With predictions of an autumnal blast of hot weather coming from the Met Office, visitors to Bude can look forward to drinking in the beautiful scenery, discovering North Cornwall’s dramatic coastline, browsing Bude’s welcoming independent shops, and uncovering the intriguing history that made Bude a firm favourite with the pioneers of the beach holiday; the Victorians. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, an affordable break with your little ones, an escape with friends and relatives, or a dog-friendly stay, Bude has something for everyone, and here’s why…
1. Stunning beaches without the crowd
Whatever the season, the golden beaches at Bude are varied, and intriguing. Carved into in the rocks at Summerleaze Beach you’ll discover Bude Sea Pool, part-natural, part man-made, where the hardy, and adventurous take dips year-round.
Relatively new, it was created in the 1930s to provide an up-market alternative to Tommy’s Pit, built for male bathers in 1859, which can be found between Chapel Rock and Barrel Rock.
Whether you want to relax, seek adventure or entertain your pre-schoolers, you’ll find the perfect spot in this gem of a coastal escape. And, if you’re bringing the family pet, it’s heartening to know that the majority of local beaches allow dogs year-round. Many of those that do have restrictions lift these on 30th September – just in time for your autumn visit!
One of our favourite picks includes the wild and remote Duckpool Beach, which is situated at the bottom of the Coombe Valley in a peaceful cove. Large rockpools keep children (and adults!) busy searching for marine life, and stunning views can be discovered by climbing the cliff path.
2. Get the ultimate surf experience
Autumn is possibly the best season for surfing in Bude. The crowds have gone, the waters are often at their warmest, and the Atlantic Ocean promises perfect waves for intermediate surfers. There’s a healthy selection of surfing spots for you to choose from including Sandymouth Bay, Crooklets Beach, Summerleaze Beach, and Widemouth Bay. And there’s a good range of group and private surf lesson providers to help you build your confidence with the pros.
3. Catch the end of the Bude Farmers’ and Craft Markets
Every Friday until the end of September, you can stroll through the delights of the local Farmers’ Market where you’ll discover a bounty of local produce, alongside a wonderful artisan makers’ market. Take your pick from high-quality hand-crafted items, ornaments, gin, toys, locally grown foods, even plants.
Situated on the Green on the Lower Wharf alongside the canal, the market stalls can be found in front of the historic local workshops, home to Kernow Fleece, Wharf Woodcraft, The Kitchen Front, and Three B’s of Bude.
For more information click here.
4. Independent shops to indulge
Bude is filled with a host of quirky, independent shops that offer a fantastic variety of chic items to buy. Here you’ll discover one-off gifts, unique art, clothing for both land and sea, must-read books, delicious food, and so much more. Plus, as many of Bude’s shops take an eco-friendly, sustainable approach to business, you can shop without a conscience.
5. Feed your appetite!
With so much to explore and enjoy in and around Bude, knowing where to stop and refuel is a must. Whether you’re looking for a refreshment, a local pint, a light bite, or a hearty meal, there’s plenty of choice on the menu. Particular favourites include The Beach at Bude, and Sea Fever. If you’re after fine dining Potters, and Temple, can be found in the Michelin Guide.
There’s good news if you choose to eat gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan alternatives too, as Bude is switched on to embracing all dietary needs and preferences, ensuring that no one goes hungry.
If you’re in the mood for a hot drink and scrumptious cake you’ll be hard pressed to better Bude’s Electric Bakery. If you fancy classic fish and chips The Mermaid in Princes Street comes highly recommended. Whatever your taste, Bude has it all – from cafés and pubs to restaurants, tea rooms, and bars.
But that’s not all. For a fine field-to-fork foodie experience take a walk along the Bude canal where you’ll discover The Wier Restaurant at Whalesborough luxury farm resort. From breakfast to lunch, afternoon tea to dinner, you’ll find a friendly and relaxing atmosphere with beautiful views out over the tranquil lake, the winding River Neet, mature woodland, and the farm’s rolling countryside and pastures.
Here you’ll discover marvellous meals featuring only the freshest ingredients and highest-quality, locally sourced produce, including amazing beef and lamb raised on the fields of Whalesborough’s very own farm; this is field-to-fork dining as it’s meant to be. To find out more click here.
Where to stay? Award-winning Bude holiday homes and eco-villas to buy
Why not make your autumn trip to Bude even better by staying at one of Whalesborough’s luxury holiday cottages, located amongst 450 acres of rolling Cornish countryside that runs down to the sea. Here you can relax in style, experience amazing spa treatments, take in miles of coastal, countryside or canal walks, and indulge in the luxury of the on-site heated indoor pool, swim-in spa, sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi.
And, if you’ve ever toyed with the idea of having your own glorious corner of Cornwall, why not take up a try before you buy break?
Whalesborough has six luxury holiday villas that are freshly available to buy, ready for Spring 2024. You can stay for a weekend, week, or even longer, and if you go on to buy one of the gorgeous villas, you’ll get your money back on your break, in full! Could there be any better reason to book a break this Autumn?
To book a plot viewing with Whalesborough’s Head of Sales, Lee Lewis, or to arrange a try before you buy break, please call 01288 361 940.