formations and shipwrecks.
If you are unable to walk back along the sand you can return via the footpath.
Either way, this is a lovely walk that is well worth doing when you are in the area.
Holiday Parks In Bude
If you are looking for somewhere to stay, Bude is home to some of the very best holiday parks in Cornwall.
- Bude Holiday Resort (Aria Resorts)
- Pentire Coastal Holiday Park (Park Leisure)
- Widemouth Bay Caravan Park (John Fowler Holidays)
- Wooda Farm Holiday Park
- Sandymouth Holiday Park (Darwin Escapes)