Bude

Bude became popular in the 19' century, but, before that, it was known for its canal, built at the beginning of the century. Used to transport the calcium rich beach-sand to the infertile upland country where it was sold to farmers as fertiliser, it was a tremendous undertaking for its day, rising 300 ft. above sea-level in the first six miles.

Bude has been welcoming visitors since Victorian times.  The charm and atmosphere of a traditional seaside resort are retained in harmony with modern services and facilities to satisfy today's discerning visitor.

The town is situated on the Atlantic Heritage Coast of Cornwall, adjacent to fine sandy beaches, and on the South West Coastal Path.  Bude and nearby beaches provide some of the finest surfing to be had in all England;  most beaches have lifeguard cover during the Summer months.

Bude Haven

The town has excellent facilities with an interesting selection of shops, a large supermarket, and recreational activities, including a modern indoor heated swimming pool. A few minutes walk from the town centre and you can be exploring the dramatic scenery of the South West Coastal Path, or discovering the famous Bude Canal, an engineering feat of the early 19th century, or walking in some of the most unspoilt rural areas to be found in the South West.

Bude has a very attractive golden sandy beach surrounded by rock pools and green hills. It is very popular with families as it caters for all beach activities. Renowned for clean waters, high cliffs and golden sands, the warm seas and big waves of the Atlantic once notorious for shipwreckers are now favoured by surfers and beach lovers.  With several local beaches from Crackington Haven, a small sandy beach with rock pools, Widemouth Bay a large sandy surfing beach there is plenty to choose from.

Sandymouth National Trust beach is popular locally and an ideal surfing beach. The family beaches of Crooklets and Summerleaze are closer to the town centre. Bude Canal, a 19th century engineering feat was once a busy port. Now with 2.5 miles of level walking on the towpath there is a variety of wildlife and birdlife to be enjoyed along the route.

Beach Type: Sandy

• Welcombe Mouth Bude is an exposed and secluded bay backed by cliffs, popular with the locals.
• Bude - Sandymouth is a 2km long beach made up of pebbles with a vast expanse of sand in front. The beach has rock-pools and is bordered by high cliffs. It is reached by a moderately steep stony track from the car park. The beach is popular with surfers and holiday makers.
• Bude Northcott Beach is a rural unspoilt 3 mile stretch of sandy beach with Sandymouth to the north and Crooklets to the south. Backed by a valley with a river running across it. Popular with families looking to escape the crowds of Bude. Exposed to Atlantic swells.
• Bude - Crooklets - the small bay of Crooklets is due north of Summerleaze and adjoins it at low tide. The bay is formed by the rocks of Wrangle Point to the north and outcrops of rocks to the south. Summerleaze is a sandy beach surrounded by dunes.
• Bude - Summerleaze - the small bay of Crooklets is due north of Summerleaze and adjoins it at low tide. The bay is formed by the rocks of Wrangle Point to the north and outcrops of rocks to the south. Summerleaze is a sandy beach surrounded by dunes.
• Widemouth Sand - this large sandy beach with its adjacent rocky reefs provides good rock pooling opportunities. Backed by low cliffs and surrounded by fascinating rock formations. The bay is known for excellent surf.
• Blackrock Beach is at the southern end of Widemouth sands. Blackrock beach is isolated at high tide. Recognisable by a rocky outcrop at Southern end. Popular with surfers due to a combination of reef and beach breaks on the incoming tide.

Contributed by: Liam Jones