Bude campsites

Based in North Cornwall, the seaside town of Bude provides the perfect break, with buckets of Cornish charm. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, wide, sandy beaches, stunning scenery and friendly, independent cafes and pubs. Soak up sunset views over the Atlantic and enjoy a slower pace of life at this Cornish coastal escape.

At the top of the list for many visitors here are the stunning beaches, all within easy reach of the town. From golden sands to sheltered coves, Bude is famous for its clear waters and consistent waves. The wide, sandy Summerleaze Beach is a top pick for families and is home to the iconic Bude Sea Pool, a semi-natural tidal pool right on the beach, perfect for safe swimming. The Rivers Neet & Strat also flow over the beach here and into the sea. A favourite with local surfers, Crooklets Beach has reliable waves and joins with Summerleaze Beach at low tide, creating a long stretch of sand right in the town centre. It’s a top choice for rockpooling too! Or, for one of the largest beaches in Cornwall, Widemouth Bay is perfect for long beach walks, surf lessons and other watersports. Quieter beaches include Northcott Mouth and Duckpool Beach, both known for their more rugged, natural locations, and don’t miss a visit to the wild Millook Haven for a glimpse at its famous folded rock.

Unsurprisingly, given its location, Bude is a top spot for watersports. As well as surfing, with many surf schools in the area, there’s bodyboarding and bodysurfing available, and you can even try a spot of Beach Yoga. Hire a boat and take to the water at a gentler pace at Bude Rowing, or join a sea fishing or sightseeing trip on the waves. For a big adventure, coasteering is a must-do here, with North Cornwall being one of the best coasteering destinations in the UK. Explore sea caves, jump from rocks, and scramble along the cliffs, all under the watchful eye of a trained guide. Paddle boarding, kayaking and canoeing are also available on the beaches for more confident swimmers, or visit the calmer waters in Tamar Lakes Country Park or Bude Canal for those trying it for the first time.

The canal also offers adventures on drier land, with a canal-side walk taking you through the town towards Summerleaze Beach. The route is dotted with cafes, glass studios and regular farmers’ markets, perfect for a leisurely stroll. You can also join The South West Coast Path from the canal for a longer walk out on the cliff tops for some stunning seaside views. For more coastal walks, try the Crooklets Beach to Sandymouth Beach walk or the Widemouth Bay to Bude circular walk, both offering amazing views and fresh sea air. Or for a peaceful moment inland, the Bude Marshes Nature Reserve is the perfect place to spot some local birds or wildlife, such as otters. Bude is also a great base for cyclists, with The Cornish Way easily accessible, as well as The North Cornwall Trail. For an outdoor adventure slightly further afield, the magical St Nectan’s Glen is well worth a visit, with green spaces, mystical waterfalls and woodland trails to explore. 

For a glimpse into the history of the area, take a trip to The Castle Bude and Heritage Centre, with interactive exhibits and a collection of fossils, as well as stories about local shipwrecks, the history of the canal and maritime history. More local history and historical maps can be found at Bude Visitor Centre too, and don’t miss a trip to the Cornwall at War Museum to learn about wartime and military history in Cornwall. To see a town preserved in the past, a visit to Clovelly, a historic fishing village, is a must-do. Take in the traditional cottages, walk the cobbled streets and wander around the harbour that feels like a step back in time. 

Bude isn’t short of family fun either, with The Milky Way Adventure Park and The Big Sheep Farm and Theme Park close by, both sure to be a big hit with the little ones. There are many playgrounds to be found in and around the beaches, too, including a pirate ship to explore! On sunny days, don’t miss a thrill on Bude Monster Slip and Slide or the chance to discover outdoor activities at Budehaven Recreation Ground, offering crazy golf, a putting green, tennis courts and table tennis. If the weather isn’t on your side, catch a film at Rebel Cinema, or visit Trethorne Leisure Park, with an adventure zone with softplay, bowling, dodgems and an arcade.

After all those adventures, you’ll need to fill those hungry bellies, and you’ll be spoilt for choice here! Bude is known for its fresh seafood, in particular Bude Bay crab, mackerel and fish and chips. For a treat, don’t miss a taste of some locally made ice cream and fudge or delicious Cornish fairings biscuits. Cream teas are also famous here with local clotted cream (remember to put the jam on first!), and of course, no trip to Cornwall would be complete without a Cornish Pasty. There’s a real independent cafe culture here, with locally roasted coffee served at one of the many relaxed eateries dotted around the town. For those looking for something a little stronger, try a locally produced ale from Bude Brewery, some local cider such as Rattler or Haywood Farm, and small batch Cornish gin. 

Whether you’re visiting to explore the outdoors, for family fun or for a slower pace of life, Bude delivers it all, without the busier crowds of some of Cornwall’s other top spots. Bring your bucket and spade and a sense of adventure for an unforgettable break by the sea in this relaxed coastal town.