The ultimate guide to self-catering holidays in Bude
Bude is a hidden gem nestled on the stunning North Cornwall coast – even if we say so ourselves!
If you’re after a holiday that combines freedom, flexibility, and a true home-away-from-home experience, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about self-catering holidays in this lovely corner of Cornwall.
Why choose self-catering in Bude?
Self-catering accommodation in Bude offers the perfect blend of privacy and independence. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a romantic escape, or a solo adventure, you’ll find various options to suit your needs. Here’s why self-catering in Bude is a brilliant choice:
- Freedom and flexibility: Eat when you want, sleep when you want, and come and go as you please—there are no set mealtimes or housekeeping schedules to work around.
- Cost-effective: Self-catering can be much more budget-friendly than hotels or B&Bs, especially for families or groups.
- Space to spread out: Most self-catering properties, including our self catering bungalow, offer more space than a typical hotel room, with separate living areas and bedrooms.
- Home comforts: Many properties come equipped with all the mod cons you’d expect at home, from TVs to washing machines.
- Local living: Experience Bude like a local, shopping at local markets and cooking Cornish treats in your kitchen.
Self-catering accommodation in Bude
Bude boasts a diverse selection of self-catering properties to suit all tastes and budgets:
Cottages and bungalows
Perfect for that quintessential Cornish experience, cottages and self catering bungalows in Bude range from snug one-bedroom hideaways to spacious family bungalows. Some feature charming period details like exposed beams and inglenook fireplaces, some have sea views, and some have spacious areas for family-friendly holidays.
Apartments
Ideal for couples or small families, apartments often offer modern amenities and convenient locations close to Bude’s amenities and beaches.
Holiday lodges
Great for those who love a bit of luxury, holiday lodges often come with added perks like on-site facilities and stunning views.
Caravan holiday homes
Caravan sites in Bude are budget-friendly options for the savvy traveller. They often have great facilities and a fun, community atmosphere.
Converted barns
For a taste of rural charm, consider a converted barn. These often offer a perfect blend of rustic character and modern comfort.
Large houses
Ideal for big family gatherings or groups of friends, Bude has several spacious properties that can accommodate larger parties.
Amenities
When booking your self-catering stay in Bude, you can choose the amenities that are important to you. With such a varied range of properties available, you don’t need to compromise.
- Indoor heated swimming pools: Some properties offer year-round swimming facilities, perfect for those unpredictable British weather days.
- Outdoor play areas: Great for families with kids, giving the little ones space to burn off energy.
- Free WiFi: Stay connected during your holiday, whether for work or play.
- Games rooms: These are perfect for entertainment on rainy days. They are often equipped with pool tables, table tennis, or video game consoles.
- Laundry facilities: Handy for more extended stays or families with young children.
- Private parking: A real bonus in busy coastal towns like Bude.
- BBQ areas: Perfect for al fresco dining on warm summer evenings.
- Hot tubs: For that extra touch of luxury and relaxation.
- Pet-friendly options: Many properties in Bude welcome four-legged friends too!
Best beaches in Bude
We’ve written a more detailed blog about the best beaches in Bude (in our opinion!), but here’s a quick rundown.
Summerleaze Beach
Just a stone’s throw from the town centre, Summerleaze is Bude’s main beach. It’s perfect for families, with its sheltered position, beach huts, and the unique Bude Sea Pool.
Widemouth Bay
Widemouth Bay is an award-winning Blue Flag beach, a surfer’s paradise and great for family days out. It’s a bit wilder than Summerleaze, with fantastic rock pools at low tide.
Crooklets Beach
Popular with surfers and families alike, Crooklets has a lovely promenade and is home to Bude Surf Life Saving Club.
Northcott Mouth
A quieter option, Northcott Mouth is a rugged beach with dramatic cliffs. It’s great for rock pooling and fossil hunting.
Sandymouth Beach
The National Trust owns Sandymouth, a large sandy beach at low tide, backed by impressive cliffs. It’s less crowded than some of Bude’s other beaches.
Attractions and activities
Bude isn’t just about beaches. There’s plenty to keep you entertained:
Water sports
Bude is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Try your hand at:
- Surfing: Bude has several surf schools catering to all levels.
- Paddleboarding: Explore the Bude Canal or brave the sea.
- Kayaking: Guided tours are available to explore the coastline.
- Coasteering: For the adventurous, combine swimming, climbing, and cliff jumping.
Coastal walks
Explore the breathtaking South West Coast Path, which passes right through Bude. Popular walks include:
- Bude to Sandymouth (5 miles)
- Bude to Widemouth Bay (3 miles)
- Bude to Duckpool (8 miles)
Bude Sea Pool
A partially man-made tidal swimming pool nestled under the cliffs on Summerleaze Beach. It’s free to use and provides a safe swimming environment.
Bude Castle
Learn about local Bude history in this heritage centre, housed in a Victorian castle. It also has an art gallery and a café with lovely views.
Bude Canal
Once used for transporting lime-rich sand inland, the canal is now a peaceful spot for walks, picnics, and wildlife watching.
Golf
Bude and North Cornwall Golf Club offers a challenging links course with stunning coastal views.
Cycling
The Bude Bike Hire co offers rentals if you fancy exploring on two wheels. The Bude Canal towpath provides an easy, flat route.
Eating in and dining out
In our blog post, we’ve covered the best places to eat in Bude. However, here are a few other pointers.
One of the joys of self-catering is the freedom to cook your own meals. Stock up on local produce from:
- Bude Farmers’ and Craft Market: Held every Friday, offering fresh local produce and crafts.
- The Cornish Food Box Company: Delivers Cornish produce directly to your accommodation.
- Lansdown Dairy: A traditional greengrocer offering fresh fruit and veg.
- The Rustic Loaf: Artisan bakery for fresh bread and pastries.
But when you fancy a night off from cooking, Bude offers a range of excellent restaurants and pubs:
- Life’s A Beach: Casual dining with stunning views over Summerleaze Beach.
- The Bank at Bude: Tapas and cocktails in a converted bank building.
- The Brendon Arms: Traditional pub grub near the canal.
- The Olive Tree: Mediterranean-inspired cuisine using local ingredients.
- Temple: Fine dining featuring modern British cuisine.
Tips for a successful self-catering holiday
- Pack smart: Remember essentials like tea towels, washing-up liquid, and bin bags. Some properties provide a welcome pack, but it’s worth checking what’s included.
- Plan your meals: Consider pre-booking a grocery delivery for your arrival. Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Asda all deliver to Bude.
- Explore local produce: Try cooking with fresh Cornish ingredients like seafood, dairy products, and vegetables.
- Book early, Especially for peak summer months and school holidays, as the best properties get snapped up quickly.
- Consider off-season: Enjoy quieter beaches and lower prices in spring or autumn. Bude can be lovely year-round.
- Check the inventory: Before you arrive, check what’s provided in your accommodation to avoid packing unnecessary items.
- Bring entertainment: Pack books, games, or tablets for rainy or quiet evenings.
- Research local events: Check out what’s happening in Bude during your stay. The town hosts various events throughout the year.
Getting around
While having a car can be helpful in exploring the wider area, Bude town centre is walkable, and many attractions are accessible on foot or by local bus services. Here are some transport options:
- Walking: Many of Bude’s attractions are within walking distance of the town centre.
- Cycling: Bike hire is available in town to explore the local area.
- Bus: Local services connect Bude with nearby towns and villages.
- Taxi: Several local taxi companies operate in Bude.
- Car hire: Available in Bude if you decide you need a car during your stay.
Day trips from Bude
While Bude has plenty to offer, it’s also a great base for exploring more of Cornwall and Devon:
- Tintagel: Explore the legendary birthplace of King Arthur, about 30 30-minute drive from Bude.
- Boscastle: A picturesque fishing village with a Museum of Witchcraft, 25 minutes from Bude.
- Clovelly: A historic fishing village in North Devon with steep cobbled streets, 40 minutes away.
- Eden Project: Cornwall’s famous eco-attraction is about an hour’s drive from Bude.
- Padstow: Rick Stein’s foodie heaven is just over an hour away.
The best time to visit Bude
Bude is a year-round destination, but here’s what you can expect in different seasons:
- Summer (June-August): Peak season with warmest weather, busiest beaches, and most activities available.
- Autumn (September-November): Quieter, with mild weather and beautiful coastal colours.
- Winter (December-February): Quietest time, with dramatic stormy seas and cosy pubs.
- Spring (March-May): Gradually warming up, with spring flowers and fewer crowds.
Why Bude is special
Bude offers the perfect mix of traditional seaside charm and modern amenities. With its colourful beach huts, golden sands, and friendly locals, it’s no wonder that visitors return year after year. Unlike some of Cornwall’s busier tourist spots, Bude retains a laid-back, authentic feel.
The town has won multiple awards, including Best UK Coastal Resort at the British Travel Awards. It’s also been recognised for its environmental commitment, winning a “Plastic Free” status in 2018.
Whether you’re looking for a luxurious retreat or a cosy bolthole, a self-catering holiday in Bude promises freedom, flexibility, and unforgettable memories. From surfing and coastal walks to cosy evenings in with home-cooked Cornish fare, Bude offers something for everyone.
So, pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to fall in love with this beautiful corner of Cornwall. Your perfect self-catering holiday in Bude awaits!
Isla Roberts is a passionate traveller and food enthusiast who has dedicated her free time to exploring everything the world offers, particularly the beautiful Cornwall town of Bude, where she owns a holiday property in the village of Kilkhampton. Her blog posts provide insights into everything she’s found to do, see and eat in Bude and the wider Cornwall area.