Bude attractions

Welcome to Docton Mill Tea Rooms & Gardens, a hidden gem in the heart of Hartland, North Devon.

Discover the captivating story of Docton Mill Wild Flower Gardens, nestled in a stunning valley just 1000m from the coast. Originating in the 1930s, the garden faced a period of neglect in the 1970s. The resurgence in 1980 brought about the renovation of the Mill, extensive planting, and the creation of a new Bog Garden and borders, accompanied by the planting of numerous trees. The new millennium ushered in further developments, including the Magnolia Garden, expansive Herbaceous borders, Woodland Garden, and a Greenhouse area for extensive plant propagation.

Our Wild Flower Gardens follow a theme of natural simplicity. In spring, witness displays of narcissi, primulas, camellias, rhododendrons, and azaleas, all framed by the enchanting presence of bluebells. Summer brings a profusion of roses, including a rose bank of Felicia and Pax, alongside the Herbaceous border. Explore a field boasting 25 varieties of magnolia, ensuring a garden that captivates throughout the seasons.

Garden Entry:

• Adults: £6.50
• Children (U18): Free (Under 2.3m in height)

Awards and Accolades:

• Voted Best Tea Room in North Devon (North Devon Food & Drink Awards)
• Gold Medal Winner at Devon County Show
• Voted Best Cream Tea in Devon (North Devon Food & Drink Awards)

Garden Features:

• Spectacular narcissi display in spring
• Enchanting river walk with naturalised narcissi, bluebells, and wild garlic
• Superb bog garden, celebrated in Rosemary Verey’s “Good Planting”
• Extensive 140m herbaceous border
• Wildflower gardens

Tea Room Delights:

• Award-winning tea room serving light lunches with specialty salads
• Locally sourced ingredients
• No entry charge to use the Tea Room
• Last teas served at 4:30 pm

Pet-Friendly Atmosphere:

• Dogs allowed on short leads

Additional Offerings:

• Plant sales area
• RHS Partnership Garden every Saturday throughout the season

Disabled Facilities:

• Due to the topographical layout, the garden is not suitable for wheelchairs or those with serious walking disabilities. For further details, please call 01237 441369.

While Lundy Island may only stretch three miles in length and half a mile wide, its compact size belies the wealth of experiences it offers day-trippers. With over 4,000 years of human history, brought to life by 42 scheduled monuments and a collection of listed buildings, the island is a treasure trove of heritage. Its remote location fosters a unique habitat for wildlife, often likened to the biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands. All of this unfolds against a backdrop of rugged natural beauty, creating a paradise for walkers.

Many day visitors embark on the journey to Lundy aboard the MS Oldenburg, the island’s own ferry and supply ship. This graceful vessel, built in 1958, retains much of its original charm with brass and wooden fittings. It boasts comfortable heated saloons, a bar, buffet, gift shop, and information desk. On sunny days, ample deck space invites passengers to enjoy the scenic views, and lucky travellers may even encounter a playful pod of dolphins trailing the ship.

The MS Oldenburg sails at least three times weekly from either Bideford or Ilfracombe, with the crossing taking approximately two hours each way. This allows between four and six hours to explore the island, depending on the chosen travel day.

Given the island’s abundance of attractions, it’s unlikely that a single visit will suffice. Weather often dictates the day’s activities—if the wind blows easterly, head west, and vice versa. And even on rainy days, there’s plenty to see and do in and around the Tavern.

This is not your usual type of museum and it certainly isn’t a large grey building with all the exhibits neatly arranged on shelf after shelf in glass cabinets – ask any of our visitors!
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​There is a do-it-yourself NAAFI on-site for hot and cold drinks, crisps etc with comfortable seating and WW2 newspapers to read.
Well-behaved dogs (on a lead) are welcome.

Airfield Tours on Thursday afternoons at 2 pm (July to the end of September ONLY) Tours take place at 2pm every Thursday. They are in our crew bus Marlene – Booking essential.

Nestled in the quaint village of Poughill, you’ll find the charming Poughill Playground, a cozy haven tailored for our youngest adventurers.

Designed with safety in mind, Poughill Playground provides a sheltered and secure environment for smaller children to frolic and play. Amidst its intimate setting, you’ll discover a delightful combination of open grassy spaces and engaging play equipment, perfect for endless hours of fun.

Conveniently situated next to the free car park in Poughill and adjacent to the tranquil cemetery, accessing this inviting retreat is a breeze for families seeking a peaceful escape.

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!

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.

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!

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.

Step into the world of cinema magic at The Rebel, a beloved independent cinema on the outskirts of Bude. We proudly showcase the latest blockbuster releases, offering a traditional cinematic experience that’s cherished by locals and visitors alike.

From Hollywood blockbusters to indie gems, our diverse lineup ensures there’s something for every movie buff to enjoy.

Disabled wheelchair spaces are accessible on ground level and loop-induction systems have been installed for the hard-of-hearing.