Discover Bude: beach, canal and heritage

In Bude, you can plan your stay around different themes: the coast, waterways and local history. The places featured include Crooklets Beach and Summerleaze Beach, the Bude Canal and Bude Marshes, as well as the Castle Heritage Centre. Activities range from exploring the rocks and water sports to walks and exhibitions.

Beach and water

Crooklets Beach on the north coast of Cornwall has a wide stretch of golden sand that is exposed at low tide. The rocky outcrops are suitable for collecting and observing creatures that live among the rocks. The beach therefore offers both a stretch of sand and a specific reason to turn your attention to the rocks. Facilities include a large car park, step-free access with a viewing point, a playground, a skate park, a beach café and showers.

At Summerleaze Beach, the Bude Sea Pool is set among the rocks. The pool, which is partly natural and partly man-made, is approximately 91 metres long and 45 metres wide. Surfing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are also available at Summerleaze Beach. Alongside exploring and observing at Crooklets, you can therefore choose a swimming pool and water sports as specific coastal activities.

Canal and Bude Marshes

The Bude Canal was completed in its revised 19th-century form in 1825. It included two miles of navigable canal for cargo barges from Bude to Helebridge. It was also the first canal in the United Kingdom to use water-powered inclined planes for tub boats. The canal’s history therefore encompasses both the transport of goods and this distinctive engineering solution.

For walks, the towpath provides a route of its own: it is level and surfaced, runs for 2.5 miles from the harbour area to Helebridge, and passes two working inland locks. The two miles refer to the navigable canal for cargo barges, while the 2.5 miles refer to the towpath. These figures therefore describe different routes. Fishing, kayaking and leisurely walks along an accessible towpath and signposted trails are available at the Bude Canal and Bude Marshes.

Bude Marshes Nature Reserve was designated in 1983. Since its expansion in 1999, it has covered 9.2 hectares. The area consists mainly of reed beds, wet grassland and willow scrub. Together with the activities mentioned, these habitats provide a distinct focus on nature and landscape during your time in Bude.

Heritage and visit planning

The Castle Heritage Centre is a free-to-enter, Grade II listed heritage centre in Bude. It shares stories about the people and events that have shaped Bude and the surrounding area. Its galleries feature a changing programme of exhibitions, so the content may vary.

The Castle Heritage Centre is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 4 pm. Last admission is at 3:45 pm; the café closes at 3 pm. Opening times may vary on UK bank holidays and during special events. Check the opening times for the day you plan to visit, especially if you want to arrive for last admission or visit the café.

Discover more destinations: St Agnes, Antony, Mawnan Smith, Wendron, Launceston, Ludgvan, Lelant, Looe

For the overview of the wider region: Cornwall.