The Location

Bude is a bustling Cornish town with a large shopping area and numerous pubs and restaurants, both in town and the surrounding areas; most of which remain open year-round.

Bude has a fabulous stretch of beaches leading from one side of town to the other. The closest to the house, Summerleaze Beach (a short drive or 25 min walk from the house) is a large sandy beach, which is lifeguard patrolled in the season.  Less than 10 mins drive away are the large sandy beaches of Widemouth Bay and Blackrock, also lifeguard patrolled in the season.  There are a number of smaller, more intimate beaches to be found as you follow the North Cornwall stretch of the Southwest Coast Path walk away from town.

Bude Sea Pool

Huge sea pool, unrestricted opening and free of admission charge, although donations are appreciated as it’s maintained by a charity – ‘Friends of Bude Sea Pool’

Bude is on the Southwest Coast path, England’s longest waymarked footpath.

Stretching for 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset, you can walk for miles in either direction from Bude with its fabulous cliff top views out to sea as well as off-the-beaten-track coves and beaches.

The Canal

Bude Canal runs close to the house and provides opportunity for water sports such as canoeing and paddle boating (which can be hired on the Canalside) and fishing (permit required, enquire at Bude Waterfront Fishing Shop).

Bude Castle

The Castle Bude offers lots to see and do for free, whatever the weather. Open daily from 10 am The Castle is home to The Heritage Centre, Café Limelight, two galleries and a gift shop. Explore Bude’s history, relax with friends over drinks, Large dog-friendly decking area open throughout the year.

Golf – Bude

The course is situated close to the town and offers players of all abilities a rare opportunity to experience an old-style links with many blind shots and fast undulating greens. 

Bude is a member’s golf club which provides a playable course 365 days a year. Visitors are welcome throughout the year.

Surfing

There are a few surf schools in Bude and Widemouth Bay catering for all levels of experience.  If you have never tried, the long sandy beaches provide a great place for beginners to have a first go.  Contact one of the surf schools for more information.

Lakes 

Roadford Lake - A drive away but worth a visit both for the walks around the lakes and for watersports, such as windsurfing.  There’s a lovely café as well!

Tamar Lakes - located close to Bude, provides the perfect setting for your next family day out.

Cinema 

There is a great local cinema, the Rebel, a short drive from Bude.  Check out what’s showing during your stay. The Rebel is a traditional style independent cinema showing the latest big-screen releases for Bude and the surrounding North Cornwall / Devon area.

Tourist Information 

Above is just a few of the many attractions and places to visit in the area.  For more information visit the Bude Tourist Information centre at The Crescent, EX23 8LE, tel 01288 352240

Supermarkets

Bude has plenty of supermarkets - a large Morrison’s, a Sainsbury, a Co-op, Lansdowne Dairy (a good bet for out-of-hours shopping).  There is a Waitrose in Holsworthy a 15 min drive away.

Bude Lifeboat Festival

Held over three days of the August bank holiday, the lifeboat festival is possibly the highlight of the year in Bude.  There are a host of activities, centred on the Canalside and castle areas (a walk from the house) all in aid of a good cause.  There is a fabulous atmosphere across town with so many people participating in or attending the event.  The weekend ends with a fabulous fireworks display.

Bude Carnival

Held on the third Saturday in August, there is a charity fete in the Castle grounds in the afternoon and an evening procession through town.

Bude Jazz festival

The jazz festival is typically held at the end of August/beginning of September and sees a numb er of acts playing different venues in Bude, Stratton and Marhamchurch over a four-day period.

Bonfire night

Bude holds a great annual fireworks event, very well attended and visible from lots of vantage points around town (one of the best spots – the Beach Hotel cocktail bar!).