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.
Independent Charters - Sea Fishing and Sightseeing Trips
Independent Charters - Sea Fishing and Sightseeing Trips
Discover the wonders of the sea with Independent Charters, departing from Clovelly Harbour, the historic fishing village of North Devon. This family-run business, led by Dave and Doug Walls, brings over 40 years of angling expertise and more than two decades as Lifeboat Crew at Clovelly.
You will set sail in a Mitchell 31 MK II boat, boasting onboard toilet and handwash amenities. This vessel provides seating for up to 12 passengers, including a dedicated crew member. Your skipper will navigate the waters with ease on this reliable and spacious boat, ensuring a memorable experience for you and your companions.
Choose from an array of options, including sea angling trips, sea fly fishing, boat charter fishing, reef & wreck fishing, and Marine Wildlife & Lundy Island expeditions.
The rich waters around North Devon offer opportunities to catch Pollock, bream, sea trout, mackerel, tope, Porbegle, and more.
Join Doug and Dave for an unforgettable maritime adventure, where their passion meets a wealth of experience.
SUP with Bude Surfing Experience
SUP with Bude Surfing Experience
Unwind Your Mind – Energize Your Body – Boost Your Mood.
Paddleboarding, or SUP, offers an attainable and serene alternative to surfing, rapidly becoming one of the most popular water sports globally. Join Bude Surfing Experience to grasp the fundamentals of SUP on Bude Canal, surrounded by nature in an ideal setting for all weather conditions. Explore the picturesque canal, either through a guided lesson or independently with our premium SUP rental equipment. Suitable for all ages and confidence levels, this provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the water.
We assure you that your sessions will be filled with smiles and laughter throughout! Our team of highly experienced instructors is dedicated to ensuring the entire session is safe, enjoyable, and packed with valuable information.
Experience the freedom to explore Bude Canal at your own pace by renting our paddleboards, paddles, and buoyancy aids. You can find our trailer conveniently located by Bude Canal and at the Bude Tourist Information Centre. To ensure availability, especially during peak times, we recommend booking online in advance or giving us a call. Whether you choose an hour or two, renting a paddleboard provides the independence to immerse yourself in nature on the canal.
Our equipment hire service operates daily from 9 am to 5 pm, offering you the flexibility to enjoy your paddleboarding adventure at a time that suits you best.
Bude Rowing Boat Hire
Bude Rowing Boat Hire
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!
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.
Coasteering with OA Surf Club
Coasteering with OA Surf Club
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.
Surfing with Freewave Surf Academy
Surfing with Freewave Surf Academy
Whether you’re a novice eager to ride your first wave or someone looking to enhance existing skills, our surfing experiences at Widemouth Bay in Bude, are designed to provide you with the essential surfing skills, knowledge, and the confidence you seek.
If you are embarking on your “learn to surf” journey or aiming to improve your abilities both are best achieved through expert guidance from skilled and experienced coaches. With the right surfing instruction and quality equipment, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can conquer the waves. The thrill of catching your first wave during your initial surfing lesson is bound to be one of the most exhilarating experiences you’ll ever have.
Nestled at the stunning surfing haven of Widemouth Bay our surf school offers an ideal setting for our lessons. We prioritize personalized attention through small group surf lessons, ensuring that you receive focused guidance. All necessary equipment is included, and each surfing lesson spans between 2 to 2.5 hours.
For those seeking a more tailored experience, we provide Private Surfing Lessons, and we are equipped to handle large group surf bookings. Contact us for further details on these customized options and let us be your guide to a memorable surfing adventure.
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.