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is North Cornwall's breezy surf-and-sand resort, a Victorian favourite where wide Atlantic beaches meet a historic canal and a much-loved tidal sea pool. With Summerleaze and Crooklets within easy reach of the town centre, it's a relaxed base for surfing, swimming and clifftop walks.
Place to stay
A simple guide to the feel of the place, how to arrive, and what to keep in mind before you go.
Bude works best as a base for small, unhurried coastal moments: a beach walk, a harbour visit, and time together without over-planning.
Family stays, slow weekends, coastal exploring and simple Cornish breaks.
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Check the final approach, parking arrangements and arrival window before travelling through narrow coastal roads.
Good for families who want a settled base rather than trying to fit too much into one day.
Pack for mixed weather and plan a few easy coastal options nearby so the trip still feels good if the forecast turns.
Read straight through, or use the planning notes above to shape an easier coastal day.
Bude is a holiday resort whose popularity began with the Victorians. In 1823 a canal was dug to enable sand to be taken in land to be used as fertiliser. Some of this canal remains and is a popular destination for boating and fishing. The small harbour area in Bude has some commercial fishing boats used mainly for lobster and crab but the majority of boats are used for pleasure fishing. Budes beaches (Summerleaze & Crooklets) are a great place for surfing
Morwenstow & Coombe
These are situated north of Bude, with Morwenstow being the most Northerly parish in Cornwall. Robert Stephen Hawker who wrote the Cornish Anthem 'Trelawny' in 1824 was vicar at Morwenstow. The first harvest festival is said to have been held in the church at Morwenstow.
Coombe is the site for many satellite dishes and these can be seen on the clifftop from a fair way down the coast.
Widemouth Bay
Widemouth Bay is the largest beach in the Bude area and is situated just south of Bude itself. It is easily accessed as it is adjacent to the main coast road. Great for surfing and fishing.
Duckpool
Duckpool is a small cove at the foot of a windy lane. It has a small parking area and public facilities. The beach is mainly rocky and pebbly with lots of rock pools but also has a sandy area at low tide.
Sea Fishing in the Bude area
Widemouth Bay is a great beach to fish from if you want to catch some flatfish. You should fish on an incoming tide.
Bude RNLI
The Lifeboat
George Bird - D Class Lifeboat
The Lifeboat Station
Established in 1837, Bude Lifeboat Station is situated in north Cornwall, where rocky coastline and rough surf have resulted in many call outs. Since 2001, the station has operated from Summerleaze Beach.
A few useful Down The Cove picks connected to this read.
Support Bude Lifeboat...
With thanks to the RNLI for allowing us to use their images and information
Bude RNLI
The Lifeboat
George Bird - D Class Lifeboat
The Lifeboat Station
Established in 1837, Bude Lifeboat Station is situated in north Cornwall, where rocky coastline and rough surf have resulted in many call outs. Since 2001, the station has operated from Summerleaze Beach.
Support Bude Lifeboat...
With thanks to the RNLI for allowing us to use their images and information
