Bude is a classic Cornish seaside town on the north coast, right by the Devon border. It has big surf beaches, a famous tidal sea pool, a historic canal and some of the most dramatic cliffs in Cornwall. Here are the best things to do in Bude, whatever the weather.

Top things to do in Bude

• Swim in Bude Sea Pool. A partly man-made tidal pool built into the rocks at Summerleaze Beach in the 1930s, refreshed by the sea at every high tide and free to use, though donations help keep it open.
• Summerleaze Beach. Bude’s main beach, right by the town, with golden sand, rock pools and lifeguards in season.
• Learn to surf. Bude has consistent Atlantic waves and plenty of surf schools at Summerleaze, Crooklets and Widemouth Bay. See our surfing history of Cornwall.
• Walk or cycle the Bude Canal. The flat towpath runs inland from the sea lock, past the marshes and wildlife, and is ideal for families and bikes. You can also hire rowing boats and pedalos on the canal.
• Visit Bude Castle Heritage Centre. Free to visit, it tells the story of Bude’s shipwrecks, canal and the inventor Sir Goldsworthy Gurney, who built the “castle”.
• Walk to Compass Point. A short clifftop walk from the canal brings you to the octagonal Storm Tower and wide views up and down the coast.

Best beaches in and near Bude

• Summerleaze: the town beach with the sea pool, cafés and parking.
• Crooklets: a popular surf beach just north of town.
• Widemouth Bay: a long, wide beach about 3 miles south, great for learning to surf.
• Sandymouth and Northcott Mouth: wild National Trust beaches with rocks and pools at low tide.
• Duckpool: a quiet pebble cove in a wooded valley.
• Crackington Haven: a dramatic cove about 10 miles south, surrounded by high cliffs.

Many of these beaches allow dogs out of season. See our guide to the best dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall.

Things to do in Bude when it rains

Try Bude Castle Heritage Centre, the shops and cafés along Belle Vue and Lansdown Road, indoor swimming at the leisure centre, or a drive along the coast to Boscastle. Glass lovers can visit Teylu Glass. For more ideas see fun things to do in Cornwall.

Events in Bude

Bude has a busy events calendar, from summer carnivals and festivals to the Christmas lights and a Christmas Day swim at Summerleaze. See our Christmas in Cornwall 2026 guide for festive events across the county.

Things to do near Bude

• Boscastle: a pretty harbour village with the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, about 30 minutes south.
• Tintagel Castle: the legendary birthplace of King Arthur, about 40 minutes south.
• Port Isaac, the fishing village from Doc Martin, about 45 minutes away.
• Padstow and the Camel Trail, about an hour south-west.
• 52 things to do in Cornwall for more ideas.

Where to stay in Bude

Bude has hotels overlooking the beaches, B&Bs, holiday parks and cottages in and around the town and Widemouth Bay. Aspect Holidays has self-catering cottages across north Cornwall. See our guide to where to stay in Cornwall.

Getting to Bude

Bude is on the A39 Atlantic Highway, about 30 minutes from the A30 at Launceston. There is no railway station in Bude; the nearest stations are Exeter and Okehampton in Devon and Bodmin Parkway in Cornwall, with bus links to the town.

Frequently asked questions

Is Bude worth visiting?

Yes. Bude has some of the best beaches in north Cornwall, a famous tidal sea pool, the Bude Canal, surf schools and dramatic coastal walks.

Is Bude Sea Pool free?

Bude Sea Pool is free to use. It is run by a charity, so donations are welcome to help keep it open.

What is the best beach in Bude?

Summerleaze is the most popular, with the sea pool and town facilities. Widemouth Bay is great for surfing and Sandymouth for a wilder walk on the sand.

Is Bude in Cornwall or Devon?

Bude is in Cornwall, a few miles from the Devon border on the north coast.

Does Bude have a train station?

No. The nearest railway stations are Exeter and Okehampton in Devon and Bodmin Parkway in Cornwall, with bus connections to Bude.