There’s nothing quite like bracing the fresh air and gallivanting amongst some of the natural world’s most stunning spaces – and one of the best things about Bude is its abundance of outdoorsy offerings.
From an offshore island to an array of nature reserves, country parks, gardens, beaches and even a canal, Bude is awash with options for anyone with a love of alfresco living.
We’ve handpicked five fabulous ideas for an ultra memorable day out-and-about in and around Bude…
Beaches
Bude’s beaches are some of the best on the north coast, where all visitors will find a sandy space and piece of coastline to suit.
River meets ocean at Summerleaze Beach, where features such open-air sea pool, canal lock gates and soft flat sands makes it a fantastic family-friendly choice.
It’s choc with facilities such as toilets, showers and beach huts for hire, ensuring a convenient, safe and super scenic day out for all.
Crooklets Beach comprises a mix of golden sands and rock pools alongside amenities including toilets, beach hut hire and an outside shower. Younger visitors will also be treated to playtime attraction, ‘Pirate Ship’.
The coast in and around Bude is simply packed with top oceanside options, and other places to explore include Northcott Mouth, Sandymouth, Widemouth Bay, Crackington Haven and Duckpool.
Bude Canal
Whether you opt to wander or cycle down its beautiful banks or fancy some more adrenalised waterside action, Bude Canal is a definite ‘to do.’
What’s more, its level towpath makes it especially ideal for pushchair and wheelchair users, affording even greater and ultra convenient use for all types of visitor.
From fishing and pedaloing to canoeing and kayaking, it’s a safe and scenic environment for a variety of activities and family fun days out in the great outdoors.
Read more about Bude Canal.
Lundy Island
The diminutive National Trust island measures just three miles long and lies just over eleven miles off the coast of Bude, providing visitors with a true escapist opportunity courtesy of a mini cruise across the Atlantic.
A designated Marine Nature Reserve, car and road-free Lundy is home to an array of wildlife and natural spaces, along with a tiny village and 13th century castle.
Enjoy water sports such as diving or simply stroll your way around to spy everything from guillemots and puffins to deer, ponies and dolphins.
Tamar Lakes Country Park
A watersport enthusiast’s heaven, the lakes provide the perfect environment for everything from a spot of angling to sailing, kayaking, water zorbing and windsurfing, where you can launch your own craft, hire equipment or receive expert tuition.
Landlubbers can also explore the area, which presents a network of walking and cycling routes as well as chill out spots and picnic areas.
Refresh at the tearooms, unleash the kids in the play area and discover more at the Visitor Centre. Find out more at Tamar Lakes.
Nature Reserves
Bude hosts an impressive tally of habitats, from the wild woodlands of Upton Meadow to picturesque farmland at Beales Meadow.
One of the town’s most striking natural spaces is Bude Marshes. Home to an exquisite array of plant and wildlife, expect a seasonally changing spectacle courtesy of the likes of grass snakes, otters, kingfishers and migratory birds amongst the reeds and wet grassland.
Maer Lake is another natural beauty must-see, while the list of other sights to seek out is extensive and includes Lower Lewdon Nature Reserve, Trebarwith Nature Reserve, Greena Moor Nature Reserve and Halwill Junction Nature Reserve.
Walkers will delight in the array of beyond-beautiful routes. Phillips’ Point offers picturesque cliffs with panoramas of Widemouth and Hartland Point; venture north along the South West Coast Path to Marsland Mouth or south to Crackington Haven; or spot Lundy Island on the horizon at the stunning vantage of Compass Point.
Have a look at our Holiday Cottages in Bude.
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