Budget Holidays in Bude

Swim in Bude Sea Pool

Open to all and offering safe, sheltered water, Bude owes this community swimming space to the generosity of visitors and locals. Free to all, but if you enjoy your swim, a small donation would be very welcome.

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Play Beach Games

There are loads of great ways to play in the sand.  Get busy with buckets and spades, create your own sand sculptures or just see if you can bury dad up to his neck in sand.

Did you know the Beach Office and Shop at Summerleaze Beach sell loads of recycled and sustainably produced buckets and spades?

Visit our Play Parks

For young ones, there are several free play ground areas in Bude, including Summerleaze Beach and the cool sunken pirate ship at Crooklets. We can’t say fairer than that!

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Take a nature walk along Bude Canal

It’s pretty, the route is easy, and it won’t cost you a bean. Despite this, you might also spot something truly priceless such as local kingfishers or otters. Or head along the coast for further discovery.

School of Rockpool

Several local beaches have wonderfully wild rockpools to explore.  You could bring a fine net and possibly a bucket, but your eyes and feet are the only things you really need to get a glimpse at another little world. Do check the tides, because your best chance is as the sea goes out towards low tide.

King on a budget

A journey into the past doesn’t always require a family ticket and a tacky gift shop; in fact, there are some cracking free heritage sites in and around Bude. There are loads to see at the Bude Castle, and the Castle Grounds are perfect for a picnic. Over at Poundstock Gildhouse children are provided with full Tudor costumes that they will wear during the day.

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Geocaching

If you have a smartphone, all you need to do is download a free app to get involved in a 21st century treasure hunt!

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Go Crabbing

Simple but great fun, crabbing is an ace way to pass a couple of sunny hours. Beyond the cost of a simple crabbing line and a bit of bait (usually a chunk of fish or meat), it is also totally free. Local hotspots include Bude Breakwater.

Celebration is free!

Although some of our annual spectaculars require a ticket, some of the biggest highlights of the year are totally free.  Just one of these is the wonderful Bude Carnival.

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Get out and explore!

There’s no better way to explore the area than on foot. With numerous, well-marked foot paths and bridleways, walking in Bude is a delight. There is always something interesting to spot and with so many routes on offer, you never need walk the same path twice during your stay.

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Watch the sunset

If the tide is out, head to the Bude Breakwater.  Stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean, the Breakwater provides a stunning vantage point to witness the sun sinking below the horizon, a warm glow  develops into a canvas of vibrant colours.

If the tide is in, walk up to the Storm Tower.

Bude Skate Park

A dynamic environment where you can challenge, connect with others, and enjoy the skateboarding.  Located at Crooklets Beach.

Try bodyboarding

Grab a free BorrowBoard from Bude Sea Pool and hit the waves.  You’ll have hours of fun and laughter.
We say free, but you’ve encouraged to leave a donation for using the board – they’re expensive to buy!

Do a Beach Clean

Litter on the beach can easily find its way into the sea, contributing to widespread pollution. By cleaning up our beaches, we prevent rubbish entering the marine environment.

Explore the beach and remove any rubbish you may find.  There are handy Beach Clean stations dotted around the beaches, where you can borrow a Grabber.  All you need is some time, and a bag!

The best things in life might be free according to the old saying, but in practise we know that it can be tricky to organise a holiday on a budget. From tickets to visitor attractions to food and drink, things can quickly add up. Never fear however, because there are loads of free things to do in Bude – we’re one of the best value destinations in the region!

There are loads of budget accommodation options in Bude, too.  They cater to travellers seeking affordable yet comfortable places to stay.

Bude is surrounded by beautiful countryside and coastline, making it a popular destination for camping and caravan holidays.  There are several campsites and caravan parks in and around Bude that offer budget-friendly pitches for tents, caravans, and campervans.  These facilities often provide basic amenities such as toilets, showers, and laundry facilities, allowing travellers to enjoy a budget-friendly outdoor experience.

Renting a self-catering holiday cottage, apartment, or holiday park accommodation can be a cost-effective option for budget-conscious travellers.  Self-catering accommodations typically provide fully-equipped kitchens, allowing guests to prepare their meals and save money on dining out.  Additionally, renting a self-catering property often works out cheaper per person for families or larger groups travelling together.  Opt for an Eco-Conscious place to stay, and it won’t cost the earth, either.

There are also several guesthouses and bed and breakfasts in Bude that offer family rooms which can be very budget-friendly, and often include a full Cornish cooked breakfast.

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Get Married in Bude

Get Married in Bude

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A Toast to Tourism: Vol 2

A Toast to Tourism: Vol 2

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Returnable Cup Scheme for Bude

Returnable Cup Scheme for Bude

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Remove Single-Use BBQs: September Update

Remove Single-Use BBQs: September Update

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Beach Hut Art Expo Shout Out

Beach Hut Art Expo Shout Out

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Full-Day Beach Wedding Package - £1999

Full-Day Beach Wedding Package - £1999

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Three-Hour Beach Wedding Package - £1199

Three-Hour Beach Wedding Package - £1199

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After Dark Elopement Beach Wedding Package - £1999

After Dark Elopement Beach Wedding Package - £1999

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Elopement Beach Wedding Package - £999

Elopement Beach Wedding Package - £999

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