Bude is a popular seaside town on the north coast of Cornwall, situated close to the Devon border and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The town developed from a small coastal settlement into a Victorian resort as tourism and improved transport brought visitors to its beaches and dramatic coastline. The historic Bude Canal and harbour reflect the area's former role in transporting goods from the coast into the surrounding countryside. Today Bude is one of the most important holiday destinations in north Cornwall, known for its beaches, surfing and outdoor activities.
Bude: Historical sights and information
Facts about Bude
- Latitude:
- 50.831792
- Longitude:
- -4.545352
- GPS Coordinates:
- 50°50' N, 04°33' W
The historical and tourist importance of the town
Summerleaze Beach is the centrepiece of Bude, with a broad sandy shoreline, sea pool and easy access to the town centre. Crooklets Beach and Widemouth Bay provide further opportunities for swimming, surfing and relaxing beside the Atlantic. The Bude Canal offers a quieter alternative to the coast, with walking and cycling routes following the waterway inland. The South West Coast Path passes through the area and provides spectacular cliff-top walks towards Hartland and the wider north Cornwall coastline.
Food and when to visit
Bude has a strong selection of cafés, restaurants, traditional pubs, bakeries, fish and chip shops and independent stores, with seafood and Cornish specialities widely available. Surfing and other outdoor activities are central to the local visitor economy, while the surrounding villages provide a quieter rural experience. Late spring through early autumn is the most popular period for beach holidays, although spring and early autumn can offer a more relaxed atmosphere and good conditions for walking. Bude is an excellent base for exploring the north Cornwall coast, the Devon border and nearby destinations such as Tintagel and Boscastle.
Locations & Tours
Discover famous landmarks, historical sites and tourist attractions in Bude.