Nature & Scenery

Parsonage Farm, nestled in the heart of Devon, holds a century-long legacy within its fields. It serves as the backdrop to Michael Morpurgo’s renowned novel, War Horse, set amidst the picturesque parish of Iddesleigh.

This hidden gem of Devonian countryside boasts breathtaking vistas of rolling hills and verdant valleys, with Dartmoor standing majestically in the distance.

Come and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of War Horse Valley – explore its agricultural heritage, uncover the stories of its resilient inhabitants, and delve into the wartime narratives that echo through its landscapes.

Step into the 400-year-old cob barn and discover nine captivating exhibitions:

World War I Exhibition: Delve into the impact of the war on Devon and the crucial role of horses in the conflict.

Parson Jack Russell: Learn about the legacy of Parson Jack Russell, the pioneering breeder behind the iconic terrier breed.

Farms for City Children: Explore the charitable work of Michael Morpurgo and his wife Clare in founding Farms for City Children.

Michael Morpurgo’s Books: Dive into the enchanting world of Michael Morpurgo’s literary creations.

War Horse: Experience the timeless tale of Joey and Albert through the book, play, and film adaptations.

Local Parish History: Uncover the rich history of nearby parishes, steeped in tradition and community.

Antique Farming Methods: Journey back in time to discover the farming techniques of yesteryear.

Vintage Farm Machinery: Marvel at a collection of historical farm equipment, including century-old tractors and ploughs.

World War I Style Trench: Brace yourself for a journey into the trenches, complete with surprises along the way!

Meet the menagerie of animals:
Joey the Horse
Miniature Shetland Ponies
Sheep
The 5 Alpacas
Geese Gertie & Gregory
Chickens galore
Dotty the rabbit
Pigs
Ducks
not forgetting the goats Rosie, Custard and Maria!

All the family will enjoy the Warhorse Valley Country Farm Trail, a scenic half-mile walk that winds through the countryside. Take a tractor and trailer ride across the fields and back to the Warhorse Valley Tearoom, where you can indulge in Devonshire Cream Teas and mouthwatering cakes while soaking in the panoramic views.
With comfortable seating both indoors and outdoors, including disabled access, and convenient facilities like toilets and handwashing stations, War Horse Valley Country Park ensure a delightful visit for all their visitors.

Coasteering is an exhilarating mix of fun, thrills, and excitement. Upon arrival, the team at Shoreline will outfit you in wetsuits, buoyancy jackets, helmets, and a pair of old trainers before setting off to explore the rugged coastline of North Cornwall.

Whether you’re keen on swimming, diving, scrambling, or jumping, there are plenty of options to cater to everyone’s adrenaline levels. Their carefully selected location boasts sea caves, rocky outcrops to navigate, and ample opportunities for thrilling deep-water jumps.

But coasteering isn’t just for the adrenaline junkies. With jumps of various heights (all optional) and stunning underwater flora and fauna to admire, there’s something for everyone in this activity.

Rest assured, they only conduct sessions when sea and weather conditions are optimal. Their experienced instructor team, led by a qualified Beach Lifeguard Trainer and Mountain Instructor,ensures every session is conducted with safety and professionalism as top priorities.

Welcome to Bude Rowing Boat Hire, a cherished family-run establishment with a rich history spanning almost a century under the care of the Sampson family. Nestled along the scenic Lower Wharf, adjacent to the enchanting Bude canal, you’re invited to embark on a timeless aquatic adventure.

Choose between a classic rowing boat or a delightful pedalo and immerse yourself in the serenity of Bude’s distinctive waterway, navigating at your own pace. Whether you’re a family seeking quality time, a group of friends in search of a memorable outing, or a couple seeking a romantic escapade, our boats offer the perfect setting for a splendid experience.

Rest assured; safety is our priority – buoyancy aids are readily available for your peace of mind. And for those with furry companions, we extend a warm welcome to dogs, ensuring that everyone can share in the joy of exploring Bude’s waterways.

Come join us and create lasting memories on the water at Bude Rowing Boat Hire!

Canadian Canoeing is a traditional long canoe that can seat between 2 and 4 people, as per the Inuit and Canadian First Nation people used many years ago. You use a single blade paddle which you use one side only.
It is a great activity requiring a little bit of team work and learning steering skills as you paddle up Bude Canal, an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Specializing in small groups and private family outings, ensures that your session consists of just 6-8 people, giving you exclusive access. Head Coach Sam Roberts brings over 30 years of outdoor experience to the table. As a national trainer for British Canoeing, one of the top 5 coaches in the UK, and a former international competitor for Team GB, his expertise and passion for canoeing are unparalleled.

Atlantic Pursuits pride themselves on offering quality equipment that is regularly updated and well-maintained. From buoyancy aids to dry-cags and stable canoes, they provide everything you need for a safe and enjoyable experience.

You’ll spend most of your session in the water, maximizing your fun. The introductions and warm-ups are informative but concise, ensuring you make the most of your time. Safety is paramount, which is why Sam and his team are all qualified with British Canoeing. Canoeing on flat water is extremely safe and ideal for families. Age is just a number! Canoeing sessions are suitable for individuals aged 5 and up, so don’t let age hold you back. Whether you’re 5 or 85, canoeing is a fantastic activity for everyone to enjoy!

With over two decades of expertise, OA Surf Club stands out as one of the pioneering companies to introduce coasteering in Bude and Cornwall.

If you’re seeking a holiday adventure like no other, consider coasteering—an exhilarating activity seamlessly blending swimming, scrambling, and cliff jumping into the sea. Immerse yourself in an exploration that unveils the coastline from a unique perspective. Traverse through natural arches, venture into sea caves, navigate barnacle-covered ledges, and experience the thrill of plunging into the crystal-clear waters of the Cornish sea. Swim across inlets, uncover hidden beaches, and embark on an unforgettable journey along the stunning coastline.

Your safety is our utmost priority.

Rest easy and fully immerse yourself in the coasteering adventure, as we handle all the details for you. We provide all the specialized equipment necessary, leaving you to simply bring your swimwear, a towel, and closed-toe footwear for the sea—we’ll take care of the rest.

Wetsuits, buoyancy aids, helmets, and any other essential gear are included to ensure you’re fully equipped for the adventure. With our experienced coasteering guides, safety is paramount. Trust in the expertise and skills of our team, allowing you to focus on enjoying every moment of your coastal exploration.

Discover Cornwall’s incredible wildlife.

Our instructors have a wealth of knowledge and will choose a thrilling and stimulating route that will challenge and excite you. We have been coasteering in Bude for over 20 years. Along the way keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, seals, and other marine life that inhabit the area, learn about the diverse ecosystems and wildlife-filled rock pools that you’ll encounter along the way.

We understand that each individual and group has different abilities and preferences, which is why our coasteering sessions are pitched at the perfect level to suit your needs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced coasteering enthusiast, we’ll tailor the experience to ensure that you get the most out of your adventure.

Coasteering for groups.

If you’re looking for a group activity, then Coasteering is perfect. Whether you’re a corporate group, stag do/hen do, birthday party, scout group or just a bunch of friends, Coasteering is an unforgettable adrenaline filled experience, and will fill you with energy for a night out or refresh you from the night before!!

We can offer private sessions for any size group, this allows our guides the complete freedom to adapt a session towards your expectations.

Welcome to Easiglide Bude Segway Experience

Looking for a unique adventure? Come and put your skills to the test on our two-wheeled Segway experience!
Located in the picturesque coastal town of Bude, our Segway adventure offers breathtaking scenery, from sea views to rolling countryside, and you might even spot some alpacas!

Segwaying is fantastic fun for the entire family, from the little ones (7+) to nan and grandad!

Don’t worry if you haven’t tried it before—show no fear. Our instructor will guide you through the basics, and you’ll be cruising around on two wheels in no time. We guarantee you’ll be hooked and eager for more!

We also accommodate larger groups, so if you have a birthday party or special event approaching, give us a call, secure your slot, and let us provide the entertainment!

What are you waiting for?

Book your Segway experience now and dive into some serious fun!

A garden full of inspiration

Set in a beautiful valley in the heart of North Devon between two National Parks, RHS Rosemoor is a 65 acre haven for biodiversity and wildlife has something for everyone.

A feast for the senses

Explore their famous ‘garden rooms’, each themed to celebrate the seasons in different planting styles and designs, where the plants are always the star.

Luxuriate in the scent of over 250 rose varieties in two dedicated gardens, at their fragrant peak in June.

Experience a blaze of reds, oranges and yellows in the Hot Garden with swathes of vibrant plants or unwind in the soothing pastels and blues of the Cool Garden, a tranquil oasis with a teardrop-shaped pond.

Discover trees from every continent of the Northern Hemisphere, see their Devon orchard with rare heritage apple trees or be inspired by the range of delectable edibles grown in the Fruit and Vegetable Garden.

Families can let their imaginations run wild exploring woodland walks – try your hand at den making or follow the leaf rubbing trail!

A hive of activity

The garden comes alive with craft fairs, workshops, live music and more throughout the year, with something to do every school holiday. Join a creative class, improve your gardening knowledge at one of the regular courses or just sit back and be entertained! Relish the delights of the Festival of Flavours, get nostalgic at the Vintage weekend or just get festive at the annual Glow illuminations.

Savour local flavours

Taste produce from Rosemoor’s own garden and enjoy locally-sourced delicacies carefully prepared on site in a range of meal and snack options, or treat yourself to a delicious cream tea with garden views.

Green shopping

They have plants for any space: big, small or indoors and offer a 5-year guarantee on hardy plants. Local artisan produce and crafts, horticultural and lifestyle books, gifts and sustainable homeware also available.

Pencarrow House and Gardens are tucked away in the heart of Cornwall and has been the cherished family abode of the Molesworth-St Aubyns for nearly five centuries. The family opened its doors to the public in the 1970’s. Since then, they have joyfully welcomed families, history aficionados, nature enthusiasts and beloved dogs and their owners, creating cherished memories for all who visit. This sets it apart as a truly distinctive destination separate from the National Trust.

Hidden amidst the picturesque landscapes bordering Bodmin Moor, this Cornish architectural treasure boasts a plethora of attractions suitable for all. The dog friendly enchanting Grade II listed gardens, which can be explored over the 50-acre estate. An ancient Iron Age fort, a delightful children’s play area, along with a cozy café and a charming gift shop, promise an unforgettable experience. ensuring there’s something special for every member of the family.”

Pencarrow House & Gardens hosts a vibrant array of events throughout the year. From family-friendly gatherings to nostalgic delights, there’s something for everyone. Bluebell Sundays are a highlight, the ever-popular Teddy Bears Picnic, and each year they delight visitors with their festive Christmas Craft Fair.

The Peacock Café, is housed within a stunning vaulted building with abundant outdoor seating. Treat yourself to tantalizing cakes, delectable lunches, and a wide array of teas and coffees, all freshly prepared using the finest locally sourced ingredients from Cornwall. Adjacent to the café is a charming natural children’s play area, complete with a one-of-a-kind Wendy house featuring a slate roof!

Please note, there is no entrance fee for visiting the café alone. Just inform one of the friendly shop staff upon your arrival.

Bude Sea Pool is a beautiful, part natural, part man-made swimming pool in the rocks at Summerleaze Beach. Created in 1930, the Sea Pool has provided safe bathing at Bude for over 80 years. It is one of the very few tidal swimming pools which still remains open to the general public today and is open throughout the year, free for all to enjoy. The Pool is topped up by the sea at high tide each day.

The Sea Pool is managed by the Friends of Bude Sea Pool, a local volunteer-run charity. FoBSP depend upon donations, grants, sponsorship and membership contributions to fund the Pool’s upkeep.

The Sea Pool is manned by FoBSP staff during the summer season at different times, depending on the tides and weather conditions. When the FoBSP flags are flying, Sea Pool staff are on duty and will be happy to help you.

The FoBSP have taken reasonable care to ensure the Sea Pool is safe for you to enjoy. As it is a natural pool the environment changes with the tide, so please make your own assessment of the Pool before use. The FoBSP request that you enjoy this facility responsibly, and consider the well-being of other users and the surrounding environment. Children must be supervised by an adult and must not be left unattended. Dogs should be kept on a lead and are not permitted to enter the Pool.

There may be groups using the pool such as the RNLI and the Bude Surf Lifesaving Club, and on very rare occasions the Pool may be closed for maintenance or for organised events.

How big is Bude Sea Pool?

• Bude Sea Pool is around 91m long and 45m wide, although because it is a semi-natural structure these are only approximate measurements.
• It holds 4 million litres of sea water.

How deep is Bude Sea Pool?

• The sea washes in twice a day, refreshing the water, and also bringing in sand and stones. It is hard to say exactly the depth in a given area, so please be extra careful when entering, and please don’t dive into the water.

How warm is the water in Bude Sea Pool?

• The water temperature varies from around 11C in April through to 18C in August and September. That can feel quite chilly, so you may want to take your time to acclimatise to the temperature, or wear a wetsuit.

How much does it cost to use?

• Bude Sea Pool is free for all to use.  Users are most welcome to contribute where possible by leaving a donation, becoming a Friend or making a purchase from the Shop.

Nestled amid the idyllic British countryside and peacefully situated on the Cornwall and Devon border, Upper and Lower Tamar Lakes are steeped in industrial history and teeming with diverse flora and fauna.

Established in the 1820s, Lower Tamar Lake boasts a rich history. As a designated Nature Reserve, it provides an ideal sanctuary to connect with nature. Take a moment of tranquillity in the bird hide, where sightings of ospreys, sandpipers, and cormorants are possible.

Remarkably, the boundary between Devon and Cornwall cuts directly through the centre of Upper Tamar Lake!

Beyond the natural richness of both lakes, Upper Tamar Lake offers a plethora of activities catering to all preferences, complemented by an on-site café ensuring a delightful experience for all visitors whatever age. Activities including walking, canoeing, cycling, fishing, kayaking, rowing, SUP, sailing and windsurfing. You can even extend your stay and make the most of the excellent camping facilities on site.

Activities at Tamar Lakes 

• Walking: Set out on a close encounter with nature as you explore our way-marked walking trails tracing the scenic shorelines of both lakes. The circular path around Upper Tamar Lake spans approximately 2.8 miles (4.5 km), creating an ideal route for a picturesque lakeside walk. Suitable for pushchairs, mobility scooters and wheelchairs.
• Parkrun: Every Saturday at 9 am, Parkrun events take place at Upper Tamar Lake, providing an excellent opportunity to join fellow enthusiasts and challenge yourself in this scenic setting!
• Kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, sailing, windsurfing, and rowing are all available at Upper Tamar Lake, you can hire the equipment or launch your own.
• Fishing: Upper Tamar Lake is an ideal destination for your next angling expedition, acclaimed as the top still water coarse fishery in the UK in 2021!
• Cycling: The three-mile loop surrounding the upper lake provides an enjoyable and family-friendly cycling experience.