Bude

For other places with the same name, see Bude (disambiguation).

Bude (Cornish: Porthbud) is a fishing village and holiday resort in North Cornwall on the coast at the mouth of the River Neet (also known locally as the River Strat).

Get in

Bude Beach

See

• The cliffs. Bude is the only part of the Cornish coast that is made of sandstone cliffs; starting from Hartland point (over the border in Devon), passing Bude and terminating just north of Boscastle (where the harder old Devonian slate cliffs becomes apparent), the carboniferous sandstone cliffs are the highest in Cornwall (the highest cliff in Cornwall is south of Bude, the 735 ft uninspiringly named "high cliff"). 
• The beach Bude has an award winning long and deep sandy beach with excellent surf that provides some of the best surfing action in the U.K.
• 1 Hawker's Hut, Morwenstow, near Bude, EX23 9SR. The smallest National Trust property. (updated Jun 2024)

Do

Bude and North Cornwall are known for great surfing on beaches such as Widemouth Bay (1 mile of golden sand and surf), Summerleaze and Crooklets. Sandy Mouth and Crackington Haven are just a short drive away. All these beaches have lifeguards during the summer months. Summerleaze Beach also has a tidal 90m seapool, one of only a few in the country.

There are several dog-friendly beaches: Widemouth Bay South Beach, Summerleaze in Bude and the rugged, uncommercialised beaches of Northcott Mouth, Sandy Mouth and Duckpool.

Eat

• 1 Atlantic Diner, 5 Belle Vue, EX23 8JL. Great food with giant portions of it for quite cheap! Very friendly atmosphere as well. 
• Life's a Beach is the bistro at The Beach Hotel, see Sleep. It's open M-Sa 10AM-8PM, Su 10AM-5PM.
• 2 Elements, Marine Drive, EX23 0LZ, ☏ +44 1288 352386, info@elements-life.co.uk. The place to be seen. Great location near cliffs between Bude and Widemouth Bay. Quality food. 
• 3 Bay View Inn, Marine Drive, EX23 0AW, ☏ +44 1288 361273, reservations@bayviewinn.co.uk. Open all day. Stunning views over Widemouth Bay and the ocean. 
• 4 The Falcon Hotel, Breakwater Road, EX23 8SD (by Bude Canal), ☏ +44 1288 352005, bookings@falconhotel.com. Wholesome food, bar meals or in the restaurant. 
• Wainhouse Inn. The local Cornish pub, good menu. 
• The Countryman (on Bude-Launceston road). Popular pub food. 
• Port William Inn. Great food and spectacular scenery. 

Drink

• 1 The Carriers Inn, The Strand, ☏ +44 1288 352459. A traditional and vibrant drinking establishment in the heart of Bude. The snakebite blacks are recommended. 

Sleep

• 1 The Beach (formerly Summerleaze Court), 16 Summerleaze Cres, Bude EX23 8HJ, ☏ +44 1288 389800, enquiries@thebeachatbude.co.uk. They're aiming for a New England boardwalk style, the climate sometimes cooperates. Stylish accommodation with upscale bistro dining. B&B from £130. (updated Jul 2020)
• Hele Barton Luxury Farm Cottages, 6 miles south of Bude, 2 miles from coast and beaches, ☏ +44 1288 341622. Secluded farm cottages offering luxury self-catering accommodation surrounded by meadows, woods, fishing lakes and ponds. 2 miles from the Coast. The cottages are set in a stunning setting, with spectacular views of the rolling countryside stretching as far as the eye can see to the high cliffs of Bude and Lundy Island beyond. There are 6 cottages sleeping from 2 to 6 people (plus travel cots). 
• Budemeadows Touring Park, Widemouth Bay (4 miles south of Bude off the main A39), ☏ +44 1288 361646. Family orientated touring park for camping, touring caravans and motorhomes. With heated outdoor pool, licensed bar (Grumpy Pete's), shop and takeaway open in the summer months. The site is open all year. 
• 2 Stratton Gardens, Cot Hill, Stratton, ☏ +44 1288 352500, info@stratton-gardens.co.uk. A refurbished 16th-century guest house and gardens. Five rooms, all en-suite, free Wi-Fi, breakfast included, served daily 8:30AM-9:30AM. Lounge with licensed bar, hosts Liz & Jan. £76-£89. 

Go next

Bude lies just off the A39 which provides links to towns and attractions in the North of Devon. Barnstaple, Bideford and Tiverton are all within an hour's drive of Bude.

Routes through Bude

Wadebridge ← Boscastle (via B3263) ←

SW  NE

→ Clovelly → Bideford