Bude

Cornwall Information & Accommodation Guide

Bude's Beaches - Summerleaze and Crooklets

Bude, in Cornish, Porthbud, has an interesting history and two fine beaches, popular for swimming and surfing.

Bude in History

Bude is a relatively recent township. The Parish and Church being created as late as 1835.

In medieval times there was little here except for Efford Manor, the seat of the Arundells of Trerice.

In Elizabethan times Bude got its first harbour and in 1825 it's canal was opened.

The 30 mile stretch of canal is now only navigable for the its first 1.5 miles. It has a lock at its seaward entrance and a small breakwater.

Chapel(Barrel) Rock at the end of the breakwater is believed to be the site of a former hermitage/chapel to St Michael. A light once stood here as a guide to shipping.

Bude had its own lifeboat between 1837 and 1923. Granted by William IV because of the notorious difficulties encountered in entering Bude Harbour, it was driven into the sea by a team of 8 horses.

At Compass Point overlooking Summerleaze Beach is an octagonal tower whose sides face the 8 cardinal points - N, NE, E, SE, S,SW, W, NW.

Around Bude

Efford Beacon stands on the coast just to the south of Bude. Its name is believed to derive from the Old English for Ebba's Ford.

Of archaeological interest, north of Bude at Menachurch Point, is a tumulus.

Search Parish Records online - births, banns, marriages, baptisms, deaths, burials

Where to Stay in Bude

General Information

The town has a good commercial centre with all local facilities including supermarkets, restaurants, a Post Office, banks and cash withdrawing facilities (Bancomat).

An annual Jazz Festival is held at Bude. For other events click on our menu.

View locations around Bude including Summerleaze Beach, The Breakwater, Lock Gates and Compass Point

Tourist Information Centre
Bude Visitor Centre
Bude
Cornwall
EX23 8LE

Tel: +44 (0)1288 354240
Fax: +44 (0)1288 355769
Email: budetic@visitbude.info

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Location:
Located in the North Cornwall District on Cornwall's North coast. Bude is easily accessible from the A39 trunk road.

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