Bude in North Cornwall is an excellent Cornish seaside resort and surfing town that offers something for everyone. With two beaches within walking distance of the town centre, surfing and bodyboarding, a tidal swimming pool, excellent facilities in the town, canalside walks, kayaking, the coast path and much more Bude Cornwall is a great place to visit and a good base for the surrounding area in North Cornwall.

For the surfers there are a selection of beaches, coves and a harbour that provide a wide range of different wave types. There are great waves for beginners and some fantastic reef breaks for the more experienced surfers. For surf lessons in the area check out Freewave Surf Academy

Bude has four beaches, two beaches in the town Summerleaze beach and Crooklets beach, the beach of Sandymouth just to the North of Bude and the large sands of Widemouth Bay about 4 miles south.

Although quite small the town of Bude has lots to offer, there are shops selling a variety of things including surf wear, surf boards and body boards, clothes, shoes and gifts as well as practical shops such as chemist, bank and small department store. There are lots of places to eat in Bude and you can choose between cafes, bistros, pubs, restaurants or takeaways. There is also a good choice of accommodation in Bude for more information see our list of accommodation in Bude Cornwall.

The Bude Canal runs near to the centre of the town and has a made up path along the edge which is nice to walk along. The canal is popular with kayakers.

There is a Tourist Information Office in the centre of Bude next to the large car park by the canal.

Summerleaze beach Bude is within walking distance of Bude town centre and is a sandy beach backed by cliffs with lifeguards in the summer months. Bude open air sea pool is set at the back of the beach and is a fun place to swim if you do not fancy the sea. Summerleaze beach Bude has facilities nearby including a cafe and is a nice place to spend a day. Summerleaze beach is dog friendly all year although dogs must be on a lead between certain dates in the summer season.

Above Summerleaze beach is a large grassy area called Summerleaze Downs which has great sea views and is a nice area for a stroll, sit on one of the many benches, or picnic on the grass. It is a nice walk along here from Summerleaze beach to Crooklets beach.

Bude often gets powerful seas with high waves, which makes it popular with surfers. The second beach in Bude, Crooklets Beach again lifeguarded in the summer months is popular with surfers and bodyboarders and is a small west facing beach set in front of the Bude Surf Lifesaving Club (the first club established in Europe) and favoured by a mix of surfers. Surfable waves form all the way along Crooklets beach. It is best when the south east or east winds are blowing and when the surf is between 1 - 5 feet in height.  The shore break can break straight on to a pebble beach at higher tides so novices and beginners beware. Always check with a lifeguard where the safe spots are before entering the water. Families and beach goers also enjoy Crooklets beach and there are facilities nearby including a cafe, carpark, beach hire and pretty beach huts.

Sandymouth Beach is another great beach at the North end of Bude. It is a National Trust beach with a beautiful cafe. The descent down the path can be difficult as the path gives way to a pebble ridge that descends to the sandy beach. When at the sand it stretches for just over a mile. The beach is watched over by beautifully high towering cliffs and a waterfall that children love to play in. The surf here is great but when it gets above 3 feet a little more experience is advised. The beach is only accessible at mid to low tide and so always seek advice before straying too far from the beach entrance. Sandymouth Beach Bude is a dog friendly beach. A real gem in the area!

Widemouth Bay is about 4 miles from Bude and is the most southerly of the Bude beaches. A beautiful long stretch of sand with large car park, a choice of cafes, surf shop and toilets. A very popular beach for the family. Bodyboarders and surfers particularly like Widemouth Bay due to the space it provides in the water and shape of the waves that are created. The beach has a light gradient which causes the waves to break on it more gently. This is perfect for learner surfers and younger children. The waves break throughout the tide and are best between 1-5 feet and with an easterly wind.

For those keen on walking the coast path runs from Bude to Widemouth Bay.

 
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