What to do and see in Bude, England: The Best Free Things to do

July 23, 2021 Emerita Lamoureux

Bude (/bjuːd/; Cornish: Porthbud) is a small seaside resort town in north Cornwall, England, UK, in the civil parish of Bude-Stratton and at the mouth of the River Neet (also known locally as the River Strat). It is sometimes formerly known as Bude Haven. It lies southwest of Stratton, south of Flexbury and Poughill, and north of Widemouth Bay and is located along the A3073 road off the A39. Bude is twinned with Ergué-Gabéric in Brittany, France. Bude's coast faces Bude Bay in the Celtic Sea, part of the Atlantic Ocean. The population of the civil parish can be found under Bude-Stratton.
Restaurants in Bude

1. The Gildhouse, Poundstock

St. Winwaloe Church, Bude EX23 0AX England http://www.poundstockgildhouse.co.uk
Excellent
81%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 32 reviews

The Gildhouse, Poundstock

The Gildhouse is a fully restored Tudor Gildhouse, c. 1540, Open on Wednesdays from 10 am - 4pm from Easter until the end of October. Free admission, guided tours etc plus a full education programme for schools, history groups and WIs etc.

2. Banfords

20 Lansdown Road, Bude EX23 8BH England +44 1288 359385 http://www.banfords.com
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 12 reviews

Banfords

Reviewed By ThatGirlWhoReviews - Northampton, United Kingdom

I'm so glad this shop has TripAdvisor as it was actually my favourite gift shop in the whole of Bude. It had a sense of quirkiness about it that made it very memorable. The shop is kind of divided into two halves. I did lots of my holiday gift shopping in here- there was lots of Bude Souvenirs - found the lucky Pasties quite funny and cute! I Was impressed by the large Bomb Cosmetics stand in store and was particularly impressed that they stocked my favourite bomb cosmetics soap sponges (they are so hard to find in shops!) so I made sure I stocked up whilst I was there! Lots of lovely soapy gifts alongside the bomb cosmetics and candles as well as incense sticks and cones and seaside-themed decorations and trinkets, toys- there was literally every gift you could think of! Will definately come again when I return to Bude! Such a lovely shop!

3. Walk Bude - Coastal & Canal

Falcon Hotel, Bude, Bude EX23 8LG England +44 1752 896237 http://www.bude-canal.co.uk
Excellent
80%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 257 reviews

Walk Bude - Coastal & Canal

Reviewed By anthonymF8433TD

We have hundreds of miles of canal back in the north west and walk them regularly.Today we have been for cream tea on the barge cafe,weight watchers is closed so we have to walk it off.This is a sea end canal,which is something you don't see everyday,the canal do's actually finish in the atlantic.Perfectly flat towpath,well maintained with some interesting sculptures along the way.We walked from town centre to beyond the first long bend,It probably took about half an hour.The wetland that runs parallel is alive with birds and ducks and has a hide for viewing.Plenty of people taking time away from covid to stroll,slowly along ,a little nod hello or a small smile can be a cure to some people and a winding canal is perfect on a cold day to blow away the cobwebs,There is also plenty of history to read about in the town section.This is a really pleasant nature walk,we saw herons asleep and stalking,fish topped a couple of times and a peregrine went home hungry,this is a well cared for place free of litter and unlike back home,no shopping trolley or moped below the surface.I did not pack any fishing gear as all we wanted was some time together after working through this pandemic and to walk and explore.But inside I was seething as we walked along there were four guys sitting on the far bank fishing,I am far to mature to be jealous,but shouldn't they be at work

4. Maer Cliff, Bude - South West Coast Path walk

Northcott Mouth Beach, Bude EX23 9ED England +44 1392 383560 [email protected] http://www.southwestcoastpath.com/walksdb/687/
Excellent
87%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 39 reviews

Maer Cliff, Bude - South West Coast Path walk

A 2.1 mile leisurely amble on the South West Coast Path over Maer Down between two sandy beaches, on good paths with fine sea views over the rocky reefs and offshore islets. The cliffs are of geological importance and the nearby nature reserve is internationally recognised as as an important resting and feeding site for migratory birds blown in by fierce Atlantic gales.

5. The Barrel

36 Lansdown Road, Bude EX23 8BN England +44 1288 356113 https://www.facebook.com/pg/thebarrelatbude/
Excellent
92%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 62 reviews

The Barrel

Reviewed By johD5060FP

Had an amazing night in the secret room at The Barrel. It was a surprise birthday treat which started off with the whole pub singing Happy Birthday and then being whisked off to our own special little space, cleverly decorated to give the illusion of...no better not say, in case it spoils it for any one else! But impressive to say the least. The local craft gin tasting experience had been pre-booked and our excellent host expertly advised us on tonic pairings and kept us regularly topped up with fresh ice. The whole evening was fantastic and can thoroughly recommend booking the secret room for a special occasion or just because!

6. Wildwood

28-30 Lansdown Road, Bude EX23 8BN England +44 1288 353000 https://www.facebook.com/wildwoodcornwall/
Excellent
87%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 15 reviews

Wildwood

Wildwood Cornwall is a unique cultural shopping experience hidden within a 19th Century cottage in the coastal town of Bude. Established in 2000 we specialise in fairtrade and eco-friendly products to provide an eclectic range of homewares, jewellery, gifts, clothing, furniture and furnishings. We are often referred to as an Aladdin's cave

Reviewed By louisac302

Such an Aladdin's cave. Treats and surprises around every corner. Always something special and unique. Every town should have a Wildwood

7. Sandymouth Beach

Qo heaa, Stibb, Bude England
Excellent
67%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 509 reviews

Sandymouth Beach

Reviewed By deboraha466 - London, United Kingdom

We went on a gorgeous January day, blue skies and at low tide we could go miles along the sandy beach - though we were glad we were all in walking wellies as we would have got a bit wet in places without them. We walked back along the cliffs - which is part of the 600 mile South West Coast path - and had some lovely panoramic views on the way. A good coffee cake and a cappucino rounded off the morning nicely.

8. Bude Tourist Information Centre

The Crescent, Bude EX23 8LE England +44 1288 354240 [email protected] http://www.visitbude.info/
Excellent
70%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 160 reviews

Bude Tourist Information Centre

Whatever you are looking for on your visit to Bude, our Tourist Information Centre is an excellent first stop. Our friendly staff and many resources can help you get more from your trip, while we also sell both refreshments and a range of books and gifts. Located on The Crescent, with easy parking right next to the town centre and beaches, Bude TIC has a wide range of services and goods to offer, including: Books, guides, maps and leaflets detailing local walks, history and more. Gifts, souvenirs and Cornish confectionery. Local artwork and heritage exhibits. All the information you need on local attractions, day trips and transport. Bookings taken for local guided walks and tours. Local event listings and discount vouchers Most importantly, free accommodation bookings.

Reviewed By tonysK4638JG - Pembroke, United Kingdom

Thanks to the ladies working their sunday to help us tourist. Happy smiles good knowledge and ready with a laugh

9. Bude Sea Pool

Summerleaze Beach, Bude England +44 1288 488118 http://www.budeseapool.org
Excellent
77%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,008 reviews

Bude Sea Pool

Bude Sea Pool is a part-natural, partially man-made tidal swimming pool on the beach at this popular seaside town in North Cornwall. It was built in the 1930s under the cliffs of Summerleaze Beach to provide safe bathing in sea water, but away from the dangerous Atlantic currents in the bay. Measuring around 91m by 45m, it is topped up at high tide by the Atlantic Ocean. Since 2012 it has been managed by the Friends of Bude Sea Pool, a not-for-profit charity that took over the facility when public funding was withdrawn. The spacious Pool provides plenty of room for paddling or serious swimming: inflatables, snorkels, surfboards and even scuba divers are welcome - just be considerate of other users, please. Bude Sea Pool is open throughout the year and is FREE for all to enjoy. Children must be accompanied at Bude Sea Pool at all times. Swimming in the Pool is FREE but there are donation boxes at the Pool if you enjoy your splash and want to help us maintain this wonderful facility.

Reviewed By moley666

We were finally able to travel to Bude in July this year. I had been dreaming about swimming in the sea pool throughout lockdown! So wonderful to be back in the water. Lovely shallow area to test out the temperature and then just delicious salt water swimming. Can’t wait to be back to visit again.

10. Crooklets Beach

Bude England
Excellent
63%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 395 reviews

Crooklets Beach

Reviewed By lexnov82 - Nottingham, United Kingdom

Great surf; lots of rock pools to explore; perfect sandcastle building sand; excellent beachside grub; very big and reasonabley priced carpark; relaxed and laid back atmosphere.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.