Rainy Day Things to Do in Bude on Your Cornwall Staycation
Whilst we’d all like to believe the weather in Cornwall matches its Mediterranean beaches, sadly, that’s not always the case. A rainy day or two on your Great British staycation is expected. It’s part of what makes it British. But we never let a bit of rain dampen our spirits…
If the skies darken when you’re in North Cornwall, you’ll find there’s lots of family friendly, rainy day activities in Bude.
Things to Do in Bude When it’s Raining
- Visit the Bude Castle Heritage Centre to delve into local history and see the latest art exhibition.
- Explore the town’s art galleries and studios, where you can admire works by local artists and perhaps even pick up a unique souvenir to take home.
- Why not check out our lovely local cinema? The Rebel has been screening all the latest blockbusters since the 1980s.
- How about a bit of retail therapy? The Lower Wharf has some stunning workshops and craft stores selling glass, wood, fleeces, jewellery and ceramics and much more. Our town centre offers many lovely independent shops and plenty of good spots to shelter from a shower or two whilst indulging in a little holiday spending. If you want to stick to the holiday budget but grab yourself a bargain, why not hop in the car and visit the wonderful treasure trove of quality pre-loved clothes at 2ndLyfe, they also offer craft sessions for younger children.
- An indoor craft workshop? We have a lovely choice in the Bude area… On the Lower Wharf book into a session at The Kitchen Front for ceremic and fabric printing and a wonderful 1940s tea room. Or maybe glass-making is more you thing – try Beau Nidol and Teylu Glass. For pottery-throwing and workshops, head over to Parson’s Pottery. Further afield, you will love the mosaic workshops at Moon Hare Studio and the varied courses at Welcombe Pottery.
- Visiting a local historic house is a great way to avoid the rain. Perhaps the most famous in the area is Poundstock Gildhouse, open to the public on Wednesdays between Easter and October but have a wide programme of events at other times. St Swithin’s church at Lancells is also open on Wednesday afternoons and at other times for church services. A short drive just over the border in Devon is the gorgeous Hartland Abbey.
- Get out and explore one of Bude’s ancient churches. You could spend the whole day exploring these historic buildings, and there’s often a village tea rooms, cafe or pub nearby.
- Of course, on a rainy day in Bude, there’s a selection of pubs, inns, and cafés to squirrel away in too. Why not indulge in a luxurious cream tea, or spend an afternoon sampling local ciders and ales? You’ll soon forget about the rain!
- Watch the storm in a cozy beach hut. Take a blanket, chair and a thermos flask, wrap up warm and shelter from the storm whislt reading a book.
- Visit a local Theme Park! For starters there’s the Milky Way Adventure Park , The Big Sheep and Trethorne Leisure Park. They have a mix of indoor and outdoor activities and are top-rated attractions on TripAdvisor. There’s all ages enjoyment, including rides and slides, indoor play areas, arts and crafts, and live shows. Everything you need to make a day of it. Have a look at our rainyday attractions here.
- Check out any live music performances, theater productions, or film screenings taking place in Bude’s entertainment venues, providing a perfect escape from the rain.
- Wrap up warm and head to the Bude Canal bird hide, where you can observe a variety of bird species and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Plan what to do when the rain stops! Call into the Bude TIC and grab some of the many leaflets for attractions and things to do in the area. Whilst your’re there, pick up some Bude postcards and the kids can write to family and friends.
