Area guide
Beaches near Bude
The valley sits a couple of miles inland, which means you get the shelter of the trees and the run of the North Cornwall coast. Most of Bude’s beaches are under a ten-minute drive.
Between them you have a tidal sea pool, surf beaches with lifeguards in season, long stretches of sand at low tide and rockpools under the cliffs. Which one you want usually depends on the tide and the wind, so ask us on the morning and we’ll point you at the right one.
Getting to the beach from the valley
The park is about two miles inland from Bude, so you are close enough for a morning swim and far enough back to be out of the wind at night.
Summerleaze, Crooklets and Widemouth Bay are all under a ten-minute drive. Sandymouth, to the north, is about fifteen. Crackington Haven is a short drive further down the coast.
Surfing and swimming
This stretch of coast is one of the best in England for learning to surf, with several beaches offering board hire and lessons in season.
For a gentler dip, the Bude Sea Pool at Summerleaze is sheltered from the swell — a semi-natural tidal pool that fills on the high tide and is far calmer than the open sea.
Dogs on the beach
Many beaches near Bude welcome dogs year-round, with seasonal restrictions on the busier town beaches in high summer.
Ask us which beach suits the time of year you’re visiting — we keep track of where the restrictions fall, and dogs are welcome in every stay here.
At a glance
Highlights
Distances and times are from the park.
Summerleaze
Distance from the park: Under a ten-minute drive
Bude’s main town beach and home to the famous sea pool, a semi-natural tidal pool that’s a hit with families.
Crooklets
Distance from the park: Under ten minutes
Just along from Summerleaze and a favourite with surfers and bodyboarders, with a lifeguard presence in season.
Widemouth Bay
Distance from the park: Under ten minutes
A long, wide stretch of sand a little south of Bude — brilliant for surfing, rockpooling and a proper beach day.
Sandymouth
Distance from the park: About fifteen minutes
A National Trust beach to the north with dramatic cliffs and rockpools at low tide.
Crackington Haven
Distance from the park: A short drive down the coast
A smaller, dramatic cove framed by some of the highest cliffs in Cornwall — wild and beautiful.
Questions & answers
Summerleaze, Crooklets and Widemouth Bay are all under a ten-minute drive — the park is only about two miles inland from Bude.
Yes — Summerleaze beach in Bude has the Bude Sea Pool, a semi-natural tidal pool that’s calmer than the open sea and a favourite with families.
Crooklets and Widemouth Bay are the ones surfers and bodyboarders head for, and both have a lifeguard presence in season. Several beaches along this stretch offer board hire and lessons through the season.
Widemouth Bay and Sandymouth both have good rockpools at low tide — Sandymouth is a National Trust beach with cliffs behind it, about fifteen minutes away.
Many beaches near Bude welcome dogs all year, though the busier town beaches have seasonal restrictions in high summer. Ask us which beach suits your dates and we’ll tell you where you can go.
Make the valley your base
Live availability and prices, booked direct — no booking fees, no middleman.