A weekend in Bude

Surf beaches, a tidal sea pool and a canal on the north Cornwall coast

Independent UK guide
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Updated October 2026

Bude is a laid-back seaside town on the far north coast of Cornwall, with big Atlantic beaches, a tidal sea pool and a historic canal. It has a relaxed surf-town feel and is much quieter than Newquay.

Cliffs, caves and rock pools line the coast, and the South West Coast Path leads in both directions.

Best forBeach days, Families, Dog owners, Walkers

Best time to goMay to September for the beaches and sea pool. Autumn and winter suit big-wave watching and coast walks.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£320–£560, excluding travel

Getting thereExeter: About 1 hour 15 minutes by car.

Check prices for a weekend in Bude

Plan your weekend in Bude

Top attractions in Bude

Summerleaze Beach and the Sea Pool

A big sandy beach with a large tidal pool, popular with families.

The Bude Canal

A historic canal running inland from the sea lock, with a pleasant towpath walk.

Compass Point

A hilltop viewpoint with an octagonal tower and sweeping coastal views.

Crooklets and Sandy Mouth

Neighbouring beaches, ideal for surfing and rock pools.

The coast path

Dramatic cliffs lead north to Morwenstow and south towards Boscastle.

Best things to do in Bude

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

Surf lesson at Newquay

Newquay is the best-known surfing town in England, and Fistral Beach hosts big surf events. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.

Camel Trail cycling

The Camel Trail is a flat, traffic-free path along a former railway line beside the Camel Estuary, running from Padstow to Wadebridge and on towards Bodmin. Allow 2 to 4 hours.

Tintagel Castle visit

Tintagel Castle is a ruined fortress on a dramatic Cornish headland, linked by legend with King Arthur. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.

Best areas to stay in Bude

Near Summerleaze

Close to the sea pool and town.

Crooklets

A more laid-back surf area with beach views.

Poughill or Stratton

Rural villages inland with cottages.

Best hotels in Bude

Prices for a double room in Bude typically fall around £90–£150 a night in this price band. Guesthouses and B&Bs are usually the best value, while boutique hotels and inns with rooms suit a treat. Read recent guest reviews and use the filters on the booking sites for the things that matter to you.

Compare places to stay in Bude

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. For dog-friendly or quiet stays, use the pet and review filters. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit Bude

May to September for the beaches and sea pool. Autumn and winter suit big-wave watching and coast walks.

Seasons that suit Bude well: summer, spring, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in Bude

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£90–£150
Food and drink, per day for two	£55–£85
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£320–£560

Mid-range destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to Bude

From Exeter: About 1 hour 15 minutes by car.
From Bristol: About 2 hours 45 minutes by car.
From London: About 4 hours 45 minutes by car. There is no railway station.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in Bude

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in Near Summerleaze.
Saturday: Start with Summerleaze Beach and the Sea Pool, then The Bude Canal. In the afternoon, head to Compass Point.
Sunday: Visit Crooklets and Sandy Mouth or The coast path, then head home.

Packing list for Bude

Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.

More kit guides: Beach and coast gear Wild swimming gear Walking gear

Good to know

Strong currents and big surf make swimming only safe between the lifeguard flags.
Check tide times for the sea pool and beaches.
Parking by the beaches is busy in summer.