There is a choice of 9 local beaches, ranging from 2-7 miles from Court Farm Holidays, offering vast expanses of clean, sandy beaches, often backed by rugged cliffs.
The tides constantly change their appearance, some days you will see rock formations close to the shore, but after a big tide these rocks may be buried deep beneath the sand.
Summerleaze Beach, Bude
With the prominent features of the breakwater, barrel rock, canal lock gates, and the river Neet flowing into the sea, it is probably the most picturesque beach of Bude inspiring painters, photographers, and visitors alike. The colourful little fishing boats resting on the sand whilst waiting to go out with the next tide and the Beach huts (which are available for hire) add to the special charm and atmosphere. Even at high tide there is a good stretch of beach available and with the tide out, Summerlease is truly a joy to behold.
The nationally acclaimed open-air sea pool is popular with families and triatheletes alike. Summerlease has a large car park adjoining the beach, offering level access to the beach. Also there is the RNLI lifeboat station, public toilets and a beach office where the sand wheelchair, windbreaks, deckchairs and beach huts can be hired and general beach goods can be purchased. Full toilet and shower facilities are available. Overlooking the beach is a popular café, which doubles up in the evening as a lively restaurant. The beach has RNLI lifeguard cover from the beginning of May to the end of September between the hours of 10am – 6pm.
Seasonal Dog Restriction: Dogs must be on leads between 10am – 6pm from 1st July to 31 August.
Crooklets Beach, Bude
Although a little pebbly at the top, Crooklets offers a huge expanse of golden sand and rock pools once the tide is out. It is popular with surfers and home to Bude Surf Life Saving Club(Britain’s First) and demonstrations occur every Tuesday evening. There is a café right on the sea front and access from the car park is level. There are public toilets and an outdoor shower. Beach huts are available for hire from the adjoining Summerleaze Beach office. The beach has RNLI lifeguard cover from the beginning of May to the end of September between the hours of 10am – 6pm.
Seasonal Dog Ban: May 15th to September 30th between 10am – 6pm
Northcott Mouth, 3 miles north of Bude
A beach of haunting beauty. Although quite pebbly at the top, it offers a huge expanse of sandy beach when the tide is out. With towering cliffs on both sides it feels a little like a cove. Children will love exploring the fine sand, many rock pools and stream, which is running down through the beach. Owned by the National Trust, it has a little car park halfway down the hill. Although there aren’t any facilities such as public toilets, there is a lovely tea garden just up the private road, which is open during the summer months. Lifeguard cover is provided in July and August.
Dogs welcome.
Sandymouth, 5 miles north of Bude
Again, this is a National Trust-owned beach. The car park, also owned by the National Trust, is situated at the top of the cliff and the walk down to the beach leads you through quite a steep ravine, which is why we wouldn’t recommend it for the less mobile. Once there, you’ll be rewarded with a lovely quiet beach with its very own waterfall! There is a café with public toilets, which are open during the main summer season. Lifeguard cover is provided from the middle of May until the middle of September.
Dogs welcome.
Duckpool, 6 miles north of Bude
A wild and romantic cove, which is appreciated most for its wild setting. Dominated by the spectacular peak of Steeple Point Cliff, it is favoured by many as a quiet retreat away from it all. Swimming is not recommended, as the currents are extremely dangerous and razor-sharp rocks only add to the hazards. No lifeguard cover is provided!
Dogs welcome.
Widemouth Bay, 3 miles south of Bude
Widemouth Bay is very popular with bathers and surfers alike. Although it looks like one huge beach, stretching across almost 1.5 miles, it is actually divided into the North and South Beach (also called Black Rock) by a natural barrier of rock. Widemouth offers fantastic conditions to learn surfing or body-boarding, which is why many of the local surf schools have their base there. A big car park, public toilets and beach café are available, together with the family run Trelawney Tea Rooms (which also offers wet-suit & surfboard hire right opposite the car park. . Lifeguard cover is provided from the beginning of May until the end of September (North Beach).
Seasonal Dog Ban: May 15th to September 30th between 10am – 6pm
Black Rock Beach
On the South side of Widemouth Bay, Black Rock beach has wild beauty in abundance. Look to the south and you’ll spot a prominent rocky outcrop which gives this beach its name. Watch out for big tides here (Blackrock Beach becomes isolate at the height of the ride) Some major point and reef breaks draw the surfers, while nature lovers of all ages will enjoy looking through the abundance of rock pools at low tide. Car park, public toilets and beach cafe. Lifeguard cover is from the middle of May until the end of September.
Dogs welcome.
Millook Beach 5 miles south of Bude
Another beach of haunting beauty, yet not the perfect one for those looking for sand and surf. Covered with thousands of pebbles, it is more of a retreat for those wishing to observe wildlife such as seals and dolphins as well as birds of prey and waders. Millook is also of huge geological interest with its world famous zig-zag cliff, towering high above the shore. No lifeguard cover is provided.
Dogs welcome.
Crackington Haven, 11 miles south of Bude
Dominated by truly majestic cliffs, Crackington Haven is a wonderful, but small beach, with hundreds of rock pools teaming with wildlife. It offers quite a stretch of golden sand with the tide out, and facilities such as car park, pub, café and public toilets will make a lovely day out on the beach for those who are looking for a quieter spot. Lifeguard cover is provided in July and August.
Seasonal Dog Restriction: No dogs between 10am – 6pm during Summer. This differs year on year so please check direct.
Strangles, 12 miles south of Bude
Flanked by the most impressive High Cliff (the highest in Cornwall with its awe-inspiring 732 feet), Strangles is well worth a visit for its sheer magnitude. However, the climb down (not to mention the climb back up) is strenuous and certainly not suitable for small children or the less mobile. It is unsuitable for bathing, as the strong currents and razor-sharp rocks impose a life-threatening danger. No lifeguard cover is provided!
Dogs welcome.