Cornwall is famous for its summer beaches, but Bude on the north coast has a secret: winter is just as magical. The waves are wilder, the beaches are deserted, and the sunsets more dramatic. Add in a crackling beach BBQ and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect off-season adventure.

Why Try a Winter BBQ in Bude?

• Atmosphere: Deserted beaches, more space, and a rugged coastline that feels almost cinematic in winter light.
• Adventure Factor: Swapping flip-flops for boots and hot chocolate for cold beer makes it feel fresh and memorable.
• Convenience: Bude has plenty of accessible beaches, shops, and cosy pubs nearby.

Best Beaches for a Winter BBQ

• Summerleaze Beach – Right in town, easy access, car park and toilets. Great if you want convenience.
• Crooklets Beach – Popular with locals yet still close to facilities.
• Widemouth Bay – Vast, open sands and huge Atlantic views. Perfect for space and drama.
• Explore all of Bude’s beaches here.

What to Bring

• Portable BBQ (no disposable BBQs, please).
• Windproof matches or lighter.
• Warm clothing, blankets, and camping chairs.
• A windbreak – it makes a big difference on breezy days by keeping the chill off and your BBQ flame steady.
• A flask of mulled cider or hot chocolate.
• Simple winter-friendly foods: sausages, halloumi, skewers, foil-wrapped potatoes, marshmallows.

Comfort Upgrades

• Hire a Beach Hut: On Summerleaze or Crooklets you can rent traditional huts by the sand. In the winter you can create a cosy base where you can eat, drink, and warm up between BBQ sessions.  Beach Hut info here.
• Staying later into the evening?  Bring a gas stove, blankets and hot water bottles.

1-Day Winter BBQ Itinerary in Bude

Morning:

• Start with a bracing coastal walk along the South West Coast Path. From Summerleaze you can head north towards Northcott Mouth, or south to Widemouth Bay for sweeping cliff views.

Midday:

• Stock up on supplies in town.

Afternoon (BBQ Time!):

• Head to your chosen beach.
• Set up your BBQ with a windbreak for comfort, and if you’ve rented a beach hut, use it as your cosy retreat to eat and drink between cooking.
• Wrap up in blankets, enjoy hearty food, and sip something hot while watching the Atlantic waves.

Evening:

• As the light fades, pack up (leave no trace!) and head back into Bude.

Real BBQ’s please, no foil disposables due to their environmental impact

• Disposable BBQs create waste: They’re single-use, often left behind, and hard to recycle.
• The foil trays and wire grills can take decades to break down if abandoned.
• Disposable BBQs sit directly on the sand, which can stay dangerously hot for hours after use — even if they look “out.”
• They’ve been linked to beach fires and scorched sand, which damages the natural environment.
• Reusable BBQs heat more evenly and last longer, making it easier to cook food properly (no half-burnt, half-raw sausages).