Summary
Cornwall’s northernmost town, Bude is a coastal resort located between sandstone cliffs.
The Atlantic beaches in Bude are renowned as some of the premier surfing locations in the country. In contrast to Newquay, which is characterized by its vibrant parties and festivals, Bude offers a more refined and relaxed atmosphere.
There are various schools available for novice surfers, and the beaches are particularly inviting for families due to their expansive sands and rockpools that emerge at low tide.
The surrounding countryside is quintessentially rural, and visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the Victorian Bude Canal or venture out along the South West Coast Path to uncover remarkable historical sites and breathtaking views.
Let us delve into the top activities to engage in while in Bude:
1. Surfing and More
Northern Cornwall is recognized as the surfing hub of England, and Bude is favored as a quieter alternative to the more well-known Newquay.
All beaches listed here provide surfable breaks, while the National Trust beach at Northcott Mouth, although not detailed here, also offers significant waves.
During low tide, remnants of the SS Belem, which ran aground in 1917, can be glimpsed on the seafloor. For a change of scenery, the tranquil waters of the Bude Canal are perfect for stand-up paddleboarding, rowing, pedal-boating, and canoeing activities.
Bude Rowing Boats provide small vessel rentals on the canal, while the Bude Canoe Experience organizes excursions to nearby larger bodies of water such as the River Torridge, Upper Tamar Lake, and Roadford Lake.
2. Summerleaze Beach
Summerleaze Beach, sharing a vast inlet with Bude harbour and the opening lock to the Bude Canal, is distinct in its appearance among English beaches.
The expansive stretch of golden sand is bordered by sandstone cliffs and lined with rows of beach huts on the terraces overlooking the sea pool.
Facing west, Summerleaze is somewhat shielded from the wind; however, it still experiences the full impact of the Atlantic’s currents.
Families appreciate the broad, open sands, especially during low tide, while surfers enjoy the hollow left at low tide and the high right breaks that occur in the harbour during incoming tides.
Being situated at Bude’s waterfront, Summerleaze also boasts excellent facilities and proximity to shops, restaurants, and surf schools.
3. Bude Sea Pool
Located in the sandstone and shale at the base of the cliffs on the north side of Summerleaze beach is a tidal swimming pool.
The Bude Sea Pool is partly natural, formed from a depression in the rock that fills with seawater during high tide.
Its construction finalized in the early 1930s included closing the walls, adding a sluice gate, and establishing sunbathing terraces (now featuring beach huts) behind.
Despite facing potential closure from Cornwall council during the economic downturn, the Sea Pool is currently maintained by a charitable foundation that ensures the attraction remains open and secure.
4. Southwest Coast Path
While surfers and beach enthusiasts revel in Bude, the coastline presents a paradise for walkers.
The South West Coast Path, recognized as a National Trail, meanders behind the beaches and along the lush grassy cliffs of Bude. Stretching an impressive 630 miles, it encircles the southwest peninsula of Great Britain from Minehead in Devon to Poole in Dorset.
Maintaining a local focus, Bude offers a gentle section of an otherwise hilly pathway, while the canal’s towpath is ideal for family walks.
The terrain becomes more dramatic to both the north and south.
For an exciting day out, venture to Crackington Haven along the High Cliff, featuring a sheer drop of 224 meters—the highest in southern Britain.
Close by lies Tintagel, rich in Arthurian legend and home to a 13th-century castle that was constructed over an earlier Roman settlement.
5. Castle Bude
Constructed around 1830 by inventor Sir Goldsworthy Gurney, the Revivalist castle rests on a gentle rise behind Summerleaze Beach and at the commencement of the Bude Canal.
Gurney was a fascinating individual, credited with inventing the steam carriage in the 1820s, and he claimed to have developed the blastpipe, a vital component in steam locomotives and turbines.
The castle is available for event rentals and features a Heritage Centre, showcasing intriguing exhibits regarding Bude, its canal, local geology, the lifeboat station, and the resistance movement dedicated to restoring the monarchy during the 17th-century Interregnum.
Exhibits delve into Gurney’s life and local shipwrecks, displaying figureheads from three vessels that succumbed to this rugged coastline.
6. Bude Canal
A central aspect of Bude’s landscape, the Bude Canal was an extraordinary feat of engineering upon its construction in the early 1820s.
Uncommonly for canals, it traversed the hilly terrain surrounding Bude, incorporating inclines rather than a continuous flat surface with locks.
Tub boats utilized wheels to scale the slopes, assisted with horse-drawn power.
This canal served to connect Bude Harbour with quarries where lime-rich sand was extracted and transported for agricultural use.
Though such trade is relegated to history, visitors can now stroll along the wharf and grassy towpath whilst hiring bicycles, canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats for excursions along the waterway.
7. Crooklets Beach
At low tide, Crooklets, Summerleaze, and Northcott Mouth merge into one extensive beach.
Families cherish Crooklets for its abundant golden sands, and explorers will enjoy the rockpools that emerge during low tide.
This beach is also a favorite among skilled surfers, thanks to its fast-moving sandbar peaks, while experienced surfers may find a respectable shallow wave at Tower Rock during high tide.
As a family-friendly beach, Crooklets features a cafe, amusement facilities, play areas, and rentable beach huts available for day use.
8. St Olaf’s Church
For those interested in heritage, the Perpendicular parish church warrants a visit.
St Olaf’s was constructed in phases from the 1200s to the 1400s, exhibiting numerous intriguing characteristics.
The nave features 14th-century pillars crafted from Caen stone on the northern side, while the southern pillars are made of granite from the subsequent century.
The church’s font is one of the oldest fittings, dating back to the 1200s, which coincides with the completion of the aumbry and piscina (recesses) in the chancel.
The church’s studded main door originates from the 1500s, shortly after the surviving frescoes were painted, depicting the legend of St Christopher.
9. Widemouth Bay Beach
The beach spans 1.5 miles and is segmented into two sections by an isolated rocky outcrop.
For those seeking to catch their initial wave, Widemouth Bay is an ideal choice, offering consistent and manageable rolling beach breaks.
Conversely, for the more adventurous, occasional reef peaks arise, depending on the tides.
The holiday community surrounding Widemouth Bay features several surf schools that provide camps and individual lessons.
10. Poundstock Gildhouse
Located five miles from Bude in the hamlet of Poundstock is a rare surviving church house.
Dated to the early Tudor period, this structure holds the distinction of being the only church house still in operation in Cornwall.
The Grade I-listed Poundstock Gildhouse once included a kitchen, brewhouse, and bakery, originally constructed for Church Ales—celebrations held on public holidays when ale was sold to raise funds for the church.
These events ceased once the Puritans gained control in the 17th century, leading the Poundstock Gildhouse to become a school and a poorhouse.
Thanks to a restoration effort in the 2000s funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, it has been returned to community use as an events venue.
11. Maer Cliff
The landscapes surrounding Crooklets Beach rank among the most picturesque in the area, as one traverses Maer Down, characterized by sandstone and mudstone cliffs that plunge toward the ocean.
This coastline is open and the wind can be invigorating.
During storms in autumn and late spring, migratory birds often seek refuge on Maer Cliff, while in summer, a beautiful display of wildflowers adorns the trail.
The Upper Carboniferous cliffs possess significant geological value, and Northcott Mouth beach serves as a cherished site for fossil hunting, where visitors may unearth remnants of fish and plants dating from 327 to 299 million years ago.
12. Compass Point
Situated along the Southwest Coast Path on the southern side of Bude Canal, this intriguing octagonal structure on a cliff-top warrants attention.
Constructed from local sandstone in 1840, Compass Point initially served as a folly on the estate of the Acland Family before being relocated to its current site in 1880 for use as a coastguard lookout.
This Neoclassical edifice draws design inspiration from the Temple of Winds in Athens, showcasing the points of the compass intricately carved into each of its eight sides.
13. Hawker’s Hut
Along the Southwest Coast Path, which meanders atop the cliffs in the safeguarded Hartland Cornwall Heritage Coast, lies Hawker’s Hut—a modest shed built into the hillside by the priest and poet Robert Stephen Hawker with timber salvaged from shipwrecks.
This site holds the distinction of being the smallest property under the stewardship of the National Trust.
Hawker used this hut as a writer’s retreat, enjoying breathtaking views of the Atlantic while partaking in opium.
The former poet laureate, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, was a noted visitor in 1848, as was Charles Kingsley, a prominent intellectual of the time.
14. Penhallam
Merely ten minutes from Bude, one can find an English Heritage site that was once a fortified manor house.
Penhallam was established following the Norman Conquest but fell into disrepair after the last owners, the de Cardinhams, perished in the 14th century.
After years of neglect, the house was excavated in the 1960s, revealing its foundations and moat.
The building’s footprint remains visible, while the moat has been restored and filled with water.
Covered in a layer of grass, the foundations now feature informational panels for visitors.
15. Tamar Lakes Country Park
Located six miles from Bude, the Tamar Lakes Country Park offers a multitude of activities, both land-based and aquatic.
The connection between the upper and lower lakes is facilitated by an off-road trail that meanders through lush wetlands, providing opportunities to observe kingfishers, herons, dragonflies, and a variety of butterflies.
Interactive activity sheets are available to enhance the educational experience for children, and amenities include a playground and a cafe named Frog Hopper.
The park’s watersports center also offers canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, and sailboats for hire, along with expert instruction for those seeking lessons or guidance.
