Lone surfer takes in the sunset on a calm sea in Widemouth Bay, near Bude, in north Cornwall
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10 great things to do in and around Widemouth Bay

Widemouth Bay beach

Whether you love walking, surfing, cycling, boating, exploring or simply lazing about on the beach, Widemouth Bay has it all on its doorstep.

We’ve compiled our Top 10 list of things to do while on holiday in this fantastic spot on the north Cornwall coast:

Crackington Haven

This small coastal village is a lovely shingle cove about 20 minutes drive from Widemouth Bay. Great for swimming, hiking and rock pooling when the tide is out. Why not take a breather and watch the sun go down whilst enjoying a drink at The Coombe Barton Inn? Other facilities include public toilets, cafes and a shop. The South West Coast Path walk from Widemouth to Crackington is a cracker, but tough in parts. Crackington's beach itself welcomes dogs except between May 15 and September 30 10am to 6pm, when there's a seasonal dog ban.

The view down on to Crackington Haven in north Cornwall from The South West Coast Path
Crackington Haven
Summerleaze and Crooklets beaches

Just off from Bude town centre you can walk between the two beaches at low tide and both are fantastic for families. Hire colourful beach huts, take part in a range of outdoor activities and water sports, or swim in the open-air sea pool beneath Summerleaze beach. There's shops, cafes, toilets and level access. At Summerleaze, dogs must be kept on leads from July 1 to August 31 10am to 6pm, and at Crooklets from May 15 to Sept 30 10am to 6pm.

Row of colourful beach huts at Summerleaze beach in north Cornwall
Colourful beach huts at Summerleaze Beach
Bude Sea Pool

Take a dip in this semi-natural open air sea pool nestled under the cliffs at Summerleaze Beach. Open for more than 80 years it is one of the few tidal open air pools still open to the public. Swimming is daily and free thanks to the work of The Friends of Bude Sea Pool. Water for dogs, but no shade.

The view over Bude sea pool in north Cornwall
Bude Open Air Sea Pool
Walk the South West Coast Path

From Widemouth Bay itself, head in either direction for a great hike or jog. If you're heading to Crackington Haven there are some tough climbs along the way, but the walk to Bude is fairly straight forward. From Widemouth Bay, you can easily drive to other start points to complete alternative sections of this particularly stunning stretch of the 630-mile long natural trail. Choose your section to Walk The South West Coast Path.

Coastal view looking back at Widemouth Bay in north Cornwall
South West Coast Path looking back over Widemouth Bay
Sandymouth Beach

Sandymouth beach, north of Bude, is one of our favourites. It is ideal for little ones, with a huge sandy beach and rock pools to explore. It owned by the National Trust and has toilets, a cafe and shop. The beach is only accessible at low to medium tide so seek advice before straying too far. Dog friendly all year.

Rock Pools at Sandymouth Beach in north Cornwall
Sandymouth beach is great for rockpooling
Learn to Surf

Widemouth Bay is long and open and a fantastic spot to learn to surf. Lifeguards are on duty in high season and there's an abundance of local surf schools ready to teach you the ropes. For those fancying something a little drier, low tide is a great opportunity to explore rock pools and take a paddle. Widemouth cafe serves up a treat too. Black Rock (south) is dog friendly all year round and the northern part operates a seasonal ban May 15-Sept 30 10am-6pm.

Surfer takes on a wave in Widemouth Bay north Cornwall
Surfer at Widemouth Bay - picture @stuartcornish777
Cornish Cream Tea

You quite simply can't come to Cornwall without sampling the delights of a delicious Cornish Cream Tea. They are literally everywhere, but one of our favourite haunts is The Rectory Team Rooms at Crosstown, Morwenstow. Don't forget, if you want it to be Cornish, it must be jam first!

A delicious Cornish cream tea on a plate with a side of jam and butter
Cream tea - typically Cornish
Visit a Farm Shop

If you're in self-catering accommodation, make sure you stock up on delicious fresh supplies from a local farm shop such as Boscastle. Not only are you supporting the shop itself, but local farmers too. Boscastle Farm Shop has a fantastic cafe where you can sample homemade quiches and cakes, then head into the shop for food and locally made gifts.

Signpost outside Boscastle Farm Shop and Cafe in north Cornwall
Boscastle Farm Shop
Capture a sunset

You only have to scroll through Instagram using the hashtash #WidemouthBay to come across some spectacular sunsets photographed on our beach. Fancy a pint or a meal while watching the sun set from the warm indoors? Then head to The Beach House or Bay View Inn, both provide the perfect spot for a great view.

sun sets on the horizon at low tide at Widemouth Bay
Sunset at Widemouth Bay - picture @stuartcornish777
Get on your bike

Take to two wheels and explore what this spectacular section of north Cornwall has to offer. Hire a cycle from Bude Bikes and choose one of their mapped out routes from Canals & Coast, Towns & Beaches and Farms & Villages.

Bude Canal in north Cornwall
Bude Canal

Multi-award-winning Dog Friendly Gwelmor

Just four minutes’ walk from the beach at Widemouth Bay, north Cornwall, Gwelmor is a luxurious, self-catering holiday cottage which sleeps six (plus travel cot).

Our property warmly welcomes three dogs and has a host of provisions to make your dog's stay as relaxing as yours.

Gwelmor was named the South West’s Best Dog Friendly Business of the Year 2021/2022 and won Gold at the Cornwall Tourism Awards 2021/2022.

Why not take our virtual tour and book your stay today!

Gwelmor's open plan lounge/kitchen/diner
Picture Credit: 
Picture - @stuartcornish777

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Cornwall Tourism Award 2020 / 2021