Unique experiences in Bude

Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of North Devon’s landscapes at North Devon Wake Park. This family-friendly water sports park is conveniently located just 10 minutes from the picturesque Southwest coastline. The stunning lake is surrounded by lush fields and tranquil countryside, provides an enchanting backdrop for water sports enthusiasts and novices.

Dive into the excitement at the Aqua Park, where thrilling challenges evoke the exhilarating obstacles of “Total Wipeout.” Experience the excitement of wakeboarding or feel the rush of adrenaline on the Ringo rides. For the ultimate adventure, make it a day to remember by combining all these heart pounding activities!

Enjoy the convenience of on-site parking, along with well-equipped changing rooms and hot showers, enhancing your overall experience. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome as there is a foot path around the lake.

Aqua Park
Step into an enthralling world of adventure at the Aqua Park reminiscent of the exhilarating challenges seen on ‘Total Wipeout.’ Envision yourself navigating through an aquatic playground, slides that curve and twist, climbing frames that challenge your agility, jumping platforms that test your bravery, and a race track adorned with playful obstacles. Each element is meticulously designed to deliver a thrilling blend of adrenaline and joy.

In a commitment to safety and enjoyment, North Devon Wake Park have  intentionally limit their capacity to less than 50% of the manufacturer’s recommendation. This careful approach creates a spacious and secure environment, ensuring that whether you’re a competitive racer or just here for the fun, there’s plenty of room for everyone to explore, play, and craft unforgettable memories with loved ones.

At the Aqua Park, every splash tells a story, and each visit leaves you eagerly anticipating more!

Wakeboarding
Experience the adrenaline-pumping excitement of wakeboarding with a state-of-the-art facilities include two dynamic straight-line cables and the WakeparX full-size cable. sessions are designed for all levels of experience.

Ringo Rides
Feel the rush of adrenaline with an exciting Ringo ride, perfect for speed enthusiasts! Ringo Rides cater to both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re seeking the exhilaration of being towed behind a boat or a milder adventure, Ringo rides have it all.

Open Water Swimming
The lake is a serene 550-meter circuit of calm water. Ideal for open-water swimmers, triathletes, or anyone seeking the joy of swimming in fresh, spring-fed water, the facility ensures a safe and pristine environment.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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 !

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.

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.

Parsons Pottery stands as a testament to the genuine passion and shared commitment of the husband-and-wife team, John and Rosie. Drawing from a background in production throwing, John has meticulously honed his skills over the years, becoming a master in his craft. Meanwhile, Rosie has embraced the role of painter and glazer, adding her artistic touch to their collaborative endeavours.

In 2020, embarking on a new chapter, John and Rosie relocated to the picturesque north coast of Cornwall, in setting the stage for the evolution of Parsons Pottery. Here, against the backdrop of Quinceborough Farm, at Widemouth Bay, just outside of Bude they established a dedicated workshop, marking the official founding of Parsons Pottery. This move not only signified a change in location but also a significant leap forward for their creative project.

While they persist in sharing and selling their unique creations, a delightful shift has occurred. John and Rosie now find immense joy in connecting with the local community and holidaymakers alike.

Parsons Pottery has become a hub of creativity, hosting a variety of making and painting workshops. These interactive sessions not only showcase the artistry behind their pieces but also provide an opportunity for others to immerse themselves in the craft, creating lasting memories and unique works of art.

Join Parsons Pottery, where the beauty of Cornwall’s north coast meets the artistry of John and Rosie. Whether you’re a local resident or a holidaymaker, their workshops invite you to become a part of the creative process, turning your inspiration into tangible, handcrafted masterpieces.

Pottery Painting:
Start on a creative journey at Parsons Pottery with their pottery painting sessions, designed to cater to individuals, groups, and families alike. You don’t need to be an artist to join in – sessions are crafted for everyone, regardless of artistic experience. Friendly staff are dedicated to ensuring you have a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Select from a diverse range of pottery, including pieces skilfully hand-thrown by John himself. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or a first-time creator, full instructions on how to make the most of our vibrant underglaze paints will be given. And fear not, our staff is always on hand, ready to share ideas and techniques, ensuring you feel supported throughout the process.

Pottery Throwing:
Begin a pottery adventure with a throwing session, catering to both individuals and groups of 2-6 people. Each session unfolds with a detailed demonstration, paving the way for personalized one-on-one tuition. In group sessions, participants rotate, taking turns on the wheel for an inclusive experience. Individual sessions offer the opportunity to glaze and fire 2 pots, while group sessions involve the firing and glazing of one pot per person. Whether crafting solo or in a group, our pottery throwing sessions promise a blend of education, creativity, and the joy of hands-on artistry.

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.

In 2003, David Westcott and Alice Gare assumed ownership of Welcombe Pottery. This charming establishment, originally an old smithy, under went a transformation into a pottery and gallery back in 1972.

Alice Gare
From her earliest memories, Alice has always had a passion for crafting and embellishing objects. After completing a Fine Art studies at WSCAD, Farnham, in the early 90s, she embraced a career as a full-time potter alongside her partner, David. In 2010, she delved into the world of glass crafts, and has been fortunate enough to cultivate both practices in Welcombe.

Her artistic journey involves hand building unique pieces in earthenware and porcelain, employing a variety of techniques to delve into the realms of colour, texture, and form. Alice finds immense fascination in surface decoration, crafting transfers from her own prints, and utilizing slips while incorporating pressed plants and found objects into the clay body.

The vast sea and expansive skies of the North Devon/Cornish coastline serve as constant inspiration for both her glass and ceramic creations.

David Westcott
In the early 1970s, David’s journey with clay began with a degree in ceramics, igniting a lifelong passion for this extraordinary medium. From the outset, he was captivated by its endless possibilities, and over the years, he’s delved into various clays and glazes, ultimately finding his niche in stoneware and porcelain. His focus lies in crafting pottery for everyday use, where design and functionality intertwine seamlessly.

Each piece he create embodies a commitment to simplicity of form and a tactile, ergonomic experience. Central to his practice is the art of glazing — an area that has always fascinated David. Whether formulating new glazes or refining existing ones, for David every firing is an opportunity for experimentation and discovery.

Welcombe Pottery is more than just a studio; it’s a testament to the ever-evolving nature of ceramics. As David continues to explore new shapes and glazes, he is reminded of the boundless depth and diversity of this ancient craft. One lifetime scarcely scratches the surface of its complexity.

Creative Workshops
Alice and David run workshops themselves but also invite other artists in to teach.

The Shop
Visit their studio and you’ll discover a vibrant space where creativity flourishes amid this converted old Smithy. Both Alice and David showcase their unique ceramic creations for sale, inviting you to explore their artistic journey firsthand. Step into their open studio setting and immerse yourself in the mesmerizing process of pottery-making as Alice and David work on their latest masterpieces.

Feel free to browse their collections while witnessing the magic unfold right before your eyes. In addition to their own work, they are proud to feature a dedicated guest area highlighting the diverse talents of other artists.

The Premier Karting Experience in Cornwall

Located along the breathtaking North Cornwall Coast between Newquay and Padstow, St. Eval Kart Circuit offers an exhilarating outdoor go-karting experience. Their expansive 1000m track is meticulously designed to accommodate racers of all skill levels, starting from 7 years old!
Designated sessions for various age groups, including 7–11-year-olds, teenagers and adults, and exclusive adult-only sessions, there’s something for everyone. And for the youngest enthusiasts, they provide a specially tailored circuit for 3 to 6-year-olds to enjoy their own thrilling adventure.
With the most extensive selection of karts in Cornwall, St. Eval Kart Circuit ensures there’s a kart to suit every age group. Their dedicated karts and tracks for each age bracket ensure an unparalleled karting experience for all participants.