Bude is ideally located for those who want to explore Cornwall and North Devon.
Just a few miles south are the Historic Harbour villages of
Boscastle
and
Tintagle (with its legends of King Arthur). Fans of Doc Martin
can see many of the locations used in the series at Port Isaac only 20 minutes south of Bude.
Go North into Devon and you will find unspoilt and rugged coastline with beautiful villages such as
Clovelly. For walkers there are many coastal walks as well more rugged terrain on
Bodmin and
Dartmoor. If you seek a culinary treat why not head
to
Padstow, home to TV Chef Rick Stein’s now famous fish restaurant (book early)
and for those seeking a special day out there are boat and helicopter trips to
Lundy Island.
Bird Watching
On the opposite side of the canal is a bird watching hide, which overlooks the
nature reserve. There are also managed reserves further inland.
www.swlakestrust.org.uk
Boating
Bude canal is perfect for canoes and kayaks and if our boat is too small to accommodate
your whole party there is boat hire available on the canal during most school and
public holidays.
Cycling and Walking
- The coast path is great for walkers and a nice challenge for runners.
- Those looking for a more level walk will enjoy the canal towpath, which
stretches for approx 2 miles. If you follow this to where it currently
stops at the A39 there is a café offering light refreshments. Alternatively
you can branch off across the Nature reserve towards the river and back
towards Bude or look for one or two footpaths across the fields and go
exploring further away.
- There are various length walks which are documented in the Tourist information
guides, some local and some further afield. These guides can be purchased
for small fee.
- 1hrs drive away is the Camal trail which runs between Bodmin and Padstow,
good for walking and cycling.
- On the opposite bank of the canal is a cycling path which takes you along
the tow path and over the river into town.
Eating and Evening Entertainment
In addition to the many pubs, bars and restaurants in the town you will also
find a nightclub and amusement arcade.
Fishing
Coarse fishing is permitted on Bude Canal (Closed season 1st April to 31st May).
The canal is stocked with carp, tench, rudd, perch and bream. Permits may be
obtained from the Bailiff who patrols the canal bank.
Golf
Bude has an 18 hole course at the top of the town. The course welcomes visitors
and has special offers throughout the year. See
www.budegolf.co.uk
For the less experienced or more casual golfer there is a 9 hole course at
Ivy leaf, just outside Bude. See
www.ivyleafgolf.com
Indoor Leisure
Bude’s Harlequin Centre next to the swimming pool has a bowling alley and bar.
Most nights you can purchase light snacks and meals. There is also a very
large indoor ball park for children.
Horse Riding
The nearest riding stables are a few minutes walk from our home at
www.efforddown.co.uk.
Less than an hour’s drive away you will also find good riding stables on Dartmoor.
Mini Golf and Tennis
There are municipal Tennis courts and mini golf near to Summerleaze beach; it is
often possible to just turn up, pay and play.
Museum
For those interested in finding out about Bude’s history, there is a small well
stocked museum a short walk from The Old Laundry on the upper canal wharf by Summerleaze beach.
Swimming
There is a large sea pool on Summerleaze beach but for less hardy souls there is
Bude Leisure pool with waves and tube.
Surfing
Surfing is a very popular in Cornwall and you are likely to see surfers in the
water all year round. The less experienced surfer can try body boarding. Boards
are cheap to buy and fun to use. It is also possible to get inexpensive wet suits.
There are several shops in Town and on the beach selling boards and wet suits, and
companies offering surfing lessons. For further information try:-
www.bigbluesurfschool.co.uk
www.ravensurf.co.uk
www.surfspot.co.uk
www.a1surf.com
Tourist Information
Bude has a large Tourist Information Centre situated across the canal from The Old Laundry. Here guests will find information on Cornwall and Devon’s many attractions. We also have a number of leaflets in the house for your reference.
