How to spend a weekend in Bude

Bude is dreamy. It’s a family-friendly resort, marinated in laid-back beachy vibes. Nature, with its secret coves, sandy beaches and pretty downland, is a key player. One dip in the community-run saltwater lido as the sun drops will definitely have you coming back for more. There are also glorious walks, surfing, cycling and eating. Whether you come in summer or winter, Bude is the perfect place to spend a weekend soaking up Cornwall’s wild north coast.

Head to Bude’s beaches

Summerleaze: great for families

Wide and sheltered by the breakwater, Summerleaze is a great shout for families. Play on golden sands, splash in the sea and have a go at surfing. At low tide, it’s perfect for bare-foot beach walks. You can also hire one of the pretty colourful huts that border the beach. Head to Life’s a Beach to stock up on ice cream and snacks and, later on, watch the sun go down with a glass of something chilled. 

Crooklets: a rock pooling haven

Over on Bude’s north side is Crooklets, just a short walk over the Summerleaze Down or down the hill from the town centre. This family-friendly beach offers a wide expanse of golden sand and at low tide, rocky outcrops are perfect for rock pooling. End activities on a high by feasting on woodfired pizza from Rosie’s Kitchen, a bustling family-run cafe, just a stone’s throw from the sand.

Widemouth Bay: best for surfing 

Just three miles from Bude along the South West Coast Path, Widemouth Bay offers fantastic conditions to learn surfing or bodyboarding, which is why many of the local surf schools are based there. Freewave Surf Academy offers paddleboarding, surfing and bodyboarding lessons as well as coasteering tours. Widemouth is also great for dog walking and rock pooling at low tide. 

Crackington Haven: wonderful cliff top views

Further down the coast is the spectacular Crackington Haven beach. Flanked by stunning cliffs, its stretch of golden sand and rock pools are perfect for children to explore when the tide’s out. Take to the cliff tops for gorgeous views and walks.

Explore Bude canal by bike

Bude canal was created in the 1860s to transport lime-rich sea-sand inland to use as a manure on farms. Now it’s a pretty route to stroll, cycle or paddle along. Head to Bude Bike Hire to rent all sorts of bikes for children and adults. There are also plenty of off-road cycle paths that will take you along the coastline or inland to explore some of the pretty local villages. Need a pitstop? Try the Olive Tree, which overlooks the canal. During the day, you can enjoy the view over coffees and sandwiches, and on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, the Olive Tree transforms into an atmospheric restaurant with brilliant food.  

Have a dip in the tidal pool

Tidal pools are wonderful – you get all the fun and excitement of the sea but in a safe space that all ages can enjoy. A dip in Bude’s Sea Pool is a must. Carved into the cliffs at Summerleaze Beach, the huge pool can be enjoyed for free all year round. Built in 1930, it’s managed by local charity Friends of Bude Sea Pool, who happily accept donations to keep this semi-natural swimming spot open to the public. After your swim, warm up at The Deck on Summerleaze Crescent, where you’ll find chargrilled burgers, seafood platters, fresh mussels and tasty light bites.

Explore Bude’s landscape on foot 

There’s no better way to explore an area than by its walks and Bude is bursting with beautiful treks, trails, hikes and strolls that show off the Cornish landscape. 

• Try the Widemouth Bay to Bude Coastal Walk. This circular 6 mile amble takes in some stunning scenery, panoramic coastal views and even a nature reserve teeming with wildlife. 
• When the tide is at its lowest, take in the spectacular coastline by walking the two miles along the beach between Bude and Sandymouth. Make it a pleasant circular potter by returning via the coast path.
• Away from the sea but no less exciting is the Bude Aqueduct Trail, a pretty circular 10 mile walk with breathtaking scenery. You even get to straddle the border between Devon and Cornwall as you cross the Tamar Lakes on the approach to Pancrasweek, a little hamlet in west Devon.

Eat, drink and relax: Bude’s best eateries

House of Chaplin: best for coffee

Indie coffee shop House of Chaplin does great coffee, of course, but it also does bagels, burgers, cocktails and live music on Friday and Saturday nights from Bude’s Morwenna Terrace. Kids and adults karaoke nights are a hit with the locals!

Elements: best for views

For an upmarket meal, head to Elements Restaurant at The Beach Hotel for its amazing sun deck and panoramic sea views, overlooking Summerleaze Beach. Expect locally sourced, modern Italian food, served all day long.

Temple: best for modern Cornish fare

For an imaginative and interesting take on local produce, from veggie options to seafood, head to Temple. The lively restaurant serves a two-course set menu, which changes daily depending on that day’s catch or the local harvest. There’s also a sweet little roof terrace overlooking the canal and sand dunes for lunches or evening cocktails.