Beaches

North Cornwall’s beaches are famous for their haunting beauty and those in the Bude area are no exception. Vast expanses of clean, golden, sandy beaches, often backed by rugged cliffs, have captivated many a visitor’s imagination over the centuries.

No matter whether the sea is calm and gentle, or raging with angry waves and white foam, her majestic beauty will always add to that romantic feel of our shores. With the enormous differences between high and low tide their atmosphere and shape is constantly changing. It is this never-ending flow of the tides that gives you the opportunity to enjoy many a lovely walk along our breathtaking coastline, providing you with some of the most stunning views that will hopefully end up as a cherished memory of your visit!

Summerleaze

The breakwater, Barrel Rock, canal lock gates and the river Neet flowing into the sea make Summerleaze a very picturesque beach. Even at high tide there is a good stretch of sandy beach available. There is a car park, level access from several sides as well as 2 cafés and public toilets. Lifeguard cover from May until the end of September. Dog friendly all year round (dogs must be on leads May – September, 10am to 6pm).

Crooklets

Although a little pebbly and rocky at the top, Crooklets Beach offers a huge expanse of golden sand once the tide is out. It is very popular with surfers and also home to the Bude Surf Life Saving (Bude SLSC) Clubhouse. Lifeguard cover is provided from the middle of May until the middle of September. Dog friendly except between May and September, 10am to 6pm when a dog ban is in place.

Northcott Mouth

Although quite pebbly at the top, it offers a huge expanse of sandy beach when the tide is out. With towering cliffs on both sides it feels a little like a cove. Owned by the National Trust, it has a little car park halfway down the hill. There is a lovely tea garden just up the private road, which is open during the summer months. Lifeguard cover is provided in July and August. Dog friendly all year round.

Sandymouth

A National Trust-owned beach. The car park is located at the top of the cliff and the walk down to the beach leads you through quite a steep ravine. Once there, you’re rewarded with a quiet beach with its very own waterfall! There is a café with public toilets, which are open during the main summer season. Lifeguard cover from the middle of May until the middle of September. Dog friendly all year round.

Duckpool

Dominated by the spectacular peak of Steeple Point Cliff, it is favoured by many as a quiet retreat away from it all. Swimming is not recommended, as the currents are extremely dangerous and razor-sharp rocks only add to the hazards. No lifeguard cover is provided. Dog friendly all year round.

Widemouth

Received the blue flag beech award in 2019. Although it looks like one huge beach, it’s actually divided into the North and South Beach (also called Black Rock) by a natural barrier of rock. A car park, public toilets and beach café are available. Lifeguard cover is provided from May to September. Black Rock is dog friendly all year round. The north beach operates a dog ban between May – September (10am-6pm).