North Cornwall’s coveted holiday hotspot gains much of its popular status from one particular thing: its beaches.
Bude’s top tally of sublime coastal spaces allows its visitors to bask in the beachiest of holidays, allowing everyone to spend some glorious downtime in, on- or near the ocean for a stay that epitomises seaside living.
From safe, family favourites choc with facilities to characterful, windswept stretches of sand, the area presents a myriad of beaches to enjoy in your own individual way.
So whether you wish to swim, sail, SUP or surf the waters – or simply desire sunbathing or walking alongside them, Bude’s beaches certify the town as one of Cornwall’s most treasured holiday destinations.
Sandymouth Beach
With two kilometres of golden sands (at low tide), Sandymouth certainly lives up to its name. The stretch of National Trust sands allows dogs all year and is the ideal choice for families, boasting a café, parking and toilets alongside stunning natural features such as a waterfall and plethora of rock pools.
Northcott Mouth Beach
Another dog friendly beach, Northcott Mouth connects with Crooklets and Duckpool, but beware the tides. Offering gorgeous scenery, there’s also a stream, rock pools and striking rocks known as the Bude Formation.
Summerleaze Beach
Bude’s main beach that’s set within walking distance of the town centre, Summerleaze offers expansive sands, toilets, showers, beach huts for hire, café and shops. It’s also dog-friendly all year round, and provides disabled access along with sand chair hire. What’s more, with the canal lock gates and open-air sea pool, there are a variety of scenes, sights and things to do.
Crooklets
Part of a larger stretch at low tide, the Good Beach Guide Recommended 2015, Crooklets is a popular surfing destination; and with a host of facilities such as beach hut-hire, parking, play area, skate park, café, showers and level access – is a superb family-friendly beach.
Duckpool
The diminutive west-facing cove is accessible through the beautiful woodland of Coombe Valley, and presents dramatic scenery courtesy of imposing cliffscapes – but with no lifeguard cover and strong currents it isn’t advisable to swim here.
Millook Haven Beach
Situated under the picturesque, Penalt Cliff, Millook is a pebbly cove and surfers’ hotspot, so deal for a walk (with the dog), picnic or spot of people-watching.
Breakwater Beach
Just across the canal from Summerleaze, Breakwater is something of a sparse collection of shingle where care must be taken if you fancy a dip, but is otherwise perfect to escape the crowds or let the dog run loose for a while.
Trebarwith Strand Beach
Head toward Tintagel for this stunning stretch, which is located in a valley and is a tad tricky to access (not to mention, completely covered a high tide) – but is well worth the amble for a more wild sense of adventure.
Widemouth Bay Beach
Another Good Beach Guide Recommended 2015 destination, Widemouth Bay is a large, open beach that’s popular with surfers and families alike. With parking at both ends of the beach along with rock pools, toilets and café – it offers oodles of convenience along with a heady dose of dramatic seascapes.
Have a look at our Holiday Cottages in Bude.
Tags: Beaches | Bude | North Cornwall | Surfing |