What to do and see in Bude-Stratton, England: The Best Nature & Parks

Bude Geological Walks are led by Dr Roger Higgs (DPhil Oxon 1986), who has travelled the world for 30 years as a consultant geologist and continues to do so. In the 1980s Roger studied the spectacular Bude cliffs for his doctoral thesis, and now chooses to live here, 300 yards from the Atlantic surf, running his one-man consultancy Geoclastica Ltd. 'Bude Geo-Walks' operate all year (except when Roger is called overseas), departing on Thursdays at 2pm from Bude Tourist Information Centre. These fascinating 2-hour guided strolls examine Bude’s dramatic cliffs, made of hard sandstone and mudstone beds, zig-zag folded by England colliding with France 300 million years ago, before dinosaurs existed. Geo-Walkers learn how these beds were first deposited as soft sand and mud in tropical “Lake Bude”, home to Bude’s own unique fossil fish, Cornuboniscus budensis, unique in the world and now on display in Bude Castle museum. Bespoke private Geo-Walks are also available, in English or Spanish.

Bude Sea Pool is a part-natural, partially man-made tidal swimming pool on the beach at this popular seaside town in North Cornwall. It was built in the 1930s under the cliffs of Summerleaze Beach to provide safe bathing in sea water, but away from the dangerous Atlantic currents in the bay. Measuring around 91m by 45m, it is topped up at high tide by the Atlantic Ocean. Since 2012 it has been managed by the Friends of Bude Sea Pool, a not-for-profit charity that took over the facility when public funding was withdrawn. The spacious Pool provides plenty of room for paddling or serious swimming: inflatables, snorkels, surfboards and even scuba divers are welcome - just be considerate of other users, please. Bude Sea Pool is open throughout the year and is FREE for all to enjoy. Children must be accompanied at Bude Sea Pool at all times. Swimming in the Pool is FREE but there are donation boxes at the Pool if you enjoy your splash and want to help us maintain this wonderful facility.

Summerleaze Beach is Bude’s central hub of sand, surf and sun, and it’s the first port of call for many visitors. Clean, safe and easy on the eye, Summerleaze Beach is a big hit with surfers, beach bums and families. However, it is the sheer variety of activities that mark Summerleaze as arguably the best beach in Cornwall for outdoor pursuits and water sports. There are superb local surf schools, for example, but you could also try kayaking, sea fishing or sample the thrills of climbing or coasteering with friendly professionals. Summerleaze Beach also has features that show why Bude is popular for family friendly and disability friendly holidays. Summerleaze offers level access and a flat viewing area, for example, while a cute, sheltered sea pool is ideal for young ones to have a salt water dip. For a serious spot of loafing, there are also cute beach huts to hire.