Bude holidays are just perfect for beach bums, water babies and those of you who are in love with being on the coast. Everything about this sandy resort is beautiful, and it’s one of those places that you’ll just keep coming back to once you’ve been.

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A local’s guide to holidays in Bude…

 

 

Things To Do In Bude

Perched on the rugged north coast of Cornwall, Bude’s been voted Best UK Coastal Resort in the British Travel wards just not once but twice in recent years, so grab your flip flops and prepare to get sand between your toes. Thanks to its setting right on the Devon border, Bude holidays capture the very best of Cornwall life without the longer journey time, so they’re fantastic for families.

Ok, so most of your Bude holiday is going to be spent lounging on that brightly coloured beach towel, but there’s plenty to keep you entertained if you can peel yourself away from the beach. Wander to the High Street to browse the friendly independent shops that line it. Perfect for stocking up on postcards and gifts to take home, there’s something nostalgic about the family-run businesses that dominate the town.

If you’re hoping to walk a few miles during your stay, you’ll be able to pick up the South West Coast Path and wander a section. Whether you’re content with a leisurely stroll and a picnic somewhere scenic, or you’re up for a bit of a hike, you’ll have your pick of walks – and they all have gorgeous scenery along the way. The Bude canal is another of Bude’s favourite attractions, and the kids will love a go on one of the pedalos available to hire when the weather’s kind!

 

Beaches in Bude

How can we put this…the beaches in Bude are stunning. Summerleaze Beach is a real favourite with families and surfers alike, and with two beach cafes right on the sand there’s never far to go for a milkshake or a sandwich. It’s easy to see why this knockout of a beach has won award after award, and you’ll find the infamous Bude Sea Pool to enjoy.

Why not pop into the Tourist Information Centre and stock up on crabbing equipment before you go? Kids love the thrill of catching the little crabs that call the beach home, and what a beautiful setting to discover a new hobby!

Crooklets beach is another of much-loved Bude beach. Safe for children and easy to access, this sloping beach is slightly pebbly at the top, so make sure you wear sandals until you hit that silky sand. The promenade makes a lovely vantage point to sit and watch the action on the beach, and there’s a play area for little ones too.

 

Restaurants in Bude

There’s nothing like a day in the salty air to work up a healthy appetite, so it’s lucky there are some mouth-watering Bude restaurants to choose from. With a laidback nightlife that matches the feel of the resort, Bude restaurants are all about hearty food in comfort, so you won’t need your glad rags if you’re happy to stay casual. The aptly names Life’s a Beach is right beside Summerleaze, and this cheerful beach café turns into a bistro with a view after sunset. Expect seafood that’ll make you want to relocate…

Head to The Olive Tree bistro on the wharf to experience a traditional Cornish menu and a friendly vibe. Specialising in Cornish and Italian dishes, this cosy bistro is all about stone walls, wooden beams and lots of character, and you can sit outside and watch the world go by.

  • Is Bude in Devon or Cornwall?

    Bude is in Cornwall and tucks into the northernmost corner of the county, almost on the border of Devon so if you’re looking to venture over into Devon, places like Hartland Quay are just over 30 minutes’ drive away.

  • Is Bude Beach dog-friendly?

    Summerleaze Beach is Bude’s main beach and while dogs are allowed on the beach all year round, between 21st May and 30th September between 10:00am and 6:00pm dogs must be on leads. Nearby, Widemouth has two main beaches, and the west-facing Black Rock beach on the south side which is as the name suggests, rockier, allows dogs off leads all year round.

     

  • How far is Bude from Woolacombe?

    Even though Bude is almost on the border of North Devon, it’s still a fair way away from places like Woolacombe and Saunton (about 1.5 hours’ drive). However, if you are looking to enjoy a similar vibe, nearby Widemouth Bay is less than 10 minutes’ drive from Bude and here you’ll find a stunning 2-mile beach with good surfing, beachside cafes and plenty of rockpools to explore.

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