Visit Bude, Where Cornwall begins..

Visit Bude on the north of Cornwall for a holiday that has something for everyone - from romantic retreats for couples, action filled family holidays, or a haven for the nature or geology enthusiast. Bude has twice been voted for the Best UK Coastal Resort in the British Travel Awards, making it can excellent choice for a holiday destination.

As it sits on the Devon border, Bude is the first place you reach when arriving in this beautiful county. With activities and attractions accessible across both counties, why not sample a cream tea made both the Devon and Cornish way and decide which you prefer?

Bude is large enough to provide a good range of facilities with a choice of accommodation, shops, restaurants and sports facilities, yet it is small enough to remain its Cornish charm. The nightlife is also quiet and relaxed. The area has a laid back charm that is traditional in a cherished way. There are many independently owned shops and restaurants for you to explore, with family run businesses creating a strong ethos in the town. There is something for everyone including a diverse range of indoor and outdoor activities - from sports centres, soft play areas and stately homes to fishing, cycling, golf, surfing and other water sports. Bude has plenty to suit all ages, interests or backgrounds.

There are many beautiful sandy beaches to choose from with surfing hotspots, vintage style beach huts and dog friendly choices. There are also spectacular views and unique natural attractions to be found - the Bude sea pool for example is cut into the rock at Summerleaze Beach providing a more relaxed dip or child friendly swim when the sea is rougher.

There is also access to the South West Coast Path, which offers some excellent walking routes, whether you enjoy a short stroll to a stunning picnic spot or prefer a more challenging hike. Bude has some unique rock formations which can provide something of a spectacle while exploring the area - take a Geological tour or simply find Bude's unique rock formations for yourself.  

Reasons to visit Bude

• Vast expanses of clean, golden, sandy beaches, often backed by rugged cliffs
• Fantastic surfing and watersports
• Brilliant walking - explore the coast and beaches and geology
• Great for activities - cycling; horse-riding; rock-climbing; abseiling; fishing; golfing and more
• Several nature reserves in and around the area 

Things to do in Bude

• Hire a beach hut for the day at Summerleaze Beach. Set on wooden decking right on the beach and painted in pretty pastel shades, the spacious huts can be your beachside retreat for the day. Settle down in a deck chair, and relax. Book from the tourist information office
• Visit the Bude Heritage Centre at the Castle by the canal. There’s an exhibition about Bude’s fascinating geology and history and free entry art gallery. Have a bite to eat in the café where you’ll get a taste of local food plus a great view out over the sea
• Hire a rowing boat or pedalo and spend an hour messing about on the Bude canal. Prices are around £8 per hour and you can row or pedal a fair way up the canal. Available at the Wharf
• The Breakwater on Summerleaze Beach and the right side of Crooklets Beach are great places for crabbing. The tourist information centre sells the equipment you’ll need along to catch the critters and also have reference books to help identify the wildlife you’ll find on the beach
• Take the easy going 10 mile circular Planekeepers Path walk following the route of the canal from Bude to the inclined plane at Hobbacott, returning on country footpaths and quiet lanes via the ancient town of Stratton. Guide leaflet available from the tourist information centre
• Have some fun at Bude Haven Recreation Park where you’ll find all manner of ball based activities. Pitch and putt, crazy golf, table tennis and squash courts. Perfect if the weather’s a bit dull
• You can learn more about the area’s amazing geology with expert Dr Roger Higgs. Get a guided tour and discover exactly what happened when Africa collided with Europe 345 million years ago

Bude Tourist Information Centre

Bude Tourist Information Centre has knowledgeable staff who can help with any local queries. They offer daytrips to Lundy Island, sailing from Bideford or Illfracombe. For walkers, they may be able to hold your luggage or arrange for it to be sent to your next destination. You'll also find the new Canal Visitor Centre; a hands-on and informative display, where you can learn more about the famous Bude Canal.

Beaches in the Bude area:

Sandymouth beach 
Duckpool beach
Northcott Mouth beach
Crooklets beach
Summerleaze beach 
Crackington Haven beach  
Widemouth Bay beach

Useful Bude links

Bude Tourist Information Centre  
What's on in Bude 
Things to do in Bude 
Bude holiday accommodation  
Bude hotels  
Bude B&Bs  
Bude camping 
Bude caravan sites  
Bude holiday parks  
Bude self catering  
Bude cottages  
Bude beaches