Located along the rugged west-facing coastline in North Cornwall, Bude is a seaside town with sandy beaches, surf breaks and an epic tidal pool. The pretty Cornish Town was recently celebrated by the Sunday Times as Bude's Summerleaze Beach was listed as one of the UK's top 50 beaches in 2024. Bude's origins trace back to its days as a small fishing village.
Its strategic coastal position made it an essential harbour for trade and defence during medieval times. The Canal, completed in 1823, marked a significant milestone in the town's industrial growth. It facilitated the transport of lime-rich sand inland for agricultural use.
Today, the canal is a scenic haven for wildlife where you can walk or kayak. Here's why you should swing by Bude on your next Cornish road trip. One of the main natural attractions in Bude is its epic tidal swimming pool, known as the Bude Sea Pool.
Built in the 1930s, this semi-natural tidal pool offers a safe swimming spot at the edge of the Atlantic's powerful currents. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, the giant sea pool is replenished with seawater at high tide. The sea pool's structure cleverly integrates natural rock formations with man-made walls, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the coastal landscape.
Swimming in the Bude Sea Pool is an incredible wild swim experience in Cornwall. Here, you can dip, splash or swim in fresh sea water with a view without the risks associated with open-water swimming. The pool's depth varies with the tide, provi.