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Visiting Bude

Bude is a small seaside resort in Cornwall, in the southwest of England. Known as a great place for sunbathing, sightseeing and surfing, Bude is situated at the mouth of the river Neet and also has a historic canal running through it. This small town near to the Devon border boasts beautiful beaches and is part of the famous South West Coast Path hiking trail. Due to its pleasant weather and striking cliffs, it’s been a popular holiday destination since Victorian times. Cornwall itself is well worth exploring, and is known for its rugged coastline, beautiful beaches and picturesque farmlands.

Where to stay in Bude

When deciding which Bude hotel to stay in, you have a number of lovely areas to consider. Bude has a wealth of waterfronts, so you could stay at a hotel overlooking one of the town’s three beaches, or even overlooking the river Neet or Bude canal. Other nearby destinations include Sandymouth beach, which is owned by the National Trust, Crackington beach, a shingle stretch with rock pools and striking cliffs, and Duckpool, which was once a Roman landing point and is now a wild, secluded beach overlooked by the awe-inspiring Steeple Point Cliff. Or you could stay in the nearby hamlet of Morwenstow, which includes Coombe Valley, a woodland area much loved by walkers because of its thatched cottages, trickling stream and small ford.

Accommodation choices in Bude

Bude hotels are known for being some of the best in Cornwall and offer accommodation to suit a range of budgets. The 4 star Hebasca hotel is located at the seafront and offers airy, contemporary accommodation. Facilities include a restaurant, lounge bar and flatscreen TV in each room. The Bude Haven is a mid-price option that is also convenient to the beach. It has a lounge bar, restaurant and free Wi-Fi, plus the added perk of a hot tub in the garden. A budget option is the Tregenver B&B, which has a distinctly cottagey feel. Each room includes a TV with digital channels, a coffee-maker and free Wi-Fi. You are basically spoiled for choice in terms of good accommodation, it’s just a question of deciding which Bude hotel is right for you.

What to do during your stay in Bude

Bude, on the northern tip of Cornwall, has many attractions, including a variety of nearby beaches noted for their beauty and wide stretches of sand at low tide. These include Crooklets beach and Summerleaze beach, the latter being the site of the 19th century coastguard lookout, and Compass Point, an elegant octagonal building based on the ancient Tower of Winds in Athens. Summerleaze also has a traditional 1930s lido, known as Bude Sea Pool, based in its rocks. The lido is still in use and adds a lovely retro feel to the town. Nearby beaches include Crackington, Widemouth, Duckpool and Sandymouth, which is a National Trust beach due to its striking rock formations and stunning cliffs. If you’re interested in surfing, Bude is a welcoming place for beginners and there are many surfing schools nearby. Other beach activities include long-boarding and kayaking.

Beyond lovely beaches, Bude also has a number of notable historical attractions. These include the Castle Bude, which was built in Victorian times and is now a heritage centre, the medieval church of St Olaf’s, and the 19th century church of St Michael and All Angels. In the centre of Bude is the town’s oldest house, Quay Cottage.

The famous 630-mile long South West Coast Path, considered to be one of the UK’s best long-distance trails, passes through the town and you could spend a day walking along a portion of it. Bude canal, England’s most westerly canal, is also a major attraction which includes a visitor centre. You can either stroll or cycle alongside the canal, or journey on the waters via canoe, kayak or pedalo. The canal route will take you past the Bude Marshes, a popular spot for nature lovers. Bude also has a great range of shops, pubs and eating places.

The Eden Project, a popular visitor attraction, is 38 miles away. This cluster of futuristic biodomes houses a diverse range of plants from various ecosystems. The coastal town of Newquay is 43 miles away, and is very popular with tourists and surfers. Whatever you decide to do on your visit Bude, you’re sure to be charmed by this historic coastal area.

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