Team Coombe Farm always love a visit to Bude, whether it be to shop, swim, or walk, we are always surprised it’s only half an hour away from the farm.
The Beaches
At the town itself are Summerleaze Beach, and Crooklets Beach.
Further north you have Northcott Mouth, Sandymouth and Duckpool, and to the South Widemouth Bay and the more wild Millock Beach. All have their own unique characters, well worth exploring, and are part of the fabulous North Cornish Coast. Dogs are welcome on all but Crooklets.
Summerleaze Beach has a unique appeal as it has the River Neet with it’s bobbing sailing boats and the impressive breakwater making the beach popular with families and surfers. It provides a very sheltered environment for swimming or boarding. There are beach huts available to rent which give it a very English feel. Ella and William love a game of hide and seek in the well established sand dunes. There is a large car park nearby, and beach lifeguards in summer. Dogs are allowed on Summerleaze Beach all year, though they must be on leads May-September.
Crooklets Beach, just along from Summerleaze is a bit wilder, just as popular with surfers, has pebbles at the top and then golden sands. It is great for rock-pooling at low tide. There are good facilities here, car park, toilet, and cafe
The Sea Pool
This amazing, partially man-made tidal Sea Pool (or Lido) by the rocky cliffs is alone worth a visit to Bude. On Summerleaze Beach , it was created in the 1930s, to provide a haven for safe swimming for the people of the town and it’s many visitors. Roughly 88 metres long and 42 metres wide it is a truly magical and unique place to swim. It is generally open from May – September. Go, swim, enjoy, take your friends…it’s something you will remember forever.
The Bude Canal
The Bude Canal has recently been regenerated, and it is great place to walk, jog, run, cycle or row! The path beside it is wide and flat which makes it good for babies in their buggies and wheelchair users. The canal stretches back from the sea lock through the marshes and there are hides for bird spotting . Quite a different landscape from the beach. There are beautiful circular walks and cycle routes: don’t forget to bring food for the ducks and swans.
The Town
The town, always a lively seaside resort, has plenty of shops to potter around, both traditional and alternative and well worth a browse. All amenities are there and everyday needs are catered for. There is also a cinema on the outskirts: The Rebel Cinema, for the odd rainy day. Bude hosts a very popular Jazz Festival in late August. Team Coombe Farm often enjoys a spot of Christmas shopping in Bude, with a stop at a cafe and a beach on the way home.
Cafes
There are many lovely little places to dive into for a bite to eat. We always can be persuaded by a pasty from the local baker. Other favourites are the Weir Bistro on the A39 , (linked to the Bude Canal circuits) which has delicious food, a great outside area overlooking a lake, and a good playground for older children (not toddlers). The Olive Tree Bistro, near the canal on the lower wharf is very yummy and relaxed. Coasters in town is charming, and the best cafe we’ve found in town so far.