32 Widemouth Bay, Bude

Bude, the area "where coast meets countryside" contains some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the British Isles, much of it designated as an "area of outstanding natural beauty".

Access to wide open spaces, with a variety of wildlife habitats, it is easy on foot, by bike or car. Enjoy the freedom of the open roads in the north of the county but if you wish to explore further a field, virtually anywhere in Devon or Cornwall is all in a day trip.

The area is almost chameleon-like as it changes throughout the year to satisfy the different needs of its visitors. The weather here is kind and Bude boasts its own eco-climate which, with low rainfall and high sunshine hours, often bears little resemblance to regional or national forecasts. Another fact which makes Bude special and particularly inviting all year round.

The warm months either side of summer are wonderful for walkers as the clifftops at Bude are one of the most spectacular sections of the South West Way. The Sustrans Cycle route also passes through the area. For the less athletic the Bude Canal, with flat tow-path walks, marshes, thriving wetland and recreational areas provide excellent access for birdwatchers, walkers and cyclists.

Those more interested in history will find much to explore in Bude's past geological features with cliffs laid down 300 million years ago, Bude's maritime connections, canal and unique sea-lock, the battleground at Stratton and the dozens of beautiful churches in the area.

In recent years Bude has excelled as a centre for activity sports. Surfing has always been popular with the wild coastline and Atlantic breakers providing a special challenge. More recently, canoeing and kayaking on the river and Canal, abseiling down real cliffs and many other sporting opportunities have enthralled new generations of visitors, many of whom return year after year.

Families too find the small, friendly resort of Bude an ideal holiday base. There are miles of sandy beaches on which to laze, they are consistently commended for cleanliness and necessary life-saving lifeguards are on duty during the summer months and there's a tide-washed open-air pool too. Nearby are many family attractions offering something for every age group and providing real "value for money" days out and happy memories to last a lifetime.

Bude and its surrounding area of Cornwall is unspoilt, untamed but offers a true Cornish welcome. It's unique position means that the coast really does meet the countryside, accessible to all with something of interest for all. In fact for a truly memorable holiday with space and time to really unwind - discover Bude. 

Not only is it a traditional seaside resort, with all the razzmatazz you'd expect from one of Cornwall's top resorts, but its award-winning beaches are ideal for sandcastles and beach-cricket.

And there are plenty of them - from Duckpool in the north to the splendour of Widemouth Bay in the south - so there's no shortage of places to spread your towel.

Children will love the sandy strand of Summerleaze beach, with its free open-air swimming pool, cleaned twice-daily by the high tide. And when surf's up on Crooklets - Britain's Bondi - surfers travel miles to catch it. On such days there's a real fizz in the air, with waves as exhilarating to watch as they are to ride.

But there's more to Bude than just sea and sand. You'll find superb sport facilities, a fascinating museum, 18-hole golf course, bustling shopping centre and many fine restaurants. And away from the pounding surf is the calm of Bude Canal, where you can fish, canoe or simply stroll.

The folk of Bude know how to throw a party, too. Each August the town taps its toes to the rhythms of the week-long Bude Jazz Festival, with its international artists and New Orleans-style street parades. Other festivities include carnivals, shows and Xmas torchlight processions.

Each summer the town swings to the rooty tooty rhythms of the famous Bude Jazz Festival, and then there's the Cajun music festival, a spectacular carnival and Lifeboat day in August.

If all this excitement gets too much, take time off to explore Bude's past, on display in the museum housed in the former canal smithy.Nearby stands a small castle built in 1830 by Sir Goldsworthy Gurney, engineer and inventor of the steam carriage.

Inland you'll discover the delights of rural villages, such as Kilkhampton, Poughill and Week St Mary, each with its charming church and country inn. In May, Stratton relives the Civil War Battle of Stamford Hill, and in August you can see the crowning of Marhamchurch's Revel Queen. Walkers will take the coast path in their stride, heading north to Sandy Mouth and storm-lashed Morwenstow, home of legendary poet Parson Hawker. Cyclists might strike south, following the clifftop road to Widemouth Bay. If it's watersports, walks or birdwatching you're after then set a course for the Tamar Lakes - that's if you can tear the kids away from the open-air swimming pool of Summerleaze beach or the rock pools of Crooklets.

Pastoral Peace and Beauty

Take the north road out of Bude and you're soon amidst scenery of unforgettable beauty. From the towering cliffs which gird storm-lashed Morwenstow, you can watch the changing moods of the Atlantic. In the churchyard are graves of shipwrecked mariners, buried by the eccentric sea-booted poet, Parson Hawker. Then sit for a while in the hut, tucked into the cliff face, where he penned his verses.

Explore further inland. Have a ploughman's lunch at Stratton, in the birthplace of Giant Anthony Payne, who threw his massive bulk behind the Royalists in the Battle of Stamford Hill. Choose your favourite village from Kilkhampton, Marhamchurch, Week St Mary, and many others, each with its individual charm. And as you're cruising the lanes you'll notice how the wild landscape of Cornwall is tamed into the rolling hills of the Upper Tamar.

Just a step across the border, the town of Holsworthy with it's leisure centre, museum, Wednesday livestock and street markets, is an ideal centre for exploring the area. You'll enjoy the best of both worlds here: a traditional rural atmosphere within easy striking distance of the coast - including lovely Clovelly, spectacular Hartland Point and mysterious Lundy Island.

If walking through ancient stone villages and meditating over stone circles are what youre looking for then a visit to Bodmin Moors, only 15 minutes drive away, will throw you back in time. Visit Pagan sites and touch the stones of history.  Enjoy a brisk walk over the endless hills of Rough Tor and Crowdy Reservoir. Become immersed in the call of the moors, let the wonderful views and sights wash through you and dont be surprised if you end up re-visiting Bodmin Moors time and time again.