Unique experiences in Bude

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.

Experience the thrill of the Monster Slip And Slide Bude, a 4-lane, 360FT long attraction located in North Cornwall, close to the picturesque town of Bude. Just 4 minutes from the breathtaking beaches of Widemouth Bay,  Monster Slip And Slide Bude awaits!

Complimentary super-fast bodyboards and inflatable rings allow you to launch yourself off the Monster ramp and zip down the exhilarating 360ft slide! Plus, children aged 4 and under slide for free!

No need to worry about hunger or thirst! The Monster Munch Team has you covered with a variety of delicious food, refreshing drinks, and tempting ice creams to keep you energized while you Slip and Slide!

Rent the slip and slide exclusively for an epic party! Whether it’s a birthday bash, stag or hen do, kids club event, or corporate/staff party, make it unforgettable with your own private session on the slide.

Customer reviews
“What a fantastic experience for the whole family. We went as a family of five – children age ranges from 3-12. Well organised and plenty of opportunities to go on the slides. What we loved most was the variation from going down the slide, on your own, body board, single ring or double ring which sat four!”

“What a fun way to spend an afternoon! 3 adults and 2 children had a fantastic time from start to finish. Check in was quick and easy, the safety talk was brief but thorough and the amount of time on the slides was just right. We loved the fact you could choose single rings, double rings, body boards or just yourself to go down the slides. We tried everything and enjoyed them all!”

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.

The South West’s only attraction named Tripadvisor Best of the Best every year from 2020 to 2026! This all-weather day out, with fun for all ages is simply unmissable.

The Milky Way Adventure Park is an all-weather family attraction packed with rides, live shows, indoor play, and hands-on fun. Located near Clovelly, just 25 minutes from Bude, it’s one of the top things to do with kids in the area.

Indoor and Outdoor Attractions for All Ages

With a brilliant mix of indoor and outdoor attractions, the park has something for everyone. Save planet Earth on Ziggy’s Blast Quest interactive ride, feel the rush on the Cosmic Typhoon rollercoaster, challenge the family on the accessible mini golf course, or enjoy a breathtaking birds of prey display. Younger children will love the soft play, bouncing pillows, and mini train, while teens can test their skills in the Ninja Stars arena.

All-Weather Family Fun near Bude

If you’re looking for things to do with kids or planning a family day out near Bude, The Milky Way is a top choice, even on rainy days – with rides, play areas, shows and activities for all ages, all in one place. The whole park has been designed for all ages to have fun together! Family-owned for over 40 years, it offers a relaxed, friendly, and great-value full day out and most guests are here around 5 hours on average.

Great Value Family Day Out – Rides, Shows & More Included

All rides, shows and most activities are included in your entry ticket, offering fantastic value for families. What’s included …

Tickets include all our rides, play areas and live shows, with just a few optional extras like pottery painting (priced per piece from £4 and up), Penalty Pro Football (£2 per game), and Ninja Stars (£2.95 wristband with credit included, and option to purchase further credits available at £1.50 per credit). Prices correct as at 1st July 2025.

Norton Barton Artisan Food Village is a collective of independent and environmentally conscious food producers working together at Norton Barton Farm.

Our distillery is currently open for tours by advance booking, running on Thursday and Friday 3pm and on weekends by request. Enjoy a guided tour of our distillery, hearing all about how rum and piracy have shaped the North Cornish coast. And enjoy a bespoke rum, gin and or vodka tasting with our head distiller Tom Read.

Coming in May we will also be opening a cafe/tearooms, farm shop and weather permitting a woodland walk suitable for all ages.

Enjoy a welcoming and warm atmosphere set in the heart of Norton Barton Artisan Food Village, just a 10 minute drive from Bude town centre.

We will offer a range of light bites, cakes and cream teas, and lunch specials highlighting local produce. The cafe will be dog friendly and the farm shop will show off the best of Cornish artisan food and drink.

We will be open Thursday – Sunday.

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 !

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.

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.

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.

Immerse Yourself in Creativity at the Kitchen Front

At the Kitchen Front, our workshops are guided by professional and experienced illustrators and crafters who bring a wealth of expertise to every session.

Unleash your creativity as you explore various techniques such as splatter, print, and stencil under the expert guidance of our talented instructors. Our participants often surprise themselves by daring to try new methods, resulting in unique and personalized creations.

Beyond the joy of crafting, our workshops offer more than just fun—they provide a serene and tranquil experience. Many participants share that the immersive nature of the activities fosters a sense of calm and relaxation. The creative atmosphere at the Kitchen Front sets the stage for a truly unique and inspiring journey.

Discover a world of artistic possibilities with our diverse workshops:

Ceramic Kitchenware:
We believe in the fusion of practicality and beauty. Join us, and we will personally guide you in building your artistic confidence through illustration techniques. We firmly stand by the belief that everyone can do art, even if you think you can’t. Explore our extensive selection of practical bisque, ready for you to transform into unique pieces. Once glazed and fired, our kitchenware becomes not only functional but also dishwasher safe.

Stoneware Workshops:
Welcome to the world of stoneware at our workshops! What sets it apart? Stoneware, known for its robust nature compared to earthenware, introduces a unique dimension to your creations. Prepare to be captivated by the outcome, the resulting pieces are nothing short of stunning. Each creation boasts a unique beauty and fluidity that sets it apart.

In our dedicated stoneware workshops, your pieces undergo a separate firing process at exceptionally high temperatures, resulting in a vitrified surface that adds durability and character to your masterpieces.

Book Binding:
Unleash your imagination as you learn the art of creating beautifully bound books. Our workshop is a lovely introduction to book binding using the concertina technique.

Fabric Block Print:
Dive into the world of textile artistry and create unique patterns with fabric block printing. We will guide you through the fascinating process of creating a block print from wood, employing a variety of mark-making materials. You then choose from a diverse selection of practical items, including aprons, bags, T-shirts, and tea towels.

Sweet Indulgence: Elevate Your Experience with Homemade Cake and Tea

As a delightful bonus, each workshop with us includes a serving of our proper homemade cake accompanied by a steaming cup of tea or coffee. Picture yourself savoring these treats on our charming vintage china, adding an extra touch of nostalgia and elegance to your creative journey.

For private groups, the indulgence goes a step further—you get to choose the cake or opt for a delightful Cream Tea experience. Make every moment special with the perfect blend of creativity and culinary delight at our studio.

Beyond Workshops:

Cherish Little Hands and Feet:
At our studio, we go beyond workshops to create lasting memories. In the blink of an eye, your child grows so quickly, and it can be challenging to recall just how small they once were. The Kitchen Front is here to help you hold onto those precious memories. Capture precious moments with your little ones through personalized hand and footprints.

Take Creativity Home: Art Kits for Your Own Time
Introducing our Takeaway Home Art Kits—a creative escape right in the comfort of your space. If our workshop timings don’t align with your schedule or you prefer the freedom to create at your own pace, these kits are the perfect solution.

Our Art Kits are fully comprehensive, providing everything you need:

• A selection of vibrant paints
• Mark making tools including a straw, sponge, scratchy stick, and paint brushes
• Your choice of ceramic item from our extensive collection
• Unleash your artistic spirit at home, on your own terms, with our thoughtfully curated Art Kits.

Discover a vibrant array of high-quality theatre events in Bude, showcased across a diverse selection of unique open-air and indoor venues.

The lineup is carefully curated to delight and inspire. From alfresco performances under the open sky to intimate gatherings in cozy indoor settings, our events promise to captivate audiences of all tastes and interests.