Bude’s beaches and clifftop downs are perfect for a winter scavenger hunt. Here’s a mega list of 40 things to spot, collect, or photograph — 20 for the beach and 20 for the downs.

The beaches are quieter, the downs more dramatic, and the whole coastline feels like your own outdoor adventure park. Add a large, cosy beach hut, hot drinks, blankets, and a sketching session, and you’ve got a day that balances wild exploration with creative calm.  Book a beach hut here.

There a several beach in Bude – choose your favourite beach and let the fun begin!

20 Things to Find on Bude’s Beaches

1. A piece of sea glass (bonus if it’s blue or red).
2. A spiral shell.
3. A flat shell like a limpet.
4. Driftwood shaped like a letter.
5. A pebble with stripes.
6. A pebble shaped like a heart.A crab claw or shell.
7. A feather in the sand.
8. Seaweed with bubbles.
9. Sea foam shaped like an animal.
10. Animal footprints (dog, bird, etc.).
11. Your own shadow stretched long on the sand.
12. A wave splashing higher than your boots.
13. A stone that sparkles.
14. Something orange (shell, pebble, plastic).
15. A hole in the sand made by water.
16. A piece of rope, netting, or fisherman’s gear.
17. A seagull feather vs a crow feather.
18. Patterns in the sand made by the tide.
19. A “message” drawn in the sand (yours or someone else’s).
20. A kite flying in the sky

20 Things to Find on Bude’s Clifftop Downs

1. Compass Point (“Pepper Pot” tower).
2. A bench with an inscription.
3. A bird hovering (look for kestrels).
4. A dog in a jacket.
5. A horse rider on the downs (sometimes spotted in winter).
6. A rainbow.
7. A puddle with reflections.
8. Frosty grass (early mornings).
9. A person running or walking with poles.
10. A surfer visible in the water below.
11. A fishing boat out at sea.
12. A big wave crashing on the Breakwater.
13. A patch of gorse or brambles.
14. A bird call (stop and listen).
15. A signpost or waymarker.
16. A coastal flower still in bloom.
17. A crow or raven on the cliffs.
18. A stone wall or fence along the path.
19. A view of both Crooklets and Summerleaze from one spot.
20. The sound of the wind howling in your hood!

Creative Twist: Make Your Own Beach Art

As part of the hunt, let everyone choose their prettiest shell and the most interesting piece of seaweed they can find. Once you’ve finished exploring, head back to your beach hut base at Summerleaze or Crooklets.

Spread out your treasures on the table, grab some colouring pencils, and make drawings of them. Kids can copy the shapes, invent sea creatures inspired by the shells, or even design their own “fantasy beach finds.” This turns the scavenger hunt into a keepsake activity, and the drawings can be tucked into a family journal to remember your day.