Itineraries - places to visit

Pick ‘n’ Mix Itineraries for Exploring Cornwall and Devon from Bude

North of Bude

North Devon offers wonderful places for days out for families, people who love gardens, art-lovers and history fans too!

Just a few minutes driving north on the A39 Atlantic Highway will bring you to the picturesque town of Kilkhampton where you can explore the church, sample the local drinking houses or take a trip to the Tamar Lakes.

Continue on your northerly route and turn left following the signs for Morwenstow.  This is a stunning hamlet with a 13C pub, The Bush Inn, and the award winning Rectory Farm Tea Rooms.  A short stroll to the South West Coast Path will take to you Hawker’s Hut – the smallest National Trust property in the country, made from driftwood and the place where the Reverend Stephen Hawker wrote his sermons and poetry.  A visit to Morwenstow church is also worthwhile.

Further North along the A39 you will come across the wild corner of North Devon which has hidden secrets such as Hartland Abbey, Docton Mill Gardens, a lighthouse and the shipwreck museum at Hartland Quay.  Close by, the famous fishing village of Clovelly, built into a cleft in a 400' high cliff is well worth a visit. 

Further along the A39 are two more fantastic attractions, The Milky Way and The Big Sheep.  Both within about 25 minutes of Bude, a visit is essential.  Discount vouchers are available from Bude TIC. 

Atlantic Village at Bideford boasts discount retail outlets for all of you shopaholics and the Atlantis Adventure Parkis a great way to entertain the children.  Bideford is also one of the departure points for the Lundy Island ferry. 

For a day out with a difference Cobbaton Combat Collection at Umberleigh just five miles from Barnstaple, offers an interesting alternative for older children and adults.

North-east of Bude:

Travelling North from Bude on the A39, head inland to discover the delights of Great Torrington and its surrounding area. 

Enjoy a delightful morning or afternoon exploring the gorgeous gardens of RHS Rosemoor. 

The centre of the charming town of Great Torrington boasts the Torrington 1664 exhibition and The Plough Arts Centre, which has a varied and buzzing visual arts programme. 

Also in Torrington is the famous Dartington Crystal factory where you can have a go at glass blowing and take home a special souvenir!

Only a few miles from Torrington, at Shebbear, The little Gallery on the farm is a lovely rural setting for Devon based artists and makers.

Nearby is Hatherleigh Pottery is situated in the centre of the town and has delightful ceramics and textiles.

South-east of Bude:  

Inland from Bude the area around Launceston lends itself to a family day out – or two!

Heading towards Launceston on the B3254, you will come across the Tamar Otter park which is a lovely place to spend the morning – watching the otters and other animals and enjoying lunch, or a coffee and homemade cake, in the café.

The town of Launceston nestles around the Norman Motte and Bailey Castle.  A fantastic example of its type, the castle is an impressive feature with fabulous views across Devon and Cornwall.  The grassy spaces within the castle walls are the perfect place to allow children to let off steam!

Another attraction in the area is the Launceston Steam Railway - a visit is highly recommended

Just South of Launceston on the A395 is Trethorne Leisure Farm.  This attraction encompasses a bowling alley, large outside play area and massive indoor play zone with trampolines, climbing wall, ball pools, slides and toddler area.  Trethorne has all the farm animals you could wish for!  Apart from pony rides and feeding the lambs, the ‘in touch with animals’ room allows children to hold and pet baby animals.

South of Bude

Obviously there are limitless options for excursions into Cornwall from Bude.  A lovely way to spend the day is to journey down the coast to visit the many little coves and villages.  Taking the coast road south of Bude to the A39 or and perhaps continue to lesser known coves such as Wanson Mouth, Millook and Crackington Haven but beware the lanes are very narrow and steep!

Further down the coast you will reach Boscastle famous for its pretty harbour, witchcraft museum and the flood of 2004.  Next along the coastal trail is Tintagel where you can visit the ruins of King Arthur’s Castle.

Carry on along the Atlantic coast and you will find Port Isaac – a beautiful fishing village made famous by the television series Doc Martin.  Just inland is St Endellion, the namesake of David Cameron’s daughter and the home of the famous St Endellion Brie.  Try the local cheeses and other delicious local fare at Trevathen Farmshop and Strawberry Farm.  During the season they host many events and activity days.

A little further south and you will reach the Camel Estuary.  Park the car at Rock, have a go at sailing or jet-skiing or take the passenger ferry over to Padstow where you can sample the famous restaurants, visit the National Lobster Hatchery, take a cruise around the coast or hire bicycles and cycle the Camel Trail to Wadebridge.

Further afield, the Eden Project is just over an hour’s drive from Bude.  Buy you tickets in advance from Bude TIC (at a reduced rate) and consider visiting Charlestown or Heligan Gardens whilst you are on the South coast.

The possibilities are endless for spending days exploring the North and South coasts of Cornwall but you may prefer to stay in Bude where there is as much or as little to do as you wish!