Staying near Bude in North Cornwall and looking for things to do? This area is loved for its family fun, rugged coast, beautiful beaches and quirky villages. Travel blogger Stef Fox Adcock has put together a list of 5 fantastic places you must visit during your holiday in the area.
Fantastic for … Families
You go on holiday to have fun with your loved ones, right? So head to The Milky Way Adventure Park, where everything’s designed so that adults and kids can have a whale of a time together – and there are even areas dedicated to babies and under 6s. You’ll find roller coasters, dodgems, huge indoor play areas and death slides, as well as gentler activities such as a mini-train, jumping pillows, Sci-Fi memorabilia, golf, archery and shows. There’s lots outside and undercover so it’s great in wet weather too.
Good to know: Nearly everything at The Milky Way is included in the one entry fee – and if you pick up a VIP voucher on the way out you can get in for half price for the rest of the season.
Fantastic for … Foodies
We’re all familiar with the great foodie fishing village of Padstow, which is just an hour’s drive down the coast from Bude. Rick Stein has been hugely influential in building its reputation, and he still has a hand in eateries there such as The Seafood Restaurant, Rick Stein’s Café, The Cornish Arms and St Petroc’s Bistro , but if you’re actually staying in Bude, you’ll love The Beach at Bude; it has panoramic views of the sea and a buzzy atmosphere, and offers an upmarket but laid-back menu. It’s always worth searching out the village pubs inland or down the coast towards Tintagel and Boscastle.
Fantastic for … Historians
This very special and rather mysterious place has inspired myths and stories for centuries, thanks to its association with the legend of King Arthur. Perched high on the rugged cliffs, Tintagel has amazing sea views, which are perhaps best viewed from Tintagel Island and Tintagel Castle; said to be the birthplace of King Arthur, the castle also features in the tale of Tristan and Isolde and has a history stretching as far back as the Romans. The beach at Tintagel is also like no other, with caves to explore – one of which is rumoured to be the home of Merlin. Also worth a visit is the quirky Tintagel Old Post Office, which was once a 14th-century farmhouse – its wavy roof provides a great photo opportunity!
Good to know: while you’re in Tintagel stop in at King Arthur’s Arms Inn for a good old-fashioned family pub atmosphere and hearty food.
Fantastic for … Beach Bums
You’re spoilt for choice in this area when it comes to beaches – as well as vast sandy stretches with nearby facilities, you’ll also find tiny and often deserted coves that you can enjoy all to yourselves. The most popular spots to head are where you’ll find lots of sand, safe bathing and nearby facilities, such as Bude’s Summerleaze and Crooklets, Widemouth Bay Beach, Polzeath and Crackington. Less well-known – but also wilder and less accessible – gems include Duckpool, Northcote Mouth, Sandymouth and Bossiney Cove.
Good to know: there are lots of places to stay in the area which are either right on or with amazing views of the beach – you’ll find them here
Fantastic for … Walkers
With the South West Coast Path stretching all around this area – and of course, the rest of Cornwall – you can pretty much hop on and off anywhere along this beautiful coastline whenever you fancy a stroll, ramble or hike. But there are of course some walks that are particularly worth doing … like The Sir John Betjeman Walk, a gentle 4 mile route leading through the dunes next to the beaches on the bank of the River Camel, and taking in the Poet Laureate’s grave in the churchyard of the tiny St Enodoc Church. If you’re a history buff you’ll like this walk around Tintagel, a 5 mile circular walk which takes in Tintagel Church, Trebarwith Strand, historic quarries and Tintagel Castle. And if you fancy a bit of variety head to Tamar Lakes, where you can enjoy a variety of walks but also sailing, windsurfing, kayaking – and tea and cakes in its café.
Good to know: there are lots of great walks to be enjoyed in North Cornwall – find many more of them here
