Get to know Bude from different perspectives: its coast of sandy shores and rocks, its historic canal, a wetland and its local history.
Beaches and seawater
At low tide, a broad stretch of golden sand is exposed at Crooklets Beach. Rocky outcrops are ideal for looking for and observing the creatures that live among the rocks. The beach has a large car park, step-free access with a viewing point, a playground, a skate park, a beach café and showers.
Set among the rocks at Summerleaze Beach is the Bude Sea Pool, a swimming pool that is partly natural and partly man-made. It is approximately 91 metres long and 45 metres wide; these measurements should be taken as approximate. Surfing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are also possible at Summerleaze Beach. The Sea Pool and these activities offer different ways to enjoy the water at this beach.
Bude Canal: water engineering history and towpath
The version of Bude Canal revised in the 19th century was completed in 1825. It included two miles of navigable canal for tub boats from Bude to Helebridge. One technical first in its history: Bude Canal was the first canal in the United Kingdom to use water-powered tub boat incline lifts.
A level, surfaced towpath runs for 2.5 miles along the canal, from the harbour area to Helebridge; along the way, it passes two working inland locks. The two miles of navigable canal and the 2.5 miles of towpath therefore refer to different features. Fishing, kayaking and leisurely walks are possible at Bude Canal and in Bude Marshes. Walkers can use the accessible towpath as well as signed walking trails.
Nature in Bude Marshes nature reserve
Bude Marshes nature reserve was designated in 1983 and expanded in 1999. Since the expansion, it has covered 9.2 hectares. The landscape consists mainly of reed beds, wet grassland and willow scrub. These habitats give the reserve a different character from the open sandy beach and coastal rocks. If you enjoy walking in Bude, you can include the signed walking trails in your plans alongside the towpath.
Stories and exhibitions at the Castle Heritage Centre
The Castle Heritage Centre is a Grade II listed heritage centre in Bude; admission is free. It shares stories about the people and events that have shaped Bude and the surrounding area. Its galleries host a changing programme of exhibitions. If you would like to see a particular exhibition, check what is currently on display before you visit.
The centre is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Last admission is at 3:45pm, and the café closes at 3pm. Hours may vary during special events and on public holidays, so check them before your visit. This lets you plan around your own interests in beaches, waterways, nature and heritage, without having to squeeze every stop into a single itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Portreath, Wendron, St Germans, Saint Just in Roseland, Torpoint, Duloe, Blisland, Lanlivery.
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