SUMMERLEAZE

The closest beach to the town with level access from Summerleaze car park, but also approached via the Downs or from the Canal at low tide. When the tide is out there is a huge expance of clean fine sand, but the sea can be dangerous then especially near the sailing channels into the Canal. It is better then to use the sea-washed bathing pool near the cliffs. At low tide you can also explore Bude's famous Breakwater, with "Tommy's Pit" and the landmark of Barrel Rock.

 

CROOKLETS

Bude's other town beach has often been called the "Bondi of Britain" as it was here the country's first life-saving club was formed in 1953. Crooklets often provides ideal conditions for surfers and there are regular surf and life-saving demonstrations throughout the year,

 

SANDYMOUTH

A National Trust car park can lead you to this lovely beach but beware at low tide when swimming can be dangerous.

 

WIDEMOUTH BAY

Two large beaches in one with over 2 miles of open sand at low tide. A great family beach which always has plenty of space and is a popular venue for surfers as the waves can be quite spectacular. The beach can also be accessed by the South West Way Walkers path. Buried beneath the beach is the Trans-Atlantic cable "hotline" which links Downing Street to The White House.

 

CRACKINGTON HAVEN

This lovely cove, flanked by fascinating 430 ft cliffs, is patrolled by lifeguards during the sumer.The sizable area of sand is bordered by low reefs and often provides numerous little rock pools to explore.

 

NORTHCOTT MOUTH

A beautiful sandy beach which, at low tide, can extend 3 miles to Crooklets beach at Bude, but beware ofincomeing tides. This beach and cove is a real favourite with the locals and features some intriguing geology and many secluded spots.

 

DUCKPOOL

Romantic little cove at the end of Coombe Valley, favoured by many for its little sandy beach flanked by the spectacular peak of Steeple Point. Not really recommended for swimming, which is particularly dangerous 2 hours either side of low tide.

 

STRANGLES

The High Cliff, at over 731 feet, is the highest in Cornwall. There is a steep and difficult descent to the beach but it's wel worth a visit for its sheer magnitude. During a single year in the 1980's over 23 vessels floundered on its notirous rocks and the beach is not suitable for swimmers.

Please note pictures do not necessarily relate to the adjacent text