Bude became a very popular Resort town in the closing years of the 19th Century. The arrival of reliable rail travel made Bude a popular holiday destination and brought prosperity. Many sought romance and appreciation of the Arthurian Legend, and took the Atlantic Coast Express from Waterloo. Prior to this Bude had been a small harbour town best known for its canal which was used to carry its fertilising sea sand inland to improve the quality of the farmland.
Bude’s sea-faring history is extensive, with its position on a “smugglers coast” and a breakwater to provide shelter from the sometimes ferocious Atlantic rollers for coastal trading in meat, grain, coal and daily supplies. Bude is a working fishing port today. You can explore much of our history in the newly refurbished “Castle” museum or by visiting the Bude Canal – repairs following storm damage to the lock gates are under way early summer 2008, and a regeneration project is under way, helping to tell the Bude Canal story.
Cornwall or Kernow has a religous history dating back to the Irish and Breton saints who braved the seas to bring Christianity to our shores, St Piran, St Petroc, St Tudy, St Just, St Enodoc, St Mawes amongst many. The towns name Bude is meant to be a shortenning of Bede Haven “the wise man’s harbour”
For Parents, Children and Grandparents, Young couples, the solo walker or cyclist, yachtsmen, golfers, horsemen and women, kayakers, and very especially surfers Bude has a great deal to offer. There are two main beaches, with the famous sands of Widemouth Bay within a few miles. Sandymouth, Northcott Mouth, Millook with its world famous rock formations are very near. Boscastle, St Nectans Glen, Clovelly, Hartland Point, Padstow, The Eden Project, and many other beautiful south and North Coast towns and attractions are easily reached for an enjoyable day out.
We are blessed with a beautiful coastline and a glorious countryside. Restaurants, pubs, coffee shops, clothes shops and supermarkets, attractions and facilities are both new and up to date as well as established and mature – catering for all tastes. An Ideal Holiday Location – 18th September 2011
Places that we like to eat
The following are not necessarily in any particular order but they are places that we have eaten in and enjoyed, you may like to consider them. All are within walking distance unless we have said otherwise
- The Brendon Arms – down by the canal. Pub food in the bar or same menu in the restaurant side. Lovely pub garden when the sun is shining 01288 354542
- The Falcon Inn – next door to The Brendon. Looks posh but you don’t need to dress up to go in. Bar food and restaurant. Again nice to eat outside when the sun is shining. 01288 352005
- Bude Tandoori– there are 3 Indian restaurants in town. We think this is the best by a long way. Turn right when leaving Sunrise 100 yards on your right. 01288 359994
- Olive Tree – Coffee house – Bistro – situated on the wharf at Bude provides refreshing lunches & light snacks throughout the day and delicious evening dishes from the bistro. 01288 359577
- Tiandi – Chinese/Thai restaurant on The Strand. We love this one but you would be wise to book. They do take away as well with a 30% reduction on the price. They offer a good value lunch menu. 01288 359686
- Inn on The Green – Crooklets area – good for steaks, a varied menu including fish. Bar menu and separate restaurant menu 01288 356013
- Crooklets – cheap and cheerful. Conservatory good to eat in when the wind is blowing! 01288 352335
- Elements – another special occasion one. Lovely food, beautifully presented. On the Widemouth Bay road you will need the car or a taxi 01288 352356
- Bay View Inn – Widemouth Bay – modern menu in contempory beach style surroundings. Again you will need transport 01288 361273
- Life’s a Beach – overlooking Summerleaze Beach. Bistro/coffee menu during the day and extensive fish menu in the evening. Very popular 01288 355222
- The Tree – Stratton – walkable but generally you will want to use the car. Real olde worlde pub. Lovely food. Very good traditional Sunday lunch. We would advise booking 01288 352038
- The Kings Arms – traditional pub food, on the corner in Stratton before you reach The Tree 01288 352396
Reviewed 30 October 2011We are a group of Scottish Country Dancers who attend a fantastic weekend in Bude annually. Our first stay with John and Shirley three years ago, coincided with their purchase of the B&B and a couple in our group becoming engaged, so it was celebrations all round. Since then, we have had no hesitation in returning to stay with our delightful hosts. John and Shirley have worked hard to keep up the high standards of this well-loved B&B and to make improvements. The breakfasts are always enjoyable and we are never kept waiting, before we disappear for our dance classes. John is also an excellent photographer and happily takes our annual group photo before we head off in our finery to our dances! Well done to you both!
Reviewed 31 October 2011John & Shirley gave us a very warm welcome,were extremeley helpful.We could not have wished for better hosts,great cooks,well presented breakfasts,a comforable and welcoming
room everything we needed to ensure we enjoyed our few days in Bude.Will definately return.
Stayed October 2011, travelled as a couple
Reviewed 10 October 2011 NEWI and my two dogs had our best holiday ever with John and Shirley. We were made to feel so welcome and at home and the location of Sunrise is unbeatable being within minutes of the fabulous beaches, cliff walks, local shops and the wonderful canal walk. Nothing was too much trouble and John and Shirley are excellent hosts. Being on a permanent diet I didnt indulge in the fabulous choice of cooked breakfasts but the menu is truly amazing and it took all my will power to keep to cereal and toast when fantastic plates of food kept wafting passed my table!!! I cant recommend Sunrise and John and Shirley too much – absolutely fabulous!
- 20th Feb. 2012
