North Cornwall coast at Widemouth Bay

Exploring Cornwall · The Coast

Miles of breathtaking coast,
right on your doorstep.

The North Cornwall Coastline offers some of the finest beaches, coastal paths and hidden coves in the UK. Whalesborough sits in the middle of all of it.

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Nearby Beaches

The finest beaches in North Cornwall

Widemouth Beach — North Cornwall

Widemouth Bay

6 min

A wide, sweeping bay beloved by surfers and families alike. Surf schools operate here throughout the season. Dogs welcome all year. One of the most accessible great beaches from Whalesborough.

Summerleaze Beach — North Cornwall

Summerleaze Beach

Bude Town

Bude's main beach, home to its legendary tidal seawater swimming pool — one of the few remaining in Britain. Surf waves, golden sand, and easy access to Bude town. A genuine Cornish classic.

Crooklets Beach — North Cornwall

Crooklets Beach

3 miles

Blue Flag awarded beach just north of Summerleaze. Lifeguards during the season, surf hire, rock pools, and a slightly more sheltered feel than the main bay. Excellent for families.

South West Coast Path — North Cornwall

Millook Haven

10+ min

Dogs welcome all year. Usually quiet thanks to limited parking and no facilities — dramatic cliffs, large pebbles, and genuine wildness. A favourite for those who want to feel like they've discovered something.

Walking

Coastal paths from the doorstep

South West Coast Path

A few miles away

The 630-mile trail from Dorset to Somerset passes close by. The North Cornwall section is among the most dramatic — hidden coves, rare wildlife, and cliff-top views that stay with you.

Hartland Heritage Coast

5 miles away

This 60-mile coastal route features stunning scenery, rare wildlife, historic shipwrecks, sandy beaches, and quaint fishing villages. The Heritage Coast Exhibition is based in Bude's visitor centre.

Whalesborough Estate Trail

On-site · 5km to Widemouth

Walk directly from your cottage door across the estate to Widemouth Bay — approximately 5km. A beautiful route through Cornish countryside that means you can arrive at the beach on foot with a picnic.

Water Activities

More than just sunbathing

The North Cornwall Coast is one of the best surf destinations in Britain. Free Wave Surf Academy, partnered with Whalesborough, runs lessons for all abilities at Widemouth Bay. Sea kayaking, canoeing on the Bude Canal, and open-water swimming at Summerleaze tidal pool are all within easy reach.

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Surf lessons

Via Free Wave Surf Academy at Widemouth Bay — all abilities, all ages

Sea kayaking & canoeing

Bude Canoe Experience — "breathtaking scenery and rare wildlife for all the family"

Fishing

Onsite coarse fishing lake plus sea fishing from the rocks at local beaches

More to Explore

Family Days Out

Attractions, theme parks, and days out across Cornwall

Days with Your Dog

Dog-friendly beaches, pubs and walks nearby

Dog Walks at Whalesborough

Walking routes across the estate and beyond

Full Local Area Guide

Beaches, walks, eat & drink — everything near the resort in one place