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Local Beaches

Renowned for soft golden sand, some of the highest cliffs in Cornwall and a genteel charm, the local beaches of Bude are some of the most unspoilt in all of Cornwall. Being surrounded by beautiful beaches can often mean the hardest decision of the day is deciding which one to visit, so here’s our handy guide to help you find the best beach to suit you and your group…

A day at the beach
is always a good idea

Nothing beats a relaxing day at the beach; it’s the perfect way to spend your time on your Cornish holiday and the breathtaking beaches of Bude make it the perfect beachside destination. Ideal for those of us who like to soak up the sun, splash in the sea, read a good book and for the more adventurous, Bude has some of the best surf breaks in the UK too. However you like to spend your day, here’s a guide to the local beaches of Bude and the facilities you can expect at each breathtaking location.

Lifeguarded Beaches

The beaches do not always have lifeguards so please check the RNLI notice boards at the entrance to the beaches which will give times lifeguards are on duty. It is always advisable to swim and surf when lifeguards are working, as the currents can be unpredictable, even on calm days.

Dog-Friendly Beaches

Some beaches are dog-friendly too! Either all year round or seasonally, see below for more info.

Don’t Forget To Pack The Beach Essentials

Beach Bag – for us, this is normally more like a small suitcase but our top tip is to make sure it is waterproof and has lots of pockets for keeping keys, phones and wallets safe and dry.

Sunscreen – an obvious one but even when it looks & feels like the sun isn’t shining, it can often be deceptive in Cornwall, so to avoid sun damage cover yourself, the kids and the dog just to be on the safe side.

Beach Towel or Mat – essential for any beach trip unless you like lying on the sand.

Sunglasses – on sunny days, the harmful UV rays are reflected by the sea so polaroid sunnies are recommended to protect your eyes from damage.

Flip – Flops – the best footwear for the beach. Turn them over on hot days so they don’t burn your feet when you put them back on.

Beach guide

Crooklets Beach

No Dogs (Easter – 1st Oct) / Toilets / Cafe / Car Park Lifeguard Cover May – Sept

Crooklets Beach is a favourite with locals and surfers and is sometimes known as ‘the Bondi of Britain’. The beach has soft golden sand at low tide and is pebbly at high tide. Crooklets has two lovely cafes providing a great option for lunch, snacks and of course ice creams! You can also hire a beach hut for the day to give you shelter and a place to keep your valuables.

Sandymouth Beach

Dog-Friendly / Toilets / Cafe / Car Park Lifeguard Cover May – Sept

Sandymouth Beach is situated 5 miles North of Bude. It is a lovely quiet beach owned by the National Trust. Parking is great – and free if you’re a National Trust member. There is a steep walk to the beach so it’s not recommended for the less mobile. It also boasts a lovely cafe serving delicious lunches, cakes and ice cream. It is great for wildlife lovers as it is fantastic for rock pooling and dolphins have often been spotted here.

Widemouth Bay Beach

Dog-Friendly (at Black Rock) / Toilets / Cafe / Car Park Lifeguard Cover May – Sept

Widemouth Bay is situated 3 miles South of Bude. With two miles of sand at low tide, it is popular with families and surfers. Dogs are allowed on the south side of the beach, also known as Black Rock. Toilets and showers are present, along with a large car park, and a lovely cafe – great if you fancy a coffee whilst watching the surf roll in!

Northcott Mouth Beach

Dog-Friendly / Cafe / Car Park Lifeguard Cover July – Sept

Northcott Mouth is 3 miles North of Bude. At low tide, it is a beautiful sandy beach which can extend for 3 miles all the way to Crooklets Beach in Bude (beware of incoming tides). A plethora of interesting geology and lovely secluded spots can be found. It is ideal for rock pooling and family-friendly days out. Northcott is also home to Sip & Sea tea rooms which is a must for a famous Cornish cream tea! Northcott is also within walking distance of Wooda, and makes a great circular walk.

Summerleaze Beach

Dog-Friendly / Toilets / Cafe / Car Park Lifeguard Cover May – Sept

Summerleaze is a sandy beach very popular with families and close to the town centre. It is also home to Bude’s famous outdoor sea pool. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a lead throughout the summer months. The beach can be accessed via the downs or via the Canal at low tide. Toilets and a cafe are also available, along with a large car park, and the lifeguards are on duty daily from May to September.

Bude Sea Pool

Dog-Friendly / Cafe / Car Park Lifeguard Cover July – Sept

Carved into the rocks on Summerleaze Beach is Bude Sea-Pool a partially man-made tidal swimming pool that fills with seawater on the incoming tide. A safe haven for small children to swim without the worries of tidal currents, this is a family favourite with locals and holidaymakers alike. It’s a large pool so never feels crowded and can be enjoyed throughout all seasons (if you’re brave enough). During the popular summer months, it is the perfect location to take a dip and cool off. Entry is free and everyone is welcome.

Staying Safe At The Beach

Please be sure to follow the rules when you’re at the beach to make sure you stay safe. Always make sure you swim between the red and yellow flags, and always on a lifeguarded beach. Never take inflatables into the sea, and always check the tide times. Enjoy the sea, but be aware it can be a dangerous place!

Please be sure to follow the rules when you’re at the beach to make sure you stay safe. Always make sure you swim between the red and yellow flags, and always on a lifeguarded beach. Never take inflatables into the sea, and always check the tide times. Enjoy the sea, but be aware it can be a dangerous place.

We are working with the Cleaner Seas Project, a national pilot being delivered in Bude by Volunteer Cornwall on behalf of the Environment Agency.

The project hopes to address factors which are contributing to the quality of the bathing water of Bude’s beaches.

Find out how you can help #SaveOurSeas here. For more information on how to stay safe at the beach, visit the RNLI website here.

Beach Safety

Check the signs when you arrive at the beach. They will warn of any hazards and the tide times.

Red and yellow flags – lifeguard area. Safest area to swim and bodyboard.

Back and white chequered flags – for surfboards, stand up paddleboards, kayaks and other non-powered craft. Never swim or bodyboard here.

Red flag – Danger! – Never go in the water under any circumstances.

Orange windsock – Indicates offshore or strong wind conditions. Never use inflatables if the windsock is flying.

What to do in a rip current –

  • Don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted.
  • If you can stand, wade don’t swim.
  • If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore.
  • Always raise your hand and shout for help.

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