A guide to Bude and North Cornwall

Staying in or around Bude in North Cornwall and looking for things to do? This area is loved for its family fun, rugged coast, beautiful beaches and quirky villages. Here's our guide to fantastic places you must visit during your holiday in the area.

Fantastic for … Beach Bums

You’re spoilt for choice in this area when it comes to beaches – as well as vast sandy stretches with nearby facilities, you’ll also find tiny and often deserted coves that you can enjoy all to yourselves. The most popular spots to head are where you’ll find lots of sand, safe bathing and nearby facilities, such as Bude’s Summerleaze and Crooklets, Widemouth Bay Beach, Polzeath and Crackington. Less well-known – but also wilder and less accessible - gems include Duckpool, Northcote Mouth, Sandymouth and Bossiney Cove.

Fantastic for … Historians

This very special and rather mysterious place has inspired myths and stories for centuries, thanks to its association with the legend of King Arthur. Perched high on the rugged cliffs, Tintagel has amazing sea views, which are perhaps best viewed from Tintagel Island and Tintagel Castle; said to be the birthplace of King Arthur, the castle also features in the tale of Tristan and Isolde and has a history stretching as far back as the Romans. The beach at Tintagel is also like no other, with caves to explore – one of which is rumoured to be the home of Merlin. Also worth a visit is the quirky Tintagel Old Post Office, which was once a 14th-century farmhouse - its wavy roof provides a great photo opportunity!

Fantastic for … Walkers

With the South West Coast Path stretching all around this area – and of course, the rest of Cornwall – you can pretty much hop on and off anywhere along this beautiful coastline whenever you fancy a stroll, ramble or hike. But there are other walks that are particularly worth doing … like 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 Bude tourist information centre. Or if you fancy a bit of variety head to Tamar Lakes, where you can not only enjoy a variety of walks but also sailing, windsurfing, kayaking – and tea and cakes in its café.

Fantastic for … Families

You go on holiday to have fun with your loved ones, right? So head to The Milky Way Adventure Park, where everything’s designed so that adults and kids can have a whale of a time together – and there are even areas dedicated to babies and under 6s. You’ll find roller coasters, dodgems, huge indoor play areas and death slides, as well as gentler activities such as a mini-train, jumping pillows, Sci-Fi memorabilia, golf, archery and shows. There’s lots outside and undercover so it’s great in wet weather too.