Bude attractions

Between the 1300s and the mid-1500s, church houses emerged throughout the country, serving as hubs for the more communal aspects of church life. These structures provided a dedicated space for social gatherings, fundraising activities, and leisure pursuits, allowing the church building itself to remain focused on worship and prayer. According to a dendrochronological report, Pounstock Gildhouse is estimated to have been constructed around 1550, marking the culmination of this architectural trend.

Crafted from a blend of cob, stone, and slate, Pounstock Gildhouse originally featured a spacious interior with a prominent fireplace at one end. The lower floor likely accommodated areas for cooking, baking, and brewing, while the upper floor housed a hall reserved for social gatherings. One of the most noteworthy events held in such venues were the church ales – festive occasions characterized by abundant feasting and merrymaking, especially during Whitsuntide and May Day. These gatherings saw the brewing of ales and the preparation of food, all sold to generate funds in support of the church’s endeavours.

The Gildhouse has many roles over the years but it was thanks to a timely bequest and a generous grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, complemented by additional smaller grants and extensive local fundraising efforts, a new restoration project became feasible.

The funding allowed for a splendid Feasting Hall, upstairs a fully functioning kitchen awaits, equipped to cater for a variety of events. Meanwhile, downstairs, a cozy meeting room and a modest yet functional kitchen provides additional space for gatherings. Both levels boast facilities designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity for all.

Throughout the restoration process, meticulously care was taken to preserved old, and possibly original, features, honouring the rich history of the Gildhouse. Notably, tucked away in one corner of the ground floor, you’ll discover a charming relic: a small stable where the schoolmistress once tethered her pony.

To address contemporary transportation needs a much-needed car park located at the top of the cemetery was added to ensure convenient access for all visitors, seamlessly blending tradition with modern requirements.

You can visit Poundstock Gildhouse for free on Wednesdays and they have a active programme of talks and events through out the year.

Welcome to Belle Craft, your destination for captivating glass art and distinctive gifts. Nestled along the breathtaking North Cornwall coast, our intimate shop and studio invite you to explore a world of creativity.

At Belle Craft, we not only showcase and sell our own art on-site, but we also offer enriching half-day fused glass and Tiffany glass workshops. Immerse yourself in the art of glass creation as you bring your vision to life.

Our workshops provide a perfect opportunity for artistic expression. We extend a warm welcome to children as young as 12 when accompanied by an adult.

Discover the joy of crafting glass art at Beau Nidol, where every piece tells a story of passion and imagination.

Fused Glass Workshops

Embark on a creative journey with our Fused Glass Workshops, lasting approximately 2 hours. During this immersive experience, you’ll have the opportunity to craft unique items such as plaques, suncatchers, jewellery, or a design of your choice.

The workshop fee covers a set amount of glass, but for those dreaming bigger, additional glass can be purchased. We also offer the option to mount your creation on driftwood for a small fee, with other display choices available.

After your artistic endeavour, your masterpiece will undergo a transformative process in the kiln overnight. If additional work, such as drilling holes or mounting on driftwood, is requested, pieces will be ready for collection or postage 48 hours after the workshop (postage costs vary based on size).

Fused Glass Workshops are suitable for ages 12 and above, making it a perfect family-friendly activity.

Tiffany Glass Workshops

Discover the artistry of Tiffany glass, a technique pioneered by Louis Comfort Tiffany also known as copper foil glass. Immerse yourself in the captivating process of wrapping glass edges in copper foil, skilfully soldering them together to craft intricate designs.

During our Tiffany glass workshops, you’ll embark on a journey of learning, mastering glass cutting, copper foiling, and soldering techniques. Choose from a selection of small panel designs that serve as a canvas for your creativity.

Our Tiffany glass workshops offer a fulfilling experience spanning 2 to 3 hours, perfect for ages 14 and above.

Unveil the beauty of Tiffany glass under the guidance of skilled artisans at Belle Craft.

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.

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.

Bodmin’s iconic Keep stands as a testament to Cornwall’s military history, boasting over 160 years of heritage as the former regimental headquarters. Today, it has transformed into a captivating museum, chronicling 300 years of military presence in Cornwall.

Step inside to discover a treasure trove of artifacts, from badges and weapons to regimental colours, each offering a glimpse into the storied past of Cornwall’s military legacy. Delve into the lives of ordinary soldiers who lived through extraordinary times, as their stories unfold through immersive exhibits and displays.

A visit to Bodmin Keep is an opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of Cornwall’s military heritage, offering insight into the bravery, sacrifice, and resilience of those who served.

The museum boasts an extensive collection of over 12,000 items, the majority of which are proudly showcased for visitors to explore. Each artifact weaves a compelling narrative of battle and honours the courage and sacrifice of individual soldiers.

Among the treasures are numerous works of art that vividly depict tales of conflict, complemented by a remarkable display of over 80 uniforms spanning from Napoleonic times to the modern era. Visitors can also marvel at hundreds of medals bestowed upon brave individuals for their wartime heroism throughout history.

In addition to these remarkable artifacts, the collection includes a diverse array of sculptures, decorative art, and other fascinating memorabilia, offering a comprehensive journey through Cornwall’s military heritage. Immerse yourself in the stories of valour and resilience encapsulated within our museum’s unparalleled collection.

Dogs
Bodmin Keep welcomes furry friends to the museum as they are a dog-friendly attraction. Well-behaved dogs on a lead are warmly invited to accompany their owners during their visit. However, please note that entry for dogs is subject to discretion, particularly during busy periods. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for both human and canine visitors, it’s recommend booking ahead.

Accessibility
The museum is spread across two floors, each accessed via a flight of stairs, unfortunately, wheelchair access is not available at this time. However, Bodmin Keep strive to ensure that all visitors can enjoy our exhibits comfortably. They provide seating in every gallery and stalls to stand on, allowing everyone to view items displayed in cabinets raised off the ground. The aim is to make your visit as inclusive and enjoyable as possible.

Recently reconstructed, the wooden Pirate Ship moored behind the beach huts at Summerleaze Beach presents an imaginative playground for children of all ages.

Complete with intricate details like a realistic crow’s nest and stunning views overlooking the sea, this play area sets the stage for epic pirate adventures! It’s the ideal spot for swashbuckling pirate parties, where young buccaneers can let their imaginations run wild amidst the sea breeze and crashing waves.

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.

Experience Bodmin Jail Where History Comes Alive
Embark on an immersive journey through history with The Bodmin Jail Experience. With a £8.5 million investment, the introduction of the captivating ‘Dark Walk’ experience, elevating your visit to new heights. Included in standard jail entry tickets or join a heritage guided tour, explore the rich tapestry of stories woven within these historic walls.

Originally built in 1779 for King George III, Bodmin Jail holds a significant place in Cornwall’s past. The bold redevelopment invites you to uncover its intriguing hidden history, offering a glimpse into the heart of Cornwall’s heritage. Representing a substantial investment in Cornwall’s tourism, the state-of-the-art technology ensures a truly immersive experience, making it the premier attraction.

The Dark Walk:
Immerse Yourself in History and Discover the Secrets of Cornwall’s Past
Set out on an unforgettable journey through Cornwall’s history with the groundbreaking ‘Dark Walk’. A pioneering attraction in Cornwall, it combines theatrical effects and cutting-edge technology to transport visitors back to the region’s enigmatic past. Experience firsthand the harsh realities of life in an 18th and 19th-century prison on the rugged edges of Bodmin Moor.

Reimagined for modern audiences, this haunting cinematic experience brings to life stories of smuggling, mining, and the daily struggles endured by Cornwall’s most vulnerable. Hear tales of infamous prisoners and delve into the untold stories of the past.

The Naval Wing:
A Glimpse into Grimy Cells, Harsh Punishments and  Gruelling Conditions
Venture into the original Naval Wing of the jail, where visitors brave a chilly journey into the stark reality of life behind bars. Experience firsthand the dreariness of days and nights within the confines of grimy cells, witness the severity of prison punishments, and unravel the tales of child criminals as you explore these formidable structures.

The Administration Block:
Continue your journey to the Administration Block and the Governor’s Office, where visitors can uncover the captivating history of the individuals who operated, toiled, and resided within Bodmin Jail. Delve into hidden stories and myths of Cornwall, Bodmin, and this historic penitentiary from an operational standpoint, gaining insight into its rich tapestry of tales and legends.

The Final Moments:
Feel the solemnity of the condemned as you trace the final footsteps of the 55 prisoners led to the hanging pit. Witnessing the last moments at the only original, fully functional Victorian Hanging Pit in the UK prompts deep reflection.

Tours:
The chilling allure of Bodmin Jail is renowned as one of the UK’s most haunted historical sites. Join a Ghost Hunt and spend the night investigating potential paranormal activity. Delve into the eerie atmosphere independently or with the guidance of our paranormal hosts until the early hours of the morning. Enhance your visit with Heritage and Paranormal Tours, providing invaluable insights and experiences to make the most of your time there.

Welcome to Ocean Soul Sauna, a mobile seaside retreat in Bude, Cornwall. Nestled by the beach, this wood-fired sauna offers a unique outdoor experience with breathtaking sea views through a panoramic half-moon window.

Whether you prefer solitude or the company of others, Ocean Soul Sauna accommodates your needs. Just steps from Crooklets Beach, this idyllic location comfortably hosts up to 8 people, making it perfect for intimate gatherings, families, friends, or special occasions. Embrace the tranquility and warmth of a seaside sauna for a rejuvenating experience.

This unique beachside wood sauna is an opportunity to relax and connect with the soothing ambiance of the sea.

Saunas offer a range of benefits, promoting overall well-being.

• Pain Relief: Saunas have been known to alleviate pain, providing relief for sore muscles and joints.
• Relaxation: The heat in saunas induces relaxation, helping to reduce stress and tension in both the body and mind.
• Positive Impact on Blood Pressure: Regular sauna use may contribute to a positive effect on blood pressure, promoting cardiovascular health.
• Mood Enhancement: Saunas can boost mood and contribute to a sense of well-being, thanks to the release of endorphins and the overall relaxation they provide.
• Mental Health: Saunas are associated with improved mental health, offering a tranquil space for relaxation and contemplation.
• Muscle and Joint Recovery: Saunas aid in muscle recovery, promoting flexibility and easing stiffness in joints.