There is something special about December in North Cornwall. The summer crowds are long gone, the coast path is wild and empty, and Bude settles into a proper festive mood with twinkling lights, carol singing and independent shops full of gifts. It is the perfect time to gather the people you love for a get-together before the big day, and Woodlands Manor Farm is made for exactly that.
A pre-Christmas break lets you enjoy all the magic of the season, the markets, the walks and the cosy evenings, without the rush of Christmas Day itself. Whether it is grandparents, grown-up children, old friends or the whole extended family, here is why Woodlands is the perfect place to celebrate together, and what to do while you are here.
A festive base for family and friends
Woodlands is built for bringing people together. Our holiday cottages come in a real variety of sizes, from snug boltholes for two up to the Manor House, which sleeps twelve. Because our cottages sit together around the farm, larger groups can book two, three or more side by side, so everyone has their own front door and space to retreat to, while still being just a few steps from one another for a shared Christmas meal or a games night.
Many of our cottages have log burners, so you can pull the curtains on a dark December evening, light the fire, and settle in with a glass of something warming after a day by the sea. And here is a lovely touch that guests adore: if you are visiting before Christmas, just ask and we will put the decorations up early for you, so you arrive to a cottage already twinkling, tree and all. It makes a pre-Christmas gathering feel truly festive from the moment you step through the door.
There is plenty to keep every generation happy on site, too. Our heated indoor pool, games room and soft play are a godsend on a wintry afternoon, and the children (and plenty of grown-ups) love a wander round to meet and feed the animals, from the sheep and alpacas to the pigs and ducks. Woodland walks start right from the gate, and the beach is only a couple of miles down the lane.
Festive things to do in and around Bude
The run-up to Christmas in Bude is full of character. Dates shift a little each year, so do check Visit Bude's Christmas in Bude guide for all the latest festive events before you travel, but these are the celebrations to look out for.
Christmas lights and late-night shopping
Bude switches on its Christmas lights in late November, and the town centre is lovely to wander of an evening. The independent shops, galleries and delis are perfect for unhurried gift shopping, and many open late on selected evenings in December. Come early for the best finds and support some brilliant local makers while you are at it.
An Enchanted Christmas at The Castle
The Castle Heritage Centre, right on Bude's seafront, usually hosts a festive weekend in early December with light displays, live music, craft workshops, artisan stalls and a visit from Father Christmas. It is a warm, family-friendly day out and a good one to have up your sleeve if the weather turns.
Christmas markets
As well as the market at The Castle, keep an eye out for the Crackington Haven Christmas market, usually held mid-December at the village institute. It is a quieter, friendlier affair full of handmade crafts and festive stalls, and it pairs beautifully with a blustery coastal walk.
Christmas fayres across the area this year
The villages around Bude put on a wonderful run of Christmas fayres through November and December, full of local crafts, cakes, raffles and festive cheer. Here is our round-up for this year. If you are running a fayre that is not on our list, do let us know and we will help spread the word.
- 10 November: The Weir, Bude
- 14 November: Bude Methodist Church, in aid of Animal Free Research UK
- 19 November: Bray Institute, Marhamchurch (Marhamchurch Revel)
- 21 November: Week St Mary Church
- 21 November: Kilkhampton Church
- 21 November: Bude Methodist Church Hall
- 22 November: Lee Barton
- 28 November: Stratton Church (St Andrew's Church, Stratton)
- 5 December: Parkhouse Centre and The Castle, Bude
- 5 December: The Bush Inn, Morwenstow
- 5 December: Kilkhampton Grenville Rooms
- 12 December: Penstowe Manor
- 19 December: Rosie's Kitchen
Dates can change, so it is always worth checking with the organiser before you set off.
Carols and live music
Throughout December you will find carol evenings and live music in Bude's pubs, hotels and public spaces, including performances from the Bude Metric Brass Band. Check the local boards and the Christmas in Bude listings, then round off the evening with supper somewhere cosy. Our guide to the best places to eat in Bude has our own favourites.
A festive light trail at RHS Rosemoor
A short drive over the border into North Devon, RHS Garden Rosemoor runs its magical Glow light trail through the gardens in the run-up to Christmas. Wrap up warm, book ahead, and enjoy the illuminations and soundscapes. It is a real treat for all ages.
Bracing coastal and woodland walks
December is one of the best times to have the North Cornwall coast to yourself. Blow away the cobwebs on the South West Coast Path towards Northcott Mouth, Sandymouth or Widemouth Bay, or keep it gentle with a stroll through the woodland around the farm. There is no better way to earn your mince pie. You will find our favourite routes in our guide to beaches and walks near Bude.
For the brave: the Christmas Day Swim
If you are staying on over Christmas itself, the Christmas Day Swim at Crooklets Beach is a much-loved local tradition, where hardy souls dash into the Atlantic to raise money for the Bude Surf Life Saving Club. Even if you would rather keep your feet dry, it is a wonderful, heart-warming thing to cheer on from the shore with a flask of something hot.
Cosy evenings back at the farm
The best part of a December day out is coming home to warm up. Back at Woodlands, light the log burner, let the little ones tire themselves out in the pool or the games room, and gather everyone round for a proper family evening. Order a welcome hamper or arrange a few little extras to make the stay feel that bit more special, and let the farm work its quiet winter magic.
Pre-Christmas breaks in Bude: your questions answered
Do your holiday cottages have log burners? Many of our cottages have log burners, perfect for cosy December evenings. Let us know when you enquire and we will point you to the ones with a fire.
Can you put the Christmas decorations up before we arrive? Yes. If you are staying before Christmas, just ask and we will have your cottage decorated, tree and all, ready for the moment you walk through the door.
Is Woodlands good for a big family or group gathering? Absolutely. Our cottages range from snug boltholes for two up to the Manor House, which sleeps twelve, and larger groups can book several cottages side by side around the farm.
What is there to do near Bude in the run-up to Christmas? Plenty. Christmas markets and village fayres, the festive weekend at The Castle, carol evenings, the RHS Rosemoor light trail, late-night shopping among Bude's independent shops, and bracing walks along the North Cornwall coast path.
Plan your pre-Christmas escape
December stays are popular and our cottages do book up, so it is worth planning ahead, especially if you need several cottages together for a larger group. Take a look at our current special offers, browse our festive holiday cottages and yurts near Bude to find the right fit for your group, and book direct with us for the best rate with no booking fees.
Gather your family and friends, and let us get the decorations up ready for you. We cannot wait to welcome you for a festive pre-Christmas celebration at Woodlands.
Make it a proper break, our holiday cottages in Bude and luxury yurts sit on a Cornish farm just minutes from the coast, with a heated indoor pool open every day of the year. Dogs welcome. Book direct for the best price, no fees.
