Low-tide favourite
Rock-pool mornings
Crooklets and Northcott reveal brilliant pools as the tide drops. Take a clear tub, wear grippy shoes, look gently—and return every creature exactly where you found it.
Choose a rock-pooling beach →Local Knowledge · Families
Sandy feet.
Happy days.
Bude makes family time feel wonderfully uncomplicated: walk to the beach, discover a rock pool, catch a first wave, bring the dog and see what is happening around town.
Easy family favourites
Choose the day by the tide.
These are the simple Bude days children tend to remember: plenty of fresh air, something new to try and no long car journey before the fun starts.
Surf-school day
First waves together
Crooklets is a lovely place for children to experience their first waves when conditions are gentle. Book a recognised surf school, use the lifeguarded zone and follow the flags and instructor.
Read the family surf guide →
Calmer water
Bude Sea Pool
The tidal pool beside Summerleaze is a memorable place for a family dip, with the Atlantic just beyond the wall. It is still cold, tidal outdoor water—supervise children closely and check conditions.
Visit Bude Sea Pool →
Easy-going afternoon
Canal adventures
Walk, scoot or cycle beside Bude Canal, watch the lock gates and stop for an ice cream. Water entry is not suitable everywhere: obey signs and check local conditions.
Explore from BSS →
Lower Wharf · By the hour
Bude Rowing Boat Hire
Hire a rowing boat, pedalo or canoe by the hour and explore Bude Canal from the water. A relaxed family option at Lower Wharf, close to the town centre.
Call 07432 199447 →Crooklets bodyboarding
Fun at any age.
On a gentle, lifeguarded day, Crooklets is a brilliant place for children, parents and couples to share the whitewater and enjoy an uncomplicated Bude bodyboarding session.
Bookable family days out
Slides, swims and water adventures.
Current, practical options for high-energy days and wet-weather plans. Gymnastics and childcare provision changes by timetable, so only confirmed visitor sessions should be relied upon.
Big summer energy
Monster Slip & Slide
A seasonal 360-foot outdoor slip-and-slide near Bude. Sessions and age rules vary, so book on the official site and check the day’s weather guidance.
Check details →Wet-weather fallback
Bude Leisure Centre
Indoor swimming with family sessions plus a flume and wave machine on selected timetables. Check the live programme; a permanent visitor crèche is not currently advertised.
Check details →Active coast day
Coasteer with Big Blue & OA Surf Club
A guided two-hour session around Bossiney Cove combining swimming, scrambling and optional jumps. Equipment is included; confirm swimming ability, age requirements and conditions before booking.
Check details →Calmer canal water
Canoes, pedalos and rowing boats
Hire by the hour from Lower Wharf and explore Bude Canal at an easy pace. Call ahead in changeable weather or busy school-holiday periods.
Check details →Events, music & active days
There is usually something happening.
Dates and programmes can change, so use the official links before planning a day around an event.
31 August 2026
Bude Lifeboat Day
A much-loved day of RNLI fundraising, family entertainment, stalls, music and community celebrations around the canal and harbour.
Official information →
1–4 September 2026
Bude Jazz Festival
Four days of live jazz, swing, blues, busking and a colourful parade across easy-to-reach venues around town.
Official information →
Annual early-summer event
Shoreline Triathlon
A friendly Bude sporting highlight based at Summerleaze, combining a sheltered bay swim with a coast-road cycle and canal-side run. Great fun to watch even if you are not racing.
Official information →
Four-legged family
Bring the dog
Bude is excellent for dogs, with coast-path walks, open countryside and dog-friendly places to eat. Beach restrictions vary by place and season, so follow the signs on arrival.
Official information →