Bude Attractions

North Cornwall is one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations and it’s easy to see why. The area has so much to offer, from stunning scenery and beautiful beaches to a host of activities and places to eat and drink.

We have fantastic attractions designed with younger visitors in mind for truly memorable days out.  It is not necessary to spend a lot of money to enjoy a brilliant family holiday in our area.  In fact, aside from the obvious draw of the sandy beaches and gorgeous countryside, there is an array of things to do for free in this part of the world.  Finally, don’t despair if the sun doesn’t shine every day as there are plenty of activities to occupy little people and, as every parent knows, if the children are happy everyone is happy!

Beaches

The beaches offer unlimited fun, from swimming and paddling; to crabbing in the rockpools; scrambling over rocks, not forgetting the obligatory sandy picnics and ice-creams.  Both beaches in Bude have sandy play areas for children, which offer hours of free entertainment:  The ‘Pirate Ship’ at Crooklets Beach is conveniently situated next to the Crooklets Beach Café or at Rosie’s Cafe with Ice-cream Parlour – geared up with young children in mind, they also have an outdoor play area plus indoor play barn, allowing parents to enjoy a well-earned cup of coffee while the younger people let off steam.

Bude Canal

Watching the ducks and rowing boats or taking a pedalo on the canal is another favourite pastime for young tourists.

You can enjoy walking along the flat towpath, along the Bude valley from Marhamchurch to Bude, returning on the cycle path on the otherside of the nature reserve.  This gives lots of opportunities for spotting birds, farm animals and even otters if you are lucky, along the canal and within the adjacent Bude Marshes nature reserve.  You can either start or end your walk at The Weir Café/Bisto just 1/2 mile outside of Marhamchurch. The café has an indoor and outdoor seating where you can enjoy a delicious lunch or cream tea while the children let off steam in the enclosed play area, watch the birds on the lake or play on the interactive wildlife screens within the café.

Summerleaze Downs

A stones throw from Bude’s main shopping street, another walk suitable for pushchairs or little legs is the path between Summerleaze and Crooklets beaches.  The tarmac path takes you across Summerleaze Downs where you can enjoy a superb view of the iconic Bude Sea Pool or watch a Cricket match in the summer.  At any time of the year this is somewhere to take a ball or frisby and just enjoy the wide open space with gorgeous panoramic views over the sea and harbour.

During the summer there are often craft, nature and beach-based activities taking place for children of all ages.  Just pop into the Bude Tourist Information Centre to find out about the events for youngsters going on during your stay.

Leisure Centres

If you would like to use a larger pool than ours at Court Farm, then The Splash Leisure Poolin Bude is a large pool with flume and wave machine, and the beach-style shallow end is ideal for toddlers who want to splash and float about safely.  The facilities include a pool-side café selling hot and cold food and a well-stocked sweet shop.

Next door to Splash is The Venue Bude which offers 4 levels of soft play in Playzone with slides, ball-pools and a separate toddlers area, a 10 lane ten pin bowling alley, café and bar.  The Venue provides another wet-weather refuge within just 10 minutes of Court Farm or Northcott Farm.

The Bude Haven Recreation Ground near The Castle Bude has a super crazy golf course and tennis courts and, if the weather is poor there are indoor games such as table tennis, squash and pool.

Useful Links:

Bude Tourist Information Centre