The best things to do in Bude

Bude is the outdoor playground of North Cornwall. It is less commercial than Newquay and has a unique geography that offers everything from safe swimming in a tidal pool to rugged cliff hikes. It is also one of the few places in Cornwall with a historic canal running right to the sea.

Whether you want to catch your first wave or row a boat down the canal, here is our curated guide to the best activities in Bude.

Our Top Picks

These three experiences define a trip to Bude. If you do nothing else, tick these off your list.

1. Swim in the Bude Sea Pool

This semi-natural tidal pool was created in the 1930s and is the jewel in Bude’s crown. It provides safe, free swimming at low tide, protected from the Atlantic waves.

• The Experience: It’s huge (91m long) and refreshing. It’s perfect for serious swimmers and families alike.
• Good to Know: It is free to use, but it is run by a charity. Dropping a donation in the box or buying something from their shop is encouraged.

2. Walk (or Row) the Bude Canal

Unique in Cornwall, this historic canal runs right into the harbour through massive sea lock gates. It offers a flat, gentle alternative to the steep coast path.

• The Experience: You can walk along the towpath for miles, which is flat and wheelchair/pram friendly.
• Fun Factor: Hire a pedalo or a rowing boat from the Lower Wharf and paddle up the canal yourself. It’s a classic Bude tradition.

3. Summerleaze Beach & Beach Huts

The town’s main beach is famous for its pastel-coloured beach huts and vast expanse of sand at low tide.

• The Experience: It’s one of the most versatile beaches in Cornwall, great for surfing, swimming, or just walking the dog (dogs are allowed on leads in summer).
• Don’t Miss: Walk out to the breakwater at low tide for a great view back towards the town.

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Walks & Views

The Storm Tower (Compass Point)

Look south from the beach and you will see a small octagonal tower on the cliffs. This is the “Pepperpot” (Storm Tower).

• The Walk: It’s a short, breezy walk up from the canal lock. The tower was recently moved inland to save it from erosion. The views down the coast towards Widemouth Bay are spectacular.

Low Tide Walk to Sandymouth

When the tide is fully out, you can walk north from Crooklets Beach all the way to Sandymouth Beach along the sand.

• Warning: Only attempt this on a falling tide. The cliffs here are sheer and you do not want to get cut off.

Active Bude

• Learn to Surf: Bude is one of the best places in the UK to learn. Big Blue Surf School (based at Summerleaze) and Bude Surfing Experience offer excellent beginner lessons in safe waves.
• The Castle Heritage Centre: Built by Victorian inventor Goldsworthy Gurney (the man who built the castle on sand), this is now a museum and gallery. It’s free to enter and offers a fascinating look at the town’s history.

JV’s Top Tip – Head around the back of the heritage centre where you will find a couple of benches that you can sit on to enjoy the amazing view across Bude and the beach.

Nearby Adventures

• Widemouth Bay: Just 3 miles south, this is the “wilder” sibling to Bude’s town beaches. It’s a vast stretch of sand and rock pools, popular with intermediate surfers.
• Crackington Haven: A dramatic cove further south with towering cliffs. Ideally suited for a sunset drink at the Coombe Barton Inn.

Parking Tips

• Summerleaze Car Park: The most convenient for the Sea Pool and Beach, but it fills up fast.
• Post Office / Crescent Car Park: A huge car park slightly back from the beach. It’s often cheaper and easier to find a space here, and it’s only a 5-minute flat walk to the sea.
• Read our Bude parking guide here

Guides