Pictures of Bude

About Bude

Backed in parts by grassy downs, the wide sandy sweep of Bude Bay with creamy waves flowing in endless procession from the Atlantic make this a perfect summer place for surfers. Set on the spectacular Cornish Heritage Coast with numerous coves and sandy beaches, the area offers one of the finest surfing destinations in England. Widemouth Sand, beneath Pehalt Cliff is a much used spot and for those who do not have their own, just as on most of Bude Bay, there are surfboards for hire.

Here, the splendour of the coast meets the countryside, enfolding many picturesque places .Duckpool, lying to the north of Bude has a pretty stream flowing in from the lush greenery of the beautiful Coombe Valley. Interestingly, the stream is crossed by an ancient bridge with a stone telling us that King William IV made a contribution of £20 towards its construction. At Steeple Point, a sandy, shingle backed beach is guarded by towering cliffs. The woodlands of Coombe Valley offer sanctuary to birds and small mammals, nature trails take you through a wonderland of magnificent trees, shrubs and plant-life. Coombe is a delightful little hamlet where you can see a disused watermill from the 19th-century.


Visitors flock to Bude in droves for this is an area which offers so much variety that you will be quite spoilt for choice. Sandy Mouth has a rock scattered beach were a receding tide leaves interesting rock pools, it also has huge jagged pinnicles rising majestically like the ruins of some ancient castle. Away from the coast, the area has its share of history - the historic village of Stratton just a short distance from Bude, was a scene of battle in the turbulent days of the Civil War. Every May, the battle is re-enacted by members of the Sealed Knot. Whatever you choose to do, in Bude there is something of interest for every member of the family - there are friendly inns, restaurants, beach-side cafe's and visitor attractions to suit all tastes.

Places to visit include: the museum at Hartland Quay, the Nature Reserve at Mead, historic Stratton, enjoy a walk along the South West Coastal Path, or take a sea fishing trip.