Spend a weekend in...Bude

Spend a weekend in...Bude.

Bude in North Cornwall is a popular family resort. Once a busy commercial port, Bude blossomed as a holiday destination in the 19th century. Today the town still retains that air of genteel charm.

The town centre has a good mix of independent shops with the town beaches not too far away which are great for a summer's day. From the town there are great scenic walks along the highest sea cliffs in Cornwall.

Walk
You can see the beautiful Cornish landscape through the fantastic walks near Bude. One of the most popular walks is the easy going 10 mile circular Planekeepers Path walk that follows the route of the canal from Bude to the inclined plane at Hobbacott. To follow this route you can find a guide leaflet from the tourist information centre. There is a great beach walk from Sandymouth Beach, you can do this when the tide is at its lowest. It gives views of the spectacular coastline between Bude and Sandymouth. You can make it a pleasant circular walk through returning by the coast path after walking 2 miles along the beach.

Family Resort
Bude is a fantastic place for a family break with lots of fun activities for everyone. Whatever the weather you can visit Trethorne Leisure Park with both outdoor and indoor activities there are fun play areas from the assault course to crazy golf and paddleboats. Perfect for summer are the rowing boats or pedalos that can be rented on the canal. The whole family can spend an hour messing about on the Bude canal (they are available at the Wharf). You can also explore the beaches as a family and the fascintating rock pools.

Beach
There are many great beaches in Bude that you can be spoilt for choice! Summerleaze beach is just 5 minutes from the centre of Bude.The wide, sandy beach is sheltered by the impressive breakwater, making the beach particularly popular with families and surfers.You can also hire a pastel beach hut for the day for your relaxing beachside retreat. Nearby is the spectacular Crackington Haven beach that is dominated by majestic cliffs and offers a stretch of golden sand along with many rock pools for children to explore when the tide is out.

Surf
There are plenty of surf and beach hire shop facilities for hiring beginner surfboards, intermediate surfboards, wetsuits, body boards and fins. You can also have private sessions to learn, daily surf lessons take place on Summerleaze beach with Bude Surfing experience. They can also teach you how to Stand Up Paddleboard. As well as Summerleaze, another popular surfing beach that is just 3 miles south of Bude is Widemouth Bay it is suitable for beginners up to experienced surfers but there are dangers to be aware of which include the rocks in the middle of the beach at high tide and at Black rock.

Eat

Olive Tree
The Olive tree is perfectly situated, overlooking Bude canal. Walkers, visitors and locals stop by for coffees and sandwiches during the day and admire the view. Come evening, Olive Tree transforms into an atmospheric restaurant with brilliant food. A team of local chefs create a new evening menu every week using ingredients from as close to their doorstep as possible.

Life's a Beach
Overlooking Summerleaze beach the wide ranging menu uses fresh local produce and reflects the creativity and travelling experiences of the young chefs. The restaurant opens at 7pm but during the day it transforms into a facility for beach goers. There is an ice cream parlour, a beach shop and a café where meals, snacks and drinks can be enjoyed.

Elements
With a stunning interior design, an amazing sun deck and gardens plus incredible panormaic sea views you won’t have seen anything like it in the area. Their food is locally sourced for added freshness and quality. Elements restaurant is open all day serving drinks and food, with a modern Italian menu.