Outdoor Adventures
While you’re free to take it seriously easy on your visit to Bude, it is the endless variety of action and adventure that tends to draw regulars back time and again. With stacks of activities for all tastes and ages, we are one of the best holiday destinations in Cornwall for outdoor pursuits and all things active. This section contains fun things to do in Bude from light hearted fun to the thrills of coasteering and rock climbing.
In addition to the great outdoors, Bude also has various attractions and all weather activities that provide fun and recreation come rain or shine, all year. Many of these are just a short drive away and relatively inexpensive for parents in search of family activities or things to do on a rainy day.
Surfing with Atlantic Pursuits
Surfing with Atlantic Pursuits
SURFING AND BODY BOARDING WITH ATLANTIC PURSUITS
Ever wondered about the differences between surfing and body/boogie boarding? Allow us to shed some light on the nuances:
Surfing:
The objective is to catch a wave substantial enough for you to stand on the board and ride the wave. By using long boards, extending up to 9 feet, these are easier to balance on and control. It’s a thrilling activity where you typically remain within chest-depth waters to catch a wave. Our instructors are on hand to assist you in catching the perfect wave, providing you with the optimal opportunity to ride the board with style and skill.
Body/Boogie Boarding:
On the other hand, body or boogie boarding employs a much smaller board, especially suitable for smaller children. This activity is typically confined to the safe swimming area, offering a secure and enjoyable experience.
In essence, whether you choose the exhilarating ride of surfing or the family-friendly fun of body/boogie boarding, Atlantic Pursuits ensures a memorable aquatic adventure tailored to your preferences.
Why opt for Atlantic Pursuits?
Owner Sam Roberts: a 30-year Outdoor Expert:
With over three decades of experience, Sam Roberts is a seasoned trainer in surf life-saving and served as an RNLI helmsman for 20 years. His expertise as an excellent waterman is dedicated to delivering enjoyable, safe, and informative sessions.
Exclusive Small Groups/Private Family Experience:
Enjoy a session with just 6-8 people, ensuring a more personalized and intimate setting.
Premium Equipment:
Our equipment is top-notch, updated annually. Wetsuits, surfboards, and bodyboards are all in excellent condition, sourced from reputable providers such as Gul, Sola, and C-Skins.
Maximized Water Time:
Our groups prioritize time in the water, ensuring you make the most of your session. Informative introductions and warm-ups are concise, allowing you to fully enjoy your time.
Safety First:
Owner Sam Roberts: a 30-year Outdoor Expert:
With over three decades of experience, Sam Roberts is a seasoned trainer in surf life-saving and served as an RNLI helmsman for 20 years. His expertise as an excellent waterman is dedicated to delivering enjoyable, safe, and informative sessions.
For All Ages:
This activity is suitable for everyone, starting from the minimum age of 5. Age is no barrier—whether you’re 60 or 6, this is an exciting and inclusive activity for all.
Keypitts Off Road Adventures
Keypitts Off Road Adventures
Keypitts adventure centre in Ilfracombe, North Devon, specialize in thrilling activities such as Quad Biking, Axe Throwing, Mini Land Rovers, and the 4×4 Land Rover Experience.
With over two decades of experience, Keypitts off-road centre has been providing exciting activities for enthusiasts of all ages.
Established on a Family Run Farm in 1998 who diversified to offer a range of activities that their own family enjoyed. This endeavour has blossomed into a successful business, providing a safe and exhilarating all-terrain experience for everyone.
Keypitts activities cater to all ages and abilities, inviting you to push your limits on the farm’s expansive 200 acres of captivating and scenic terrain. As an all-weather attraction, who remain open throughout the year—rain or shine. In fact, the wetter it gets, the better the experience!
Quad Bikes
Choose from an extensive range of quads suitable for ages 6 and above, featuring 50cc to 450cc Yamaha’s, Honda’s, Adly’s, and Cf Moto’s. Whether you’re a small kid or a big kid at heart, they have the perfect bikes for everyone.
• The Badger Run for 6-7 year olds
• The Novice Ride 8 years and over
• The Skill Ride 10 years and over (The most popular ride)
• The Superskill Ride 12 years and over. Riders under 16 must have been before and have completed The Skill Course
Off Road 4 x 4 Land Rover Experience
Experience the thrill of off-road exploration with a 4×4 Land Rover Adventure. Keypitts invites you to master the art of off-road driving in the Land Rover Discovery, the ultimate vehicle for the job. Embark on a 30–45-minute journey across an expansive 200 acres of challenging terrain.
The course starts with moderate difficulty and gradually intensifies as you progress. Fear not, experienced off-road driving instructors are there every step of the way, ready to assist. If you find any part too challenging or feel uncomfortable, the instructor can take control – though this is a rare occurrence. Gain valuable off-road driving skills and a deeper understanding of navigating challenging landscapes, all while enjoying a unique day out in North Devon.
Please note that participants must possess a full driving license to operate the vehicle, and you can bring up to 3 passengers along. If no one in your group has a driving license, you can still enjoy the adventure with up to 4 passengers on a guided 4×4 ride, expertly driven by one of our skilled instructors.
Mini Land Rover Experience
The Mini Land Rover Experience at Keypitts is designed specifically for the little adventurers aged 3 to 10! Imagine the joy on your children’s faces as they take the wheel and navigate our purpose-built track.
Rest assured, parents, we’ve got your peace of mind covered. While your little ones are in control, you’ll have a remote control at your fingertips to intervene if they encounter any challenges. Each vehicle can accommodate up to 2 children, ensuring a delightful and safe driving experience for your little explorers.
Axe Throwing
Have you ever experienced the thrill of axe throwing? If not, now is the perfect time to give it a shot at Keypitts! This unique and exciting activity will put your aim to the test, adding a distinctive flair to your day out in North Devon.
Even if you’re already skilled at axe throwing, this is an excellent opportunity to further refine your abilities. Showcase your talent and compete with others using our points system, injecting an extra layer of fun and friendly competition into the experience.
We provide professional throwing axes, along with Tomahawks or Mousehawks for our younger participants. With three targets marked with varying points and increasing difficulty, you’ll quickly discover the nuanced technique behind successfully throwing an axe!
Gold Panning Experience
Gold Panning Experience
Holsworthy Gold Panning – The only real Gold Panning Experience in the South West!
Join us for an exciting gold panning adventure at our beautiful stream near Holsworthy!
Devon and Cornwall are well known for their rich mineral deposits. This includes GOLD in the hills near Holsworthy!
Here’s how your prospecting adventure will look :-
A short walk down to the panning station next to the stream.
A fun demonstration and equipment distribution.
1 hour of fun gold panning in the stream!
Return equipment to the panning station.
Examine and share your finds with the group.
What might you find?
Fools Gold (Pyrite)
Bits of Quartz sometimes with crystals
Pretty Sandstones with Mica crystals
Maybe if you are lucky – even some real Gold?!?
After your Gold Panning Adventure
Head to our picnic area to relax and wonder about ‘The gold in them hills!’
Could this be the start of your prospecting journey?
Join The Devon Gold Rush and make some Golden Memories!
Fantastic experience
Jul 2023 • Family
This was a fantastic experience and Paul is so knowledgeable and friendly . My 2 boys 7yrs & 15yrs have additional needs and he won them over . As a family we absolutely loved the experience , didn’t feel rushed and was made to feel very welcome . I would highly recommend this experience , it’s worth going just to see the beautiful surroundings/settings . We learnt so much !
Bridge Bike Hire
Bridge Bike Hire
Welcome to Bridge Bike Hire, established in 1983!
At Bridge Bike Hire, we extend a warm and friendly welcome to everyone, whether young, old, or four-legged! As the original cycle hire on the Camel Trail, we are conveniently located right at the beginning of the trail in Wadebridge. Our courtyard seamlessly connects to the Camel Trail, providing you with traffic-free access for your cycling adventure and avoiding the hustle and bustle of the busy road.
Booking in advance is highly recommended, and we offer optional reduced-rate hire starting from 2 pm during the Easter season. Additionally, there are some reduced rates available all day for everyone during the winter months. Join us at Bridge Bike Hire for a memorable cycling experience on the beautiful Camel Trail!
Our Bikes – 40 Years of Excellence
With nearly four decades of operation, Bridge Bike Hire is dedicated to providing an exceptional cycling experience on the Camel Trail. Each year, we meticulously source the most comfortable seats, the safest children’s trailers, and top-quality bikes. Our ongoing investment in equipment ensures that the trail is accessible to individuals of all abilities.
Our knowledgeable team is delighted to guide you in selecting the most suitable bike, catering to riders of all ages, including our four-legged friends! Every group receives a lock, a puncture repair kit, and our team is always ready to offer any assistance or advice you may need. Join us for a cycling adventure where comfort, safety, and enjoyment are our top priorities!
Bikes Available
Securing your bikes for your Camel Trail adventure is highly recommended, especially during school holidays. Child trailers, trailer bikes, tandems, dog trailers, and other specialized bikes are particularly popular and tend to get booked quickly. We have electric bikes, hybrids, mountation bikes and retro ladies bikes something for everyone.
Explore our “GO OUT LATE, STAY OUT LATE” option during the warmer months—a delightful alternative to a morning ride that lets you make the most of your day.
Doggies Come Too!
We believe in inclusivity at Bridge Bike Hire, and that includes your furry friends! Dogs are more than welcome to join the adventure on the Camel Trail with our specially adapted dog trailers. Equipped with a bottle of water and a dog bowl, dogs of all ages can now enjoy a day out with the whole family.
While dogs are permitted on the Camel Trail, it’s essential to adhere to the ‘Rules of the Camel Trail’ set by Cornwall Council, who manages the trail. According to these rules, dogs should be kept on leads at all times. We look forward to welcoming your canine companions for a delightful day on the Camel Trail!
Surfing with Shoreline Extreme Sports
Surfing with Shoreline Extreme Sports
At Shoreline we use a number of soft-shelled surf boards designed to help you get started and develop a robust technique. Not only are these boards extremely safe but they are also light and easy to carry to and from the shore. Being very buoyant these boards catch the waves easily making sure that you will have plenty of rides on which to get to your feet and polish up your surfing style!
We generally run half day sessions throughout the year providing Instructors, Boards, Wetsuits with Hats and Gloves in the colder months. This is a great individual sport and group activity where you can never predict who will come out as the session’s star, its physical but very rewarding.
Within Bude itself we boast three very different beaches with Crooklets being the most well known as our classic ‘surfing’ beach. Crooklets is home to the towns Surf Life Saving Club the very club that provides the training and Lifeguard qualifications essential to our team of coaches. The Surf at the west facing Crooklets beach breaks along a long sandy shallow sloping beach creating endless peeling and broken waves perfect for learning and practising your surfing techniques.
Surfing with OA Surf Club
Surfing with OA Surf Club
With three decades of expertise in conducting surf lessons in the Bude area, our seasoned team is perfectly positioned to guide you from novice to champion.
OA Surf Club organises surf lessons at Widemouth Bay, just a stone’s throw from Bude. This expansive sandy beach serves as an idyllic setting for both learning the basics of surfing and honing your existing skills. Whether embarking on this adventure solo, with family, or alongside a group of friends, our amiable and skilled team is not only dedicated but their passion and contagious enthusiasm, ensures you receive nothing short of the finest experience in the water.
Whether you’re a first-time surfer eager to catch your first wave or seeking to refine your technique, our expert coaches specialize in optimizing every moment of your session. Our comprehensive lessons encompass the essentials, from learning how to carry a surfboard to mastering the art of catching waves and adopting various standing techniques.
Our crafted 2-hour lessons strike the perfect balance, combining valuable coaching time on the beach with extensive water sessions. This approach ensures you not only grasp the fundamentals during instruction but also have ample time in the water to hone and practice your newfound skills.
Vale of Avalon
Vale of Avalon
Set out on an adventure at the Vale of Avalon where there’s something for every member of the family. From exciting den building and exploring Arthur’s stone to imaginative play in the wooden fort, children will be thoroughly entertained.
For those seeking a more tranquil experience, meander through the serene Muse Garden or enjoy a leisurely 500m stroll through the fields, orchard, and riverside trail, where you’ll discover the enchanting Lady Falmouth’s Secret Garden.
What You Can Explore & Experience:
Witness the historic Camlann Battlefield
Admire the 6th-century inscribed ‘Ogham’ Stone (also known as King Arthur’s Grave)
Dive into history at our Indoor Exhibition
Delight in the fragrant blooms of Lady Falmouth’s Secret Garden (18th century)
Relax in the picturesque ‘Muse Garden’
Explore the newly planted orchard
Discover the remains of a 13th-century longhouse
Observe wildlife thriving in its natural habitat
Wander the 500m woodland trail alongside the river
Let creativity flourish with den building using trees and twigs
Appreciate the newly planted flower beds
Enjoy family time in the dedicated children’s play area
Indulge in homemade tea & cake at the tearoom
Find a special memento in the charming gift shop
The Vale of Avalon is thrilled to inform you that they are a carbon-neutral, family-run small business dedicated to sustainability. On site is a liscensed Tea Room, free parking for both coaches and cars. Dogs are very welcome, no need to book ahead. Season tickets available for repeat visits.
Coasteering with Freewave Surf Academy
Coasteering with Freewave Surf Academy
Embark on an extraordinary and thrilling aquatic adventure with coasteering near Bude. Suitable for various groups and ages, this action-packed experience promises excitement and awe.
Meet The Coasteering Team
Our team comprises certified and seasoned coasteering instructors who will lead you through the intertidal zone along Bude’s breathtaking coastline. Dive into expansive Cornish sea caves, discover wildlife-abundant rock pools, access hidden and secluded beaches around Bude, and take the plunge from one of our thrilling cliff jumping spots!
Discover The Coasteering Venues
While our primary venue is at Bossiney Bay near Bude, Cornwall, we also have access to multiple venues scattered along the stunning Cornwall coastline. Each location presents a variety of thrilling opportunities, explorations, and experiences in a spectacular environment. The choice of coasteering site will be based on the day’s conditions, making transportation essential for your coasteering adventure with us.
Craft Your Coasteering Experience
Tailored to suit the needs and abilities of each group, our coasteering sessions provide all necessary safety equipment. Just bring along old trainers that you don’t mind getting wet. Participants must be over 10 years old, capable of swimming 50 meters unaided, and those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Begin your session by meeting your coasteering guide near Bude, Cornwall. Once you’re ready, don a wetsuit, buoyancy aid, and helmet, and don’t forget those water-friendly shoes! Pay close attention to the coasteering safety briefing from the lead guide, who will provide insights into what to expect from your coasteering adventure. Familiarize yourself with the ‘do’s’ and ‘do not’s’ before immersing yourself in the beauty of the Cornish sea and exploring Bude’s enchanting coastline.
Minimum age for coasteering with us in Bude, Cornwall is 10 years old. All participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult during the activity.
SUP with Freewave Surf Academy
SUP with Freewave Surf Academy
Experience the Excitement of Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)
A stand-up paddleboarding lesson is an excellent introduction to this rapidly growing sport. The stability of the large surfboard-style paddle board provides a secure platform for standing. With the use of an extra-long canoe-style paddle, you can effortlessly navigate the waters within minutes. Stand-up paddleboarding is less demanding than surfing, making it accessible to everyone in your group.
Immerse yourself in a stand-up paddleboarding lesson during your visit to Bude. Discover the charm of Bude’s historic waterways, connect with nature, and acquire a new skill while creating lasting memories with your loved ones. Whether you’re in a large group, with family, friends, or enjoying a solo adventure, stand-up paddleboard lessons offer an enjoyable experience.
Gear Up for Adventure
Equip yourself with a suitably sized inflatable paddle board and an extendable paddle. Pay close attention to instructions, and you might stay dry—though, a wetsuit is available just in case! Once on the water, you’ll learn to manoeuvre the board first on your knees before gracefully standing up and exploring the waterways like a pro. Get ready for a memorable and enjoyable stand-up paddleboarding experience in the picturesque surroundings of Bude.
Bude Sea Pool
Bude Sea Pool
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.
Sea and Surf Kayaking with Shoreline Extreme Sports
Sea and Surf Kayaking with Shoreline Extreme Sports
Bude offers an ideal setting for various paddle sports adventures, utilizing the sea, surf, canal, and local rivers.
Within Shoreline’s coaching team, is former World Champion, Simon Hammond, acclaimed author of “Surf Kayaking: The Essential Guide” and an International Surf Kayak Coach. You really will be learning from the best!
One of the most thrilling adventures in Bude is paddling down the Bude canal and out into Summerleaze Bay. From there, depending on conditions, you can continue along the coastline to explore the numerous inlets and channels between the rocks, landing on deserted beaches. On the return journey, the Shoreline team will find a surf beach and teach you how to ride the waves, providing ample time for practice, which is both easier than you think and incredibly enjoyable.
If conditions are flat and calm, they will focus on coastal exploration. If there’s plenty of surf, they will emphasize the surfing aspect. Regardless, they guarantee you’ll have an unforgettable time.
Clovelly
Clovelly
Clovelly is a unique village once owned by the Queen of England and from Elizabethan days until today, it has been in private ownership, which has helped preserve its original atmosphere. Clinging to a 400 foot cliff in North Devon, it has no vehicular traffic on its steeply cobbled street, just donkeys and sledges. The man-powered sledges transport all goods to the village, from groceries to furniture. Donkeys used to be the main form of transport for centuries, but now mainly give children rides during the summer or can be seen posing for photographs in the street.
There is much to see and do, and the village hosts a variety of events throughout the year. As well as live music, demonstrations, street entertainments, stalls galore and craft activities, you can also find out more about seaweed at the ‘Know Your Seaweed’ Talks and experience the Shipwreck Survival Workshop.