24 Best & Fun Things to Do in Bude (Cornwall, England)

Want to know the best and fun things to do in Bude, Cornwall?

The seaside town of Bude is situated on the northeast side of Cornwall, England. The town was occasionally known as Bude Haven some time ago. 

While tourism is the leading industry in Bude, the town is still popular for its fishing activities.

The town offers numerous activities, ranging from an action-filled family holiday to a romantic getaway for couples and a haven for nature lovers. 

Bude is wide enough to offer a good range of facilities with accommodation options, sports facilities, shops, and restaurants. Yet, despite its size, it still exudes Cornish charm and beauty. 

The town is famous for its lovely climate. In 2013 summer, it was recorded as the UK’s sunniest place. Bude has several stunning sandy beaches, old-schooled beach huts, dog-friendly choices, and surfing hotspots. 

There are also magnificent views and rare natural attractions, such as the half-artificial and half-natural Bude Sea Pool. 

Are you planning a trip to Bude? Check out the top things to do in Bude, Cornwall.

Things to Do in Bude

1. Sandymouth Bay Beach

Sandymouth Bay Beach lies between the famous seaside city of Bude and the less famous Morwenstow. 

The National Trust owns Sandymouth Bay Beach. This unique beach is backed by dramatic twisted cliffs and is said to be a magical place. 

This amazing sandy beach is revealed and popular with surfers and families when the tide is out. 

This beach permits dogs throughout the year and provides lifeguards during its busy season. 

Sandymouth has a parking lot by the beach café, but it is only free for National Trust members and blue badge holders. 

There are toilets for everyone, including disabled people, and baby changing facilities and these amenities are open daily. 

You should add a trip to Sandymouth Bay Beach to your list of fun things to do in Bude, Cornwall.

Address: Sandymouth, Stibb, Bude EX23 9HW, United Kingdom

2. Summerleaze Beach

Among the best places to visit in Bude, Cornwall, is Summerleaze Beach. Summerleaze is a wide, beautiful sandy beach five minutes from the heart of town.

This Beach is the town’s central hub of sun, surf, and sand, and it is the first place of interest for many tourists. 

This Beach is beautiful, clean, and safe. It is a popular spot for beach bums, families, and surfers. 

Summerleaze Beach is known for offering various activities and is regarded as the best beach in Cornwall for water sports and outdoor activities. 

The Beach has local surf schools you can register for and kayak and sea fish. Summerleaze is also perfect for paddling, sunbathing, body boarding, and swimming. 

You can rent a deck chair or beach for the time you will be staying. There are other amenities around, such as toilets, a cafe/bistro, shops, lifeguards, an outdoor swimming pool, and a beach office. 

Address: Summerleaze Beach, Bude, United Kingdom

3. Tamar Lakes Country Park

Tamar Lakes Country Park is a perfect destination for families and single tourists. The Park has so many outdoor activities that you can explore. 

At this Park, you can try activities such as windsurfing, kayaking, cycling, paddle boarding, sailing, and lots more. 

The Tamar Lake Café is also suitable for grabbing a bite to eat. The café offers a menu of cakes, artisan tea, coffee, and home-cooked meals. 

Tamar Country Park is open 24 hours daily, while the cafe opens from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm Friday through Tuesday. 

Address: Tamar Country Park, Bude, England

4. Padstow

Why don’t you take a road trip to Padstow during your stay in Bude? 

Padstow is located 1 hour from Bude and is a perfect destination to sample different meals, as the town houses some good restaurants. 

An example of such a restaurant is Rick Stein Café, an informal, friendly café with a Cornish charm. 

The café offers the freshest fish and locally sourced ingredients mixed to create simple but delicious meals. This café is located in the center of Padstow, and you can eat here for lunch or dinner. 

You can take public transport or drive your vehicle to Padstow. 

Address: 10 Middle St, Padstow PL28 8AP, United Kingdom

5. Atlantic Glass Studio

Atlantic Glass Studio is a thrilling studio and workshop located alongside the edge of the Bude Canal. This Studio also offers a view of Summerleaze Beach to the Atlantic. 

This Studio is a combination of 4 local artists specializing in glass, silver, pearls, and other metals. The four artists are Jane, Marie, Lotti, and Lesley Ann. 

Atlantic Glass Studio produces stunning pieces of jewelry and art with the use of torches and kilns in the home studio, while the preparatory, design, and finishing are done in the Studio. The Studio’s work is diverse and uses various glassworking techniques. 

Atlantic Glass Studio draws inspiration from the gorgeous countryside and coast that surrounds them and the ocean on its doorstep. 

Address: The Old Forge, Lower Wharf, Bude EX23 8LD, United Kingdom

6. Falcon Hotel

You should be looking for what to do in Bude, Cornwall, only after you’ve got a roof over your head. Falcon Hotel is a charming and elegant hotel overlooking the Bude Canal and located a stone’s throw away from beautiful beaches. 

The Falcon Hotel was established in 1978. It is the oldest coaching hotel in North Cornwall. 

For so many generations, the Brendon Family and their devoted staff have been providing a warm welcome to visitors. 

The hotel has fine amenities, such as a fantastic conference facility and a restaurant. This hotel has numerous bedrooms and dining tables that are dog-friendly. 

You and your dog can tour the beaches in Bude and go on many walks from the comfort of this hotel without using your vehicle. 

Falcon Hotel’s restaurant, The Coachman’s Bar, offers a relaxing dining experience for tourists looking for a bistro-style menu. 

Locals and tourists love the restaurant; a friendly welcome and warm smile will always be waiting for you, and a comforting fire to keep you warm after touring the town. 

Address: Breakwater Rd, Bude EX23 8SD, United Kingdom

7. The Brendon Arms

One of the best things to do in Bude, Cornwall, is to eat pub meals at the Brendon Arms. 

The Brendon Arm is one of Bude’s most loved traditional Pubs, and the Brendon Family has been operating it for more than 150 years. 

Brendon Arms is situated close to the Bude Canal, the inner harbor, and only a few hundred yards from Summerleaze Beach. 

You will find a fantastic selection of Cornish tipples raging from ciders and wines to local beer at Brendon Arms. 

The menus consist of traditional pub meals at budget-friendly prices and vegan and gluten-free options for people with dietary restrictions. 

The meals are served from 12:00 pm to 8:30 pm daily. At low prices, you can get pub classics such as scampi, fish and chips, and burgers, making it an excellent place to eat. 

Address: Vicarage Rd, Bude EX23 8SD, United Kingdom

8. St Swithin

St Swithin is a medieval, stunning, hidden church with a great rustic setting. This church is dated to be over 1000 years and is among the 1000 best churches in England. 

St Swithin is a Grade 1 listed building dedicated to St Swithin. St Swithin possesses elegance and simplicity, which a lot of Cornwall’s churches lost in the Victorian restoration. 

The church has a collection of ancient bench ends that portray unique symbolic themes, clear glass windows that were immune to the Victorian fashion of stained glass windows, a mural painting showing the sacrifice of Isaac on the West Wall, and a chancel covered with Barnstaple encaustic tiles. 

The tomb of Sir Goldsworthy Gurney, who invented the “Limelight,” the steam jet, and built the Bude Castle, is located in the churchyard. 

You can check the porch noticeboard for pieces of information regarding the choir, concerts, and other events. 

Address: Launcells, Bude EX23 9NQ, United Kingdom

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9. The Bude Haven

The Bude Haven is an independently family-operated, award-winning guest house located in the quiet part of Bude. 

The Bude Haven is a stone’s throw away from the beaches of Bude, Bude’s town center, and the North Bude golf Course. 

The guest house is also within reach of various attractions and activities. It is family-friendly, so children are welcome as well. 

The Bude Haven offers free parking, Wi-Fi, and a full range of delicious and freshly cooked breakfast options. 

Its restaurant offers home-cooked meals and local specials and caters to people with dietary restrictions. 

Before you visit the Bude Haven, make sure you book ahead to avoid disappointment. 

Additionally, this guest house is suitable for hosting weddings, celebratory parties, christenings, business meetings, and conference meetings. 

Address: 7 Flexbury Ave, Bude EX23 8NS, United Kingdom

10. Tintagel Castle

If you like myths and legends, you should visit the mythical Tintagel Castle in Tintagel. Tintagel Castle is located in Tintagel, 32 minutes from Bude. 

Tintagel Castle is one of the most picturesque historic sites in Britain. Also, the Castle’s association with Arthur makes it incredibly famous. 

Tintagel is infused with legend and myth and is believed to have been the homestead of Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. 

The Castle lies on an island and is managed by The English Heritage. You will need to cross an extremely high bridge. Tintagel Castle has been a tourist attraction since the mid-19th century. 

Address: Castle Rd, Tintagel PL34 0HE, United Kingdom

11. Bude Sea Pool

Bude Sea Pool is a stunning half-natural, half-artificial swimming pool in the rocks at Summerleaze Beach. 

The pool is maintained and protected by charity, Friends of Bude Sea Pool. This charity does not receive any funding from the central government. Hence, it depends on the generosity of the locals and tourist that uses it. 

Bude Sea Pool was created in 1930 and has provided safe swimming at Bude for more than 80 years. 

The pool is among the few tidal swimming pools that are open to the public throughout the year and accessible for everyone to use. 

Additionally, this pool is perfect for you if you have kids that want to try out the water. Swimming in this Pool is one of the fun things to do in Bude, Cornwall.

Address: Bude Sea pool, Bude, United Kingdom

12. Bude Artisan Market

Why don’t you visit Bude Artisan Market during your vacation in Bude and shop for local goods and artworks? 

Bude Artisan Marker Is located at Bude Methodist Church. You will find items like honey and beeswax products, pastries, cheese, coffee, cake, and jam. 

This Market is also a nice place to buy artworks from local artists and craft sellers, such as jewelry, glass art, wood carving, cards, and calendars 

You will be greeted by friendly smiles from the stall holders when you visit this Market. 

You will also find delicious treats such as pancakes, homemade chilies, sweet and sour dipping sauce, and fresh bread. 

Address:Unnamed Road, Bude EX23 8LA, United Kingdom

13. The Castle Bude

The Bude Castle is among the famous tourist attractions in Bude. It dates back to 1830. Visiting The Castle Bude is one of the top things to do in Bude, Cornwall.

This Grade II listed building is located behind the dunes of Summerleaze Beach. The Castle was previously the home of Sir Goldsworthy Gurney, a Victorian Inventor. 

The Castle Bude is now an art gallery, heritage center, gift shop, wedding venue, and a café with conservatory and outdoor seating. 

You don’t need to pay an entrance fee to tour this magnificent attraction. Make sure you try the Cornish Cream tea in the Café Limelight. 

The Café Limelight was opened in 2014. It offers Cornish tea, locally roasted coffee, and locally made cakes, all served with excellent views of the town and beach. 

Bude Castle is open for visits from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm daily. 

Address: The Wharf, Bude EX23 8LG, United Kingdom

14. Bude Marshes

For nature lovers, a visit to Bude Marshes is among the best things to do in Bude, Cornwall. The Bude Marshes features nine hectares of land, most of which is a reed bed, making it one of the largest in Cornwall. 

The North Cornwall District Council, now known as the Cornwall Council, declared it a Local Nature Reserve in 1981. 

The Bude Marshes is ranked as one of Cornwall’s most interesting nature and richest reserves. This natural reserve offers shelter to wildlife such as chiffchaff, Sand Martins, and Sedge Warblers during the spring season. 

You can also see the Yellow Crosswort, a rare plant in Cornwall, at this natural reserve. During summer, you will likely find kingfishers, grass snakes, and native otters warming themselves. 

Bude Marshes is a great place in Bude if you want a temporary escape from the busy and noisy town. 

Address: Bude Marshes, Bude, England

15. RNLI Bude Lifeboat Station

The Bude Lifeboat has been assisting stranded fishermen and seafarers since 1837. 

The Bude Lifeboat is situated close to the rear of Summerleaze Beach and has been there since 2001. 

The Bude Lifeboat shop sells a wide range of clothing, cards, sweet treats, and souvenirs. The shop’s sales go to help the Royal National Lifeboat Institute, which depends heavily on volunteers and donations.

Hence, buying a gift or memorabilia is an excellent way to give something back to the town. The Bude Lifeboat opens from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm daily. 

Address: Summerleaz Beach Car Park, Bude EX23 8HN, United Kingdom

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16. Seventh Wave Gallery

If you love art, one of the best places to visit in Bude, Cornwall, is Seventh Wave Gallery. 

Seventh Wave Gallery is situated in the center of Bude and displays local artwork inspired by the ocean. Martyn and Lynne first set up the Gallery at Bude in 2007. 

In addition to showcasing local artwork, Seventh Art Gallery is passionate about the various aspects of art, including giclee printing, framing, materials, and teaching. 

The Gallery is always proud and happy to display some of its best photographs and local art. So whether you need advice on how to frame a medal or which brush to use for painting a portrait of your pet, this Gallery is always eager to assist. 

Also, if you want excellent memorabilia to remind you of your stay in Bude, you should purchase gorgeous artwork from Seventh Art Gallery. 

Address:25 Belle Vue, Bude EX23 8JL, United Kingdom

17. Bude Tourist Information Center

Bude Tourist Information Center is one of the major places to do during your stay in Bude. This is because the destination offers information about the town you may need to know.

You can get the information through the help of friendly staff and many resources at the Bude Tourist Information Center. 

The Center also sells refreshments and various gifts and books. Bude Tourist Information Centre is situated on the Crescent and has easy parking close to the town center and beaches.

Bude Tourist Information Center offers a wide range of goods and services, such as books, guides, maps, leaflets, gifts, cornish confectionery, heritage exhibits, and local artworks.

The center opens every day from 10 am to 5 pm except Sunday when it closes at 4 pm. 

Address: The Crescent, Bude EX23 8LE, United Kingdom

18. Widemouth Bay

Widemouth Bay is a beach, bay, and small village located three miles south of Bude. This stretch of coast is infused with a smuggling heritage from years ago. 

The village of Widemouth Bay is a modern development comprising bungalows built in the 19th century. 

The town has several hotels and cafes around the beach. Widemouth Bay is famous for surfing and swimming. 

It is perfect for people who are learning how to swim and surf; there are even surfing schools here for people to register 

So if you want to learn how to surf or swim during your stay in Bude, you can visit Widemouth Bay. 

Address: Widemouth Bay, Bude, England

19. The Barrel at Dude

The Barrel is a small pub in Bude’s striking family seaside town. This quirky pub can carry around 40 customers, giving it an intimate vibe. 

Locals of the town love Barrel at Dude. Although the pub does not have jukeboxes, fruit machines, television, or Wi-Fi, you can have some quality, real-life old-school conversation. 

You can’t use your mobile phone at this place, or you will be fined, and the money will be given to a local charity. 

In spite of the small size of the Barrel at Dude, you can purchase craft ales, soft drinks, gin, ciders, and snacks here. 

Rachel and Ian, the owners, get their ales by visiting Cornish breweries every Monday and sampling what they want to sell. 

Their opening days are from Thursday to Sunday, so visit this pub, drink, and enjoy live music. 

Address:36 Lansdown Rd, Bude EX23 8BN, United Kingdom

20. Beau Nidol

Beau Nidol is a tiny stained glass studio and craft unit along the Bude Canal. This shop features stunning collections of jewelry and art made from bone and glass. 

Hannah and Tiffany operate Beau Nidol. Hannah offers four different workshops all year round in Fused glass, while Tiffany offers glass, bone carving, and stained glass. 

The shop will provide you with all the types of equipment that you will need to make your signature art piece and will also guide you. 

After your classes, you are free to take home what you made. If you decide to take a class with Beau Nidol, it is advisable to book ahead because they are often busy, especially during the holiday. 

If you are interested in buying their art pieces, you can purchase some at their workshop. 

Address: Lower Wharf Centre/The Wharf, Bude EX23 8LG, United Kingdom

21. Bude Canal

Wondering what to do in Bude, Cornwall? A tour around the historic canal of Bude is an exciting adventure to participate in during your stay here. 

You can cycle or walk along the towpath or rent a pedalo or kayak to paddle along this tranquil stretch of water in the center of the town. 

The Bude Canal was previously used to bring lime from down the hills to factories in Bude, but now it serves as a place of leisure and tourism. 

If you don’t have experience at sea kayaking, you can rent a boat and kayas from the Shoreline Activities and practice on the Bude Canal, as it is a good place to learn. 

Address: Bude Canal, Bude, England

22. Black Rock Café

The time you spend exploring Bude can build up quite a hunger, so if you want a place to satiate your hunger, dash into Black Rock Café. 

Black Rock Café is available to serve all your food needs and is open throughout the year and seven days a week except on Christmas Day. 

The Café offers meals from 9 am to 4 pm in a comforting surfer-vibe environment since the café is close to the beach. 

Whether you want a break from the sun rays or sit inside, there are plenty of seats at Black Rock Café. 

You can even begin your day by having a generous portion of breakfast from the café. You can try their homemade pizza, toasted ciabatta with different fillings, or baguette for lunch. 

Also, Black Beach Café caters to pets, especially dogs, so you can bring your dog here and make it feel Important. You will undoubtedly feel energized after spending time at this café. 

Address: Marine Dr, Widemouth Bay, Bude EX23 0AG, United Kingdom

23. Clovelly Village

Clovelly has often been voted as one of England’s Prettiest Villages. Clovelly is located in Devon, 30 minutes from Bude. 

This destination is a privately-owned harbor village in Devon, England. John Rous owns the village and the surrounding lands. 

This gorgeous picturesque fishing town is infused with maritime history and atmosphere, and it once belonged to the Queen of England. 

The village lies on a 400-foot cliff, featuring a popular cobbled street called an “Up-a-long” or “Down-a-long,” built from stones obtained from the beach. 

In the former years, donkeys were the only form of transportation in the village. So when you visit, you will see these famous donkeys. 

Before you are allowed to enter this perfectly preserved village, you have to pay a small charge, but this should not derail you because the fee is worth it. 

This village is undoubtedly an exciting place to visit, and you can even take some Instagram-worthy pictures. 

Address: Clovelly, Devon, England

24. The Beach at Bude

The Beach at Bude is an elegant boutique hotel overlooking Summerleaze Beach and Bude Canal. It features an expansive outdoor terrace for cocktails and alfresco dining.

The hotel room décor are that of New England Seaside style and has king-size beds, bathrooms, and luxurious bedding. 

It has different rooms, such as classic, classic-plus, superior and deluxe. The hotel underwent a total refurbishment in 2010 and now offers luxurious seaside accommodation mixed with modern elegance. 

The 16 bedrooms have vi-spring beds, cooling limed oak furniture, duck-down duvet/pillows, and Lloyd Loom Chairs. One room is situated on the ground floor while the remaining can be accessed through a lift. 

There’s also a gorgeous bar and an outdoor heated terrace area. Beach at Bude Hotel has total Wi-Fi access and offers a 24-hour concierge. 

Address:Summerleaze Cres, Bude EX23 8HJ, United Kingdom

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Plan Your Trip to Bude

Bude, known for its Cornish charms and beauty, is famous as a fantastic tourist destination. 

The town houses several sandy beaches worth exploring and, as such, is popular for water-based activities such as swimming, kayaking, and surfing.

The numerous unique attractions in the town ensure a magical experience. So don’t hesitate to visit!