Exploring the Bude Canal

If you’ve only visited Bude as a day trip, you may well have headed straight to one of our Award Winning Beaches and missed the gorgeous area along the Bude Canal and Harbour…

Park at the Crescent Car Park (EX23 8LE) and call into the Bude Tourist Information Centre first – see whats on in Bude and have a chat to the staff to ensure you make the most of your time in Bude. Then head over to the Lower Wharf area.

Lower Wharf & Harbour

A leisurely stroll, sport and craft-based activities, artisan shops and plenty of places to eat & drink!

This area of Bude is often described as a ‘Hidden Gem’. You can explore this part of Bude on foot in around two hours. Most people stay longer and join an activity session, have lunch or spend time browsing the Bude Castle.

Activities

Atlantic Pursuits – Canadian canoeing on the canal
Shoreline – Kayaking and conoeing on the canal
Bude Canoe Experience – fun on the water and a guided tour
Saltwater Safari – Stand Up Paddleboarding
Bude Rowing Boats – hire a rowing boat or pedalo
Kitchen Front – craft sessions using pottery and textiles
Beau Nidol – workshops using glass and bone
Bude Castle – museum and heritage centre (free entrance)
Bude Farmers’ and Craft Market – every Friday from Easter to end September

Food & Drink

Falcon Hotel – bar and restaurant food served all day
Brendon Arms – real ale, great food and large beer garden
The Barge – drinks, snacks and meals afloat
Cafe Limelight – within the Bude Castle
Kitchen Front – authentic 1940’s Tea Room

Explore the Bude Canal and inland along the Bude Valley

You can walk the two mile towpath in under an hour to reach the Weir. Your return route is via Widemouth Bay on the Coast Path or along the Cycle Track through the Bude Valley and nature reserve.

Activities