Woodlands Blog

Nestled along the dramatic North Cornwall coastline, Bude is a favourite destination for families seeking unforgettable holiday experiences. With its golden sandy beaches, family-friendly attractions, rich history, and stunning natural beauty, Bude has something for everyone. Particularly those searching for the perfect family-friendly holiday in Cornwall. 

Here are the top 10 reasons Bude is a fantastic choice for family-friendly holidays in Cornwall.

1. Beautiful Beaches for Every Occasion

Bude is home to some of Cornwall’s most spectacular beaches, offering plenty of options for families with children of all ages. Summerleaze Beach, with its vast expanse of sand and gentle waves, is ideal for building sandcastles, paddling, and family picnics. Crooklets Beach is the next cove over and an easy walk at low tide. It’s worth the stroll, as there are two great cafes on the beach, Rosies and Crooklets Beach Cafe, with great views and accessible access.  Watch out for the summer events at Crooklets Beach Cafe, as they have outdoor music overlooking the sea most weekends. Let’s not forget there is a skate park at Crooklets Beach, too!

For families with adventurous older kids, Widemouth Bay offers excellent conditions for bodyboarding and surfing lessons and some great cafes for relaxing afterward. Don’t miss the hidden gem: The Beach House, which serves excellent food all year round and has a great beachside bar in the summer. 

Lastly, Sandymouth, Duckpool, and Northcott Mouth are all owned by the National Trust and are all equally stunning, less busy, and a little further from the town center, making them a good option on days when you want a quieter pace during your family-friendly holiday Cornwall

Note: please be aware that Duckpool does not have lifeguards on the beach in summer, so as always, paddle unless you are a very experienced sea swimmer.

Read more about the Bude Beaches here.

2. Great Wild Swimming Spots 

Wild swimming has significantly increased in popularity across the UK in recent years. According to the Outdoor Swimming Society, approximately 7.5 million people in the UK regularly swim in natural waters such as rivers, lakes, lidos, and seas.

The iconic Bude Sea Pool is a semi-natural swimming pool built into the rocks at Summerleaze. It provides a safe environment for children to enjoy the water all year round, and you will find many dedicated wild swimmers swimming up and down the 91-metre pool. There are many additional fabulous wild swimming spots nearby, and you can find our top wild swimming blog here.

3. Outdoor Adventures in Nature

Of course, you cannot come to Bude without considering surfing. There are so many options for both the experienced and beginner level.

Check out our recommendations on surf schools here.

For families who love the great outdoors, Bude is surrounded by stunning countryside and coastal paths. The South West Coastal Path offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and opportunities to spot wildlife.

Families can also explore the Bude Canal, perfect for a relaxing walk or a paddleboarding adventure. The area’s many nature reserves, like the Tamar Lakes, provide ample opportunities for birdwatching, paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, fishing, and other activities. They also run the local park at Tamar Lake on a Sunday for keen runners.

Coasteering is also offered by Saltwater Safari, which we highly recommend for both surfing and other seaside adventures.

4. A Wealth of Family-Friendly Activities

Bude boasts many activities to keep families entertained throughout their stay, rain or shine. The town is home to charming cafes, local shops, and weekly markets (from easter to the end of summer) where you can pick up handmade souvenirs and excellent local produce.

The Splash Leisure Pool is perfect for rainy days, featuring slides and wave machines to keep kids entertained for hours.  The Venue is right next door and offers bowling and four levels of soft play for hours of kids’ fun.  

Bude Haven Recreation Ground is a fabulous sporting facility right by the sea. It provides squash, tennis, bowling green, crazy golf, putting green, table tennis, and pool facilities to local people and holiday visitors at affordable prices.

If you hit a rainy day, consider the Rebel Cinema, which plays leading blockbusters and independent films at a very reasonable price.

There are some great adventure parks and activity centers nearby, such as The Milky Way Adventure Park ( The Peters family’s favourite as they offer a fantastic range of activities for all ages) and The Big Sheep, which has the best animal shows, especially the sheep racing, the Ram show and the Duck herding demonstration, are a short drive away and offer fun-filled days out.

In the summer months, Bude even has its own Monster Slip and Slide, a 360FT long slide that you slide down on your own or in doubles.

5. Fascinating History and Culture

Families can immerse themselves in the history and culture of Bude by visiting its local landmarks. The Bude Heritage Centre, located at The Castle Bude, provides a fascinating insight into the town’s maritime history and evolution. Kids will love learning about the area’s shipwrecks, smugglers, and Victorian seaside traditions. Additionally, families can explore World War II history through the Bude Heritage Walk, which highlights the area’s role during the war with fascinating landmarks and stories.

6. Delicious Local Food

Cornwall is renowned for its food, and Bude is no exception. Many family-friendly dining options exist, from traditional Cornish pasties to fresh seafood. Many cafes and restaurants in Bude cater to children, offering kids’ menus and relaxed atmospheres. Don’t forget to treat the family to some locally made ice cream while taking in the ocean views.

Please read the blog with our top restaurant recommendations here 

7. Accommodation to Suit Every Family

Bude offers many family-friendly accommodation options, from self-catering cottages to farm stays, holiday parks, and beachfront hotels. Of course, we would love you all to stay at Woodlands in one of our holiday cottages or yurts. However, there are many fabulous options, and Visit Bude is a great place to explore ideas – but ideally, call us first :). Families can opt for unique accommodations like yurts or farm stays for a truly memorable stay, which allows kids to get up close with animals and nature.

Check out our latest reviews here 

8. Year-Round Appeal

While Bude is particularly popular during summer, it’s a fantastic destination year-round. Spring and autumn are perfect for quieter family breaks, with mild weather ideal for exploring the outdoors. Even in winter, Bude’s dramatic coastline, cosy cafes, and festive events make it a charming getaway spot.

Ask any locals. Spring and late summer/autumn are fantastic times to visit Bude, and plenty is still happening. The shops and restaurants remain open, unlike some holiday destinations.

9. Dog-Friendly Destination 

The simple answer is yes; Bude is exceptionally dog-friendly. The majority of cafes allow dogs inside but all outside, of course. And some great pubs welcome dogs too – our favorites are The Bush and The Preston Gate.

The beaches have set rules for dogs at different times of the year. However, if you want your dog to run wild, there are many options outside peak times for the main beaches and all year round for the quieter beaches.

Find out more about dog-friendly beaches here. 

10. North Cornwall Location 

North Cornwall offers a stunning coastal escape with easy access to Cornwall and Devon. Just over the border in Devon, you will find the historic village of Clovelly and the breathtaking landscapes of Hartland. Further into Cornwall, you will find the legendary Tintagel Castle, steeped in Arthurian myth. Food lovers will enjoy the vibrant culinary scene in Padstow, home to renowned seafood restaurants. Surfers can also head to Polzeath for a nearby surfing location outside Bude. North Cornwall is the perfect location for exploring both North Devon and Cornwall, and it ticks all the boxes for every family member.

Make Bude Your Next Family Holiday Destination

Bude has it all for a family-friendly holiday in Cornwall: stunning natural beauty, fun activities, and warm Cornish hospitality. Whether you’re seeking beach days, outdoor adventures, or simply a farm stay where you can all escape, Bude is the perfect destination for creating cherished family memories.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Bude.

Don’t forget to consider Woodlands Manor Farm for your next holiday, we would love to have you as our guest on the farm.