Top Things to do in Bude - With Visitors Itineary

Planning Your Perfect Getaway to Bude

Bude’s charm lies not just in its sandy beaches and crashing surf, but in its year‑round appeal—each season offers something special.

Spring (March–May)

Spring bursts to life early in Bude, offering mild weather, blooming hedgerows, and longer daylight hours—ideal for cliff‑top walks or cycle rides along the canal. It’s a quieter time before the summer crowds, perfect for family rock‑pooling adventures, wildlife watching (think seals and migratory seabirds), and beginner surf lessons. Many local businesses even offer off‑peak rates—smart savings for savvy travellers.

Early Summer (June)

June often brings Cornwall’s warmest, sunniest weather—average highs of 17–18 °C and around 7 hours of daily sunshine. The sea starts feeling inviting at 14 °C+, lifeguards are on duty, and dogs are allowed on beaches until July. Plus, Bude enjoys its own “micro‑climate” that often brings clearer skies than surrounding regions.

September–October (Autumn)

Autumn may be Bude’s hidden gem—warmer sea temperatures (peaking from summer), quieter beaches, reduced holiday crowds, and off‑season accommodation deals. Surf quality is often at its seasonal best thanks to Atlantic swells, while seasonal events like the Bude for Food Festival and the Awesome Foursome quadrathlon take centre stage.

Winter (November–February)

Even in colder months, Bude retains its rugged beauty. Wrap up, hit the dramatic coastal paths, brave the brisk surf, then retreat to cosy pubs with real fires. Many shops, cafés, and hotels stay open, offering unbeatable off‑peak prices—just watch for Christmas events like reindeer parades.

Travel & Getting Around Bude

Bude is charmingly off-grid when it comes to rail. The town’s station closed in 1966, and the nearest National Rail links now lie at Exeter (~40 miles east), Okehampton, Bodmin Parkway, or Barnstaple—with onward Stagecoach buses (6/6A) connecting from Okehampton to Bude several times a day.

For most visitors, driving via the scenic A39 – the Atlantic Highway – is easiest. Ample parking is available near Summerleaze and Crooklets beaches, plus in town-centre car parks like The Crescent and The Wharf.

If flying in, the nearest airports are Newquay (about 37‑40 miles away) and Exeter, both offering rental cars or public transport links—expect an hour’s drive from Newquay or slightly longer from Exeter.

Once in town, Bude is blissfully walkable. The compact layout means beaches, the canal, cafes, shops, and attractions like the Sea Pool and "Bude Castle" heritage centre are all within easy strolling distance. For exploring further afield—like Widemouth Bay, Tamar Lakes or nearby villages—a hire car works best, though regular bus services make day trips feasible

Accessibility Around Bude

Bude scores highly on accessibility, offering thoughtful amenities that make it welcoming for all visitors. The Tourist Information Centre hires out two transit wheelchairs (£10/day or £50/week plus deposit), plus beach sand chairs available at Summerleaze Beach through AdSurf and the beach office. Mobility scooters can also be delivered locally, offering flexible, on-site transport .

On land, most of Bude’s attractions—including Bude Castle—feature wheelchair ramps, lifts, and adapted facilities like disabled toilets, thoughtful seating areas, and high-contrast signage. Wooda Farm Holiday Park highlights its accessible pathways and color-coded signage, while taxi services in the area (e.g. B&S, Rob’s Travel) can accommodate wheelchair users.

Summerleaze Beach offers level access from town and the renowned tidal Sea Pool is adjacent, making beach visits and water-based fun easy to enjoy. Beyond beaches, paths around the canal, coastal viewpoints, and green spaces provide accessible walking routes—though exploring rugged headlands may be less suitable.

Accessible cottages, bungalows, and self-catering stays are available, many offering wide entrances and wet-room bathrooms. With comprehensive wheelchair hire, adaptive surf options, and friendly infrastructure, Bude offers a fulfilling holiday experience for guests with mobility needs.

4 Day / 3 Night Itineary - Bude

Day 1: Arrival & Orientation

Morning:

• Arrive in Bude and check in to your Bude holiday cottage.

Afternoon:

• Stroll the Bude Canal Towpath – peaceful and scenic, perfect for first-day unwinding.

• Grab lunch at The Olive Tree, a canal-side café with great local fare.

Evening:

• Catch the sunset at Summerleaze Beach – walk the breakwater or dip in the Bude Sea Pool, a semi-natural tidal lido, great for working up an appetite.

• Dinner at The Bank – a tucked-away tapas bar with vibrant dishes and great cocktails. Or settle into your cottage with a well-deserved drink and a home cooked meal.

Day 2: Coastlines & Castles

Morning:

• Walk the South West Coast Path north towards Compass Point and Efford Down, with spectacular ocean views.

• Visit Bude Castle Heritage Centre – learn about shipwrecks, geology, and Victorian innovation.

Afternoon:

• Explore Crooklets Beach (quieter than Summerleaze), and perhaps rent a surfboard or bodyboard.

• Coffee stop at Rosie’s Kitchen, right on the beach.

Evening:

• Dinner at Life’s a Beach, overlooking the ocean.

• Optional: low-tide walk to Barrel Rock for evening photography.

Day 3: Day Trip to Hidden Gems

Morning:

• Drive to Welcombe Mouth (45 min) – a hidden beach with striking rock formations and zero crowds.

• Stop en route at St Nectan’s Glen (if time allows) for a woodland waterfall walk.

Afternoon:

• Visit Tamar Lakes – walk or hire a paddleboard/kayak. Great for birdwatching and peaceful views.

• Light bite at the Tamar Lakes Café.

Evening:

• Return to Bude. Enjoy a relaxed pub dinner at The Brendon Arms, popular with locals and full of charm.

Day 4: Local Living & Departure

Morning:

• Enjoy brunch at Temple – trendy, sustainable, and locally sourced.

• Pick up souvenirs at Bude Artisan Market (Fridays) or The Kitchen Front shop for enamelware gifts.

Late morning:

• Quick stop at Maer Cliff for a final panoramic view and fresh sea air before heading out.

Bude offers the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and authentic Cornish charm—ideal for a memorable short break. Whether you’re strolling along the peaceful canal, catching golden hour at Summerleaze Beach, discovering hidden coves like Welcombe Mouth, or sampling fresh seafood and local coffee, Bude effortlessly balances must-see attractions with off-the-beaten-track gems. Its compact layout makes it easy to explore on foot, while nearby beauty spots like Tamar Lakes and Maer Cliff offer space to breathe and unwind.

From historical landmarks like Bude Castle to wild coastal hikes along the South West Coast Path, there’s something here for every kind of traveller. And with a wide range of accommodation—from seafront hotels to self-catering cottages—plus great local dining, surf schools, and even a tidal sea pool, Bude punches well above its weight as a holiday destination.

Whether you're planning a solo retreat, a couple’s escape, or a family-friendly trip, this 4-day itinerary captures the best of what Bude has to offer.

Bookmark this article now so you can return when it’s time to plan your Cornish coastal adventure. Trust us—Bude is the kind of place you’ll want to keep coming back to.

About Us

cottages.com is your go-to destination for an extensive selection of memorable cottage holidays. With a wealth of experience spanning over 45 years, we boast a portfolio of over 20,000 holiday homes spread across the UK, catering to every budget. We're committed to maintaining a high standard of service to our customers by abiding by ABTA's Code of Conduct Our excellent Trustpilot rating reflects the high level of customer satisfaction we strive for. We believe in keeping things simple, so you can focus on making lasting memories with your loved ones from the moment you book with us.