When is the best time to visit Cornwall and explore Bude? The summer months can be glorious, but there is so much else going on in the area you would be missing out if you only stopped by in July.

With a mild climate, Bude can be charming even on a winter’s day. Attractions, eateries and shops are waiting for you year round. For keen surfers, anglers and outdoor lovers too, the action never stops. Those who love nature can expect something new on every visit, with a wealth of nature reserves and wild coast that is ever changing and offers endless beauty and fascination.
Do keep an eye on our blog and What’s on in Bude sections for further inspiration and the latest news.

Invigorating Spring Time
We love spring in Bude. It often arrives early around here, with wild flowers peeking through hedgerows and life waking up all around. The same could be said of the town and beaches. This is a great time to explore Bude itself, have a good nose around and perhaps grab a bargain or two. There are some great art and craft stores and activities too, which are even more tempting outside holiday times (Try Beau Nidols Carving course, or The Gallery’s “Watercolour Wednesdays” for some hands on creativity in our art and craft events section).

While coastal waters are not exactly warm yet, the sea also begins to look inviting again and this is a great time to learn to surf (get a look at our local surf schools for more details). Meanwhile, the fishing is also steadily improving: trout slowly start to rise on the River Neat and the Upper Taw fly fishing season opens from March 16th, while the canal has no closed season and can be excellent on mild spring days (see our fishing page).

Last but not least, many of our hotels and accommodation providers also offer some great deals in the spring, aiming to tempt you before the main summer rush.

Gorgeous Summer Time
Summer time in Bude is many guests’ favourite season, with so much to see and enjoy. July and August are peak time for family attractions, blue skies and some rip-roaring events such as the colourful Bude Carnival and Leopalooza Music Festival.

How else can you make the most of the summer? Whatever your preferences, the coast is just too beautiful to ignore. Depending on whether you want great facilities and ease of access, or somewhere more remote to explore, our Bude beaches guide should have something for everyone.

Otherwise, perfect days out in North Cornwall depend on your taste. Long days and late sunsets make summer days ideal for longer walks along the dramatic South West Coast Path (our for explorers section has more). If the wild is close to your heart, you’ll also enjoy our local nature reserves.

Should you have brought a board, kayak or fishing rod with you, you may be too distracted of course! Surfing is not so much an activity as a way of life in Bude and many visitors choose to make an annual pilgrimage with friends. With some fabulous beaches and great value campsites and caravan parks near Bude to make your base, it needn’t be expensive either.

Glowing Autumn Time
Autumn has a special vibe all of its own in and around Bude. It is an especially excellent time for those looking for the best in Cornish food and seasonal local produce. The curtain raiser right at the centre of this is the Bude for Food Festival (held in September). That said, you’ll find great eateries and a fantastic Farmer’s market every week in the town.
Meanwhile, those who love outdoor pursuits continue to hit the beaches. With fewer crowds on all beaches, it’s a great time for those who value peace and quiet. Nor does the surfing take a dip- and in fact, some of the best surfing conditions of the year are from autumn onwards, with great waves thanks to our Atlantic facing surf beaches in North Cornwall.

Wonderful Winter
When you have a climate as mild as ours, Winter can indeed be wonderful. The coast and countryside take on a fresh, starker beauty for walkers, surfers and wildlife lovers. That said, even if the conditions become icy or stormy, little beats sheltering in a cosy traditional pub with a real fire and real cheer.

On the beaches and canal, outdoor pursuits can still be enjoyed if you wrap up warm. You might not feel like an ice cream, but mulled cider and a hearty meal will hit the spot. Bude hotels and holiday parks also provide some amazing value deals at off peak times, making this a great time for a family holiday in Cornwall. Bude itself has some great late night Christmas shopping evenings too, complete with carols, Santa and even real reindeer!