Our insider's guide reveals the splendours of Bude - Cornwall's off-the-beaten-path seaside town with sandy beaches, surf breaks and an epic tidal pool.
The pretty Cornish Beach Town was recently celebrated by the Sunday Times as Bude's Summerleaze Beach was listed as one of the UK's top 50 beaches in 2024.
Bude's origins trace back to its days as a small fishing village. Its strategic coastal position made it an essential harbour for trade and defence during medieval times.
The Bude Canal, completed in 1823, marked a significant milestone in the town's industrial growth. It facilitated the transport of lime-rich sand inland for agricultural use. Today, the canal is a scenic haven for wildlife where you can walk or kayak.
Here's why you should swing by Bude on your next Cornish road trip.
Bude's epic tidal pool
One of the main natural attractions in Bude is its epic tidal swimming pool, known as the Bude Sea Pool.
Built in the 1930s, this semi-natural tidal pool offers a safe swimming spot at the edge of the Atlantic's powerful currents.
Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, the giant sea pool is replenished with seawater at high tide.
The sea pool's structure cleverly integrates natural rock formations with man-made walls, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the coastal landscape.
Swimming in the Bude Sea Pool is an incredible wild swim experience in Cornwall. Here, you can dip, splash or swim in fresh sea water with a view without the risks associated with open-water swimming.
The pool's depth varies with the tide, providing different swimming conditions throughout the day. At high tide, the pool is deep enough for serious swimmers to practice their strokes, while at low tide, it becomes a shallow haven perfect for families and less confident swimmers.
Managed by The Friends of Bude Sea Pool, one of the most appealing aspects of the Bude Sea Pool is its accessibility. It is free to use and open all year round, inviting you to enjoy its salty waters regardless of the weather.
Sandy Beaches
Bude's sandy beaches are its crown jewels. Summerleaze Beach, conveniently located near the town centre, has sandy shores and clean bathing waters and is home to the popular Bude Sea Pool.
Summerleaze Beach is also one of the most accessible surfing spots in Bude. Its unique breakwater on the beach's south side provides some shelter from the big swells of the Atlantic. Expect a variety of waves, from bouncy right-handers at mid-tide to more challenging conditions at high tide.
Just north of Summerleaze is Crooklets Beach, a favourite among surfers due to its excellent waves. The beach is well-equipped with amenities, including surf schools, making it ideal for beginners and seasoned surfers.
Widemouth Bay, a short drive from Bude, offers vast sandy stretches perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, and exploring rock pools at low tide. It's one of the area's most popular surfing spots.
The bay offers a range of waves, from gentle swells suitable for beginners to more powerful breaks for experienced surfers. Surf schools operate at Widemouth Bay for beginners, offering lessons and equipment hire for those new to riding the waves.
Activities
Bude is well known for its selection of watersports and canal walks. Surfing is particularly popular here, with numerous surf schools offering lessons and equipment hire for both beginners and seasoned surfers.
You can also go Kayaking, paddleboarding, and bodyboarding, with several companies offering lessons, guided tours, and rentals.
Family-run Bude Rowing Boat Hire is located on the scenic Lower Wharf adjacent to the historic Bude Canal. You can hire family-sized pedalos and boats to explore Bude's waterways here.
Choose between a classic rowing boat or a family-sized pedalo to navigate the clean waters at your own pace.
For a unique adventure in north Cornwall, try coasteering, which involves climbing, swimming, and jumping along the rocky coastline.
Walking the South West Coast Path in Bude
Bude is a gateway to some of the most glorious sections of the South West Coast Path. This National Trail is well-marked and maintained and offers a range of walking routes that showcase the Cornish coastline.
One of the most popular walks is the route from Bude to Widemouth Bay. This 4.5-mile stretch offers incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean, rugged cliffs, and sandy beaches.
The path takes walkers through various landscapes, including heathland, farmland, and coastal grassland, providing a diverse and scenic walking experience. Along the way, you'll encounter historical sites such as the remnants of old shipwrecks and the remains of WWII pillboxes.
Bude Canal Towpath
The Bude Canal Towpath offers a scenic walking experience, starting from the Bude Tourist Information Centre.
This scenic path follows the still waters of the canal, providing a glimpse into Bude's rich industrial heritage.
Along the route, you’ll pass through Bude Marshes Nature Reserve, where wildlife thrives, particularly bird species. The path continues past Truscott's Bridge, offering picturesque countryside views.
The towpath, initially used by horses towing barges, is now a peaceful route for walkers and cyclists. It winds through diverse landscapes, from lush fields to shaded woodlands, and eventually joins the South West Coast Path.
Where to eat in Bude
For a beachside experience, head to Rosie’s Kitchen, a family-run café near Crooklets Beach. Here, you can enjoy delicious beachside food on an enclosed sundeck with views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The bank at Bude serves Spanish-Cornish fusion tapas, seafood, steaks, wine, and cocktails.
Toro Tapas is the place to go if you're in the mood for tapas. This Spanish tapas hotspot offers a variety of delectable flavours in a cosy atmosphere.
For a traditional Cornish dining experience, The Brendon Arms offers hearty meals and a selection of local ales in a historic pub setting.
Life’s a Beach on Summerleaze Beach serves fresh seafood and local dishes and has fabulous ocean views.
If you want fine dining by the coast, the upscale Beach at Bude offers contemporary British cuisine with impressive sea views.
Where to stay in Bude
Bude offers a variety of accommodation options, from family-friendly cottages to historic hotels.
The Beach at Bude offers upscale amenities and gorgeous sea views, ideal for a romantic getaway.
Elements Hotel & Bistro offers modern comforts and exceptional dining experiences, all while overlooking the scenic coastline.
Families might prefer the Atlantic Cottages, which offer self-catering units that provide the flexibility and comfort of a home away from home. Wooda Farm Holiday Park is perfect for those who enjoy the great outdoors, offering camping and caravan sites with excellent facilities and beautiful surroundings.
For a traditional Cornish experience, you can stay at The Falcon Hotel, which is steeped in history and located right by the canal.
An Mor is a quirky boutique hotel that offers a unique stay with eclectic decor and a vibrant atmosphere. Alternatively, Tommy Jacks provides a casual, surfer-friendly atmosphere, ideal for younger visitors or watersports lovers.
