Travel

Things to Do in Bude, Cornwall

Bude is a popular tourist destination in Cornwall. It is situated on the north coast of the county. It has a relaxed atmosphere and is less overdeveloped than many other seaside resorts. With its long list of beaches, the town is perfect for those looking for an adventure. There are also several renowned attractions in the area.

Two tiers of colourful beach huts on the grassy slope above a busy sandy beach at Bude, Cornwall
Rows of painted beach huts above the sand at Bude, on Cornwall’s north coast.
Photo by Julia Fiander on Unsplash

A historic seaside town

Bude is a picturesque and historic seaside town, and it was a famous watering place in the Victorian era. The city is surrounded by several cliffs, giving it spectacular views. Today, the town is known for its surfing and many beaches. Find information on Local things to do in Bude by visiting localthingstodo.co.uk/locations/things-to-do-in-bude

A stunning beach in the area is Widemouth Bay. Visitors can walk, cycle, and swim on this beautiful stretch of sand. Surfers will enjoy the swells and the warm weather. The beach is usually packed during the summer, but it is possible to find an uncrowded spot.

Things to see and do

Another important attraction in Bude is the Bude Castle. This former royal residence is now a heritage centre and the best place to explore the monarchy of the 17th century. In addition, some exhibits cover the social and geological history of the region.

If you want to spend some time on the water, you can book a kayaking course from Shoreline Activities. They also offer boat rentals. Nearby you can visit the Tamar Lakes Country Park for more watery fun.

If you’re looking for a festival-like event, you can head to the Leopallooza. This is held in August, and some say it is the best family-friendly festival in the area.

Where to eat in Bude

Other noteworthy sites are the Bude Canal and the Bude Heritage Centre. Both of these are free to visit; for the latter, you can see exhibitions about the town and its canal.

If you’re hungry, there are several restaurants in the town, and the Black Rock Cafe is a good choice for a meal. While there, you can take advantage of their friendly service. However, the Brendon Arms is a popular pub if you’re looking for more traditional fare.

Bude is an excellent base to explore Cornwall. Bude is a small, compact town, making it easy to get out of the crowds and into the country. Whether you surf or not, it’s worth looking at the coastal landscape. Visiting Bude in the spring or summer will give you the best chance of enjoying the Cornish sun without dealing with too many crowded streets.

Summary

Bude is a relaxed, less developed seaside town on Cornwall’s north coast, popular for its beaches and relatively uncrowded atmosphere. Attractions include Widemouth Bay for walking, cycling and surfing, Bude Castle for local history, kayaking with Shoreline Activities, and the summer Leopallooza festival. The Bude Canal and Heritage Centre are free to visit, and the town also offers places to eat such as the Black Rock Cafe and the Brendon Arms pub.

Questions this article raises

  • When is the best time of year to visit Bude?
  • What water sports are available around Bude?
  • How does Bude compare to busier Cornish resorts?

Hannah Mitchell

Hannah is a travel and food writer who enjoys discovering independent restaurants, interesting destinations and the stories behind local food. She writes practical, accessible guides for travellers and food lovers.

Savoury Traveller
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