Bude cottages

Start your story in a self-catering holiday cottage in Bude

Pastel-painted beach huts line sandy white beaches in the small seaside town of Bude. Tucked up in North Cornwall’s corner, Bude boasts two beaches, Crooklets for stand-out surf, and Summerleaze, with its unique tidal swimming pool. The town retains an air of genteel seaside charm, which locals and visitors still love to this day. Breathe in the fresh sea air and listen to the gulls call as salt crisps on your skin. Ice cream, anyone?

Sandwiched between some of the Atlantic Highway’s most wild and rural sections, drive 3 miles along the winding coastal roads and you’ll reach the rugged fringe of Widemouth Bay. Listen to birdsong as you pedal a boat along the canal, feel the exhilaration of bumpy trails and wind in your hair on the cycle paths, or loosen up with a slow round of golf before retiring to one of our holiday cottages in Bude. It’s all part of the charm of this seaside town.

Beach life

Summerleaze Beach

Stretching out with acres of sand, Summerleaze is a spacious family beach. Its westward orientation shelters it from most winds, yet still offers nice surf for beginners. Alternatively, opt for a sheltered swim in the huge sea pool. With plenty of room for all, Summerleaze is ideal for leisurely beach strolls and capturing coastal vistas.

Crooklets Beach

Crooklets Beach is the most picturesque beach in town. With its excellent high surf, it has earned the nickname ‘the Bondi of Britain’. Though smaller than Summerleaze, the atmospheric Crooklets boasts a charming beach café and prime location near the town centre.

Beach activities

There are plenty of surf schools in Bude, including Big Blue Surf School and Bude Surfing Experience, which, in addition to surf lessons, also offer stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and beach yoga.

Lifeguards

Summerleaze Beach is lifeguarded daily between 29 April and 24 September, Crooklets Beach from 13 May until 24 September.

Dogs

Summerleaze Beach is dog friendly (dogs on leads between 10am and 6pm from 21 May to 30 September). Crooklets Beach has a dog ban from 15 May to 30 September between 10am and 6pm.

Where to eat and drink?

Olive Tree – canal side café and bistro with terrace.

Sea Fever – laid-back, friendly bistro with local seafood.

Elements Restaurant – hotel restaurant offering pizza, pasta and steaks.

Temple – seasonal, eco-chic dining.

Retail

For those seeking retail therapy, Bude offers an eclectic mix of independent boutiques and charming shops. Explore the quaint streets and discover unique treasures at places like classic bookshop, Spencer Thorn or the Atlantic Glass Studio, where you can find handmade crafts and locally sourced goods.

Coastal walks

Bude Canal Walk: this approximately 3-mile peaceful walk follows the historic Bude Canal from the town centre to the charming village of Marhamchurch.

Bude to Sandymouth Coastal Walk: Enjoy breathtaking ocean views as you stroll along the cliffs from Bude to the sandy National Trust beach at Sandymouth. This moderate 4-mile coastal path allows you to extend your walk further along the stunning South West Coast Path.

Northcott Mouth to Duckpool Coast Walk: Beginning at Northcott Mouth, marvel at impressive cliffs, rocky outcrops, and fascinating rock formations as you follow the coastal path for 2.5 miles to charming Duckpool Beach. It’s a great spot for a seaside picnic.

Beach Retreats recommends

• Take a dip in the sea pool
• Check out the Bude Canal, which runs from the town centre to Helebridge. See the locks and stop at a canal-side café
• Tour Bude Castle – the impressive 19th-century castle is now a heritage centre and offers panoramic views from the roof
• Stop by the Heritage Centre – learn about Bude’s maritime and geological history and see the exhibits at this informative museum.
• Explore Maer Down – this National Landscape has lovely coastal views. Spot wildflowers and birds
• Book one of our many self-catering Bude cottages

Interested in alternative locations in Cornwall and Devon? Discover our selection of self-catering holiday cottages in Watergate Bay on the North Cornwall coast, perfect for your next coastal escape.