Outdoor Adventures

While you’re free to take it seriously easy on your visit to Bude, it is the endless variety of action and adventure that tends to draw regulars back time and again. With stacks of activities for all tastes and ages, we are one of the best holiday destinations in Cornwall for outdoor pursuits and all things active. This section contains fun things to do in Bude from light hearted fun to the thrills of coasteering and rock climbing.

In addition to the great outdoors, Bude also has various attractions and all weather activities that provide fun and recreation come rain or shine, all year. Many of these are just a short drive away and relatively inexpensive for parents in search of family activities or things to do on a rainy day.

Surfing with Shoreline Extreme Sports

Surfing with Shoreline Extreme Sports
Family friendly For Groups Outdoor Adventures Sports Watersports

Surfing with Shoreline Extreme Sports

At Shoreline we use a number of soft-shelled surf boards designed to help you get started and develop a robust technique. Not only are these boards extremely safe but they are also light and easy to carry to and from the shore. Being very buoyant these boards catch the waves easily making sure that you will have plenty of rides on which to get to your feet and polish up your surfing style!

We generally run half day sessions throughout the year providing Instructors, Boards, Wetsuits with Hats and Gloves in the colder months. This is a great individual sport and group activity where you can never predict who will come out as the session’s star, its physical but very rewarding.

Within Bude itself we boast three very different beaches with Crooklets being the most well known as our classic ‘surfing’ beach. Crooklets is home to the towns Surf Life Saving Club the very club that provides the training and Lifeguard qualifications essential to our team of coaches. The Surf at the west facing Crooklets beach breaks along a long sandy shallow sloping beach creating endless peeling and broken waves perfect for learning and practising your surfing techniques.

SUP Yoga with Bude Surfing Experience

SUP Yoga with Bude Surfing Experience
For Groups Outdoor Adventures Sports Unique experiences Watersports

SUP Yoga with Bude Surfing Experience

Discover the tranquillity of SUP Yoga, a truly mindful experience suitable for all abilities. No prior experience in either paddleboarding or yoga is necessary, making it accessible to everyone. However, if you’re a dedicated practitioner, our instructor Emma can tailor the session to your level of expertise.

Join us for early morning sessions designed to immerse you in nature, providing a break from the chaos of daily life. As the world awakens, paddle out to a serene spot to begin your yoga practice.

Meeting at our trailer near the Bude Tourist Information Centre, come prepared with yoga or comfortable clothing, swimwear underneath, and any necessary medication.

Once you experience the serenity of SUP Yoga, we’re confident you’ll be drawn to join us again!

Surfing with Saltwater Safari

Surfing with Saltwater Safari
Family friendly For Groups Outdoor Adventures Sports Watersports

Surfing with Saltwater Safari

About Saltwater Safari:

For those familiar with Pete “Smudge” Smith, it’s no secret that he boasts over two decades of experience as a coach in the adventure sports industry. Holding qualifications as a climbing coach, International Mountain Leader, and a certified teacher, Pete’s expertise lies in extracting the best from individuals in challenging environments.

With a wealth of experience, Pete is a Level 2 Surf Coach and Adaptive Surf Coach accredited by the ISA (International Surf Association). Additionally, he is a Level 3 Beginner Surf SUP instructor certified by the ASI (Academy of Surf Instructors). His aim is to impart a deep understanding of the sea, enriching your surfing experience.

Ethos:

Aligned with our commitment to delivering Saltwater Safari adventures tailored exclusively for you, we conduct surf sessions for individuals or small private groups. This ensures a personalized experience shared only with your friends and/or family.

Every session we conduct is unique, tailored to your needs and aspirations, promoting a different and progressive experience each time, regardless of your skill level.

Our sessions allow you to forge shared memories with your family and friends. These experiences will linger in your thoughts, becoming cherished moments that you’ll reminisce about long after your holiday has concluded!

Our focus is on you acquiring new skills and valuable knowledge about the sea, and hopefully, about yourself.


Location:

Saltwater Safari proudly holds a license from Cornwall Council to conduct water-based activities on Crooklets and Summerleaze beaches in the beautiful town of Bude.

We’ll meet you at the Saltwater Safari trailer in the Crooklets car park. Here, we’ll ensure you’re well-equipped for an exciting surf session.

Clovelly

Clovelly
Dog friendly Family friendly For Groups Heritage Nature & Scenery Outdoor Adventures Unique experiences

Clovelly

Clovelly is a unique village once owned by the Queen of England and from Elizabethan days until today, it has been in private ownership, which has helped preserve its original atmosphere. Clinging to a 400 foot cliff in North Devon, it has no vehicular traffic on its steeply cobbled street, just donkeys and sledges. The man-powered sledges transport all goods to the village, from groceries to furniture. Donkeys used to be the main form of transport for centuries, but now mainly give children rides during the summer or can be seen posing for photographs in the street.

There is much to see and do, and the village hosts a variety of events throughout the year. As well as live music, demonstrations, street entertainments, stalls galore and craft activities, you can also find out more about seaweed at the ‘Know Your Seaweed’ Talks and experience the Shipwreck Survival Workshop.

Canadian Canoeing with Atlantic Pursuits

Canadian Canoeing with Atlantic Pursuits
Family friendly For Groups Nature & Scenery Outdoor Adventures Sports Watersports

Canadian Canoeing with Atlantic Pursuits

Canadian Canoeing is a traditional long canoe that can seat between 2 and 4 people, as per the Inuit and Canadian First Nation people used many years ago. You use a single blade paddle which you use one side only.
It is a great activity requiring a little bit of team work and learning steering skills as you paddle up Bude Canal, an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Specializing in small groups and private family outings, ensures that your session consists of just 6-8 people, giving you exclusive access. Head Coach Sam Roberts brings over 30 years of outdoor experience to the table. As a national trainer for British Canoeing, one of the top 5 coaches in the UK, and a former international competitor for Team GB, his expertise and passion for canoeing are unparalleled.

Atlantic Pursuits pride themselves on offering quality equipment that is regularly updated and well-maintained. From buoyancy aids to dry-cags and stable canoes, they provide everything you need for a safe and enjoyable experience.

You’ll spend most of your session in the water, maximizing your fun. The introductions and warm-ups are informative but concise, ensuring you make the most of your time. Safety is paramount, which is why Sam and his team are all qualified with British Canoeing. Canoeing on flat water is extremely safe and ideal for families. Age is just a number! Canoeing sessions are suitable for individuals aged 5 and up, so don’t let age hold you back. Whether you’re 5 or 85, canoeing is a fantastic activity for everyone to enjoy!

 

 

 

Bude Canoe Experience

Bude Canoe Experience
Dog friendly Family friendly For Groups Nature & Scenery Outdoor Adventures Watersports

Bude Canoe Experience

Embark on an award-winning Bude Canoe Experience, a thrilling adventure suitable for all, as you paddle open canoes along the stunning Bude Canal.

No prior experience or special attire is needed.

Discover the essentials of canoe paddling, then set off on a captivating canoe journey to explore, encounter wildlife, and hone various canoeing skills.

The Bude Canal boasts an abundance of wildlife and intriguing history – you’ll learn all about it and gain a fresh and exhilarating perspective as you observe the countryside and waterway.

Expect to witness jumping fish, herons, kingfishers, moorhens, cormorants, warblers, ducks, geese, dragonflies, and, if you’re fortunate, perhaps an otter, water vole, or snake!

No matter your skill level, our expert guide will ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience.

All canoe experiences are exclusive, with only your group and a knowledgeable guide. Bring your canine companions along—they’re more than welcome!

Ivyleaf Golf Centre

Ivyleaf Golf Centre
Family friendly For Groups Outdoor Adventures Sports

Ivyleaf Golf Centre

Golf Course
Nestled just 3 miles north of the charming coastal town of Bude, this family-friendly golf centre features a picturesque 9-hole course set amidst the spectacular Cornish countryside.

Measuring at 2300 yards, the 9-hole golf course presents breathtaking panoramic views of the Cornish coastline, Bude town, and the inland moors.

Perfect for golfers of all ages, particularly beginners, Ivyleaf prides itself on being beginner-friendly. They foster a relaxed environment with no dress code and eliminate the hassle of tee time reservations—simply show up and dive into the joy of golfing fun! Take advantage of the convenient club, trolley, and buggy rentals to enhance your experience, or feel free to bring your own.

The course is open 7 days a week, allowing you to savour a leisurely round at your own pace.

Golf Range
Perfect your swing at the dynamic driving range at Ivy Leaf Golf Centre!
Boasting 7 undercover bays, indulge in focused practice sessions regardless of the weather.
Their range features high-quality Srixon 2-piece range balls for an authentic feel to your shots.
Extend your practice into the evening with LED floodlights illuminating the range until 9 pm (Monday-Saturday), ensuring optimal visibility for every swing.
Outside, a £1 coin-operated ball dispenser adds convenience to your practice routine.
Ample parking and club hire, making it accessible for golfers of all abilities to enhance their game.

 Golf Simulator
Dive into a world of golfing thrills with our advanced simulator at Ivy Leaf Golf Centre! Choose from a selection of over 150,000 courses, elevate your game with detailed shot analysis, and share the experience with up to 4 players per session. Swing by and play the course of your dreams today!
Important: Use of the golf simulator is only during office hours. If you wish to book outside of these times, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Join Ivyleaf Golf Centre for an experience that combines the beauty of the surroundings with the joy of the game.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUP with Bude Surfing Experience

SUP with Bude Surfing Experience
Family friendly For Groups Outdoor Adventures Sports

SUP with Bude Surfing Experience

Unwind Your Mind – Energize Your Body – Boost Your Mood.

Paddleboarding, or SUP, offers an attainable and serene alternative to surfing, rapidly becoming one of the most popular water sports globally. Join Bude Surfing Experience to grasp the fundamentals of SUP on Bude Canal, surrounded by nature in an ideal setting for all weather conditions. Explore the picturesque canal, either through a guided lesson or independently with our premium SUP rental equipment. Suitable for all ages and confidence levels, this provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the water.

We assure you that your sessions will be filled with smiles and laughter throughout! Our team of highly experienced instructors is dedicated to ensuring the entire session is safe, enjoyable, and packed with valuable information.

Experience the freedom to explore Bude Canal at your own pace by renting our paddleboards, paddles, and buoyancy aids. You can find our trailer conveniently located by Bude Canal and at the Bude Tourist Information Centre. To ensure availability, especially during peak times, we recommend booking online in advance or giving us a call. Whether you choose an hour or two, renting a paddleboard provides the independence to immerse yourself in nature on the canal.

Our equipment hire service operates daily from 9 am to 5 pm, offering you the flexibility to enjoy your paddleboarding adventure at a time that suits you best.

Tamar Lakes

Tamar Lakes
Dog friendly Family friendly For Groups Nature & Scenery Outdoor Adventures Sports Watersports

Tamar Lakes

Nestled amid the idyllic British countryside and peacefully situated on the Cornwall and Devon border, Upper and Lower Tamar Lakes are steeped in industrial history and teeming with diverse flora and fauna.

Established in the 1820s, Lower Tamar Lake boasts a rich history. As a designated Nature Reserve, it provides an ideal sanctuary to connect with nature. Take a moment of tranquillity in the bird hide, where sightings of ospreys, sandpipers, and cormorants are possible.

Remarkably, the boundary between Devon and Cornwall cuts directly through the centre of Upper Tamar Lake!

Beyond the natural richness of both lakes, Upper Tamar Lake offers a plethora of activities catering to all preferences, complemented by an on-site café ensuring a delightful experience for all visitors what ever age. Activities including walking, canoeing, cycling, fishing, kayaking, rowing, SUP, sailing and windsurfing.

Activities at Tamar Lakes 

  • Walking: Set out on a close encounter with nature as you explore our way-marked walking trails tracing the scenic shorelines of both lakes. The circular path around Upper Tamar Lake spans approximately 2.8 miles (4.5 km), creating an ideal route for a picturesque lakeside walk. Suitable for pushchairs, mobility scooters and wheelchairs.
  • Parkrun: Every Saturday at 9 am, Parkrun events take place at upper Tamar Lake, providing an excellent opportunity to join fellow enthusiasts and challenge yourself in this scenic setting!
  • Kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, sailing, windsurfing, and rowing are all available at Upper Tamar Lake, you can hire the equipment or self launch.
  • Fishing: Upper Tamar Lake is an ideal destination for your next angling expedition, acclaimed as the top still water coarse fishery in the UK in 2021!
  • Cycling: The three-mile loop surrounding the upper lake provides an enjoyable and family-friendly cycling experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Surfing with OA Surf Club

Surfing with OA Surf Club
Family friendly For Groups Outdoor Adventures Sports Watersports

Surfing with OA Surf Club

With three decades of expertise in conducting surf lessons in the Bude area, our seasoned team is perfectly positioned to guide you from novice to champion.

OA Surf Club organises surf lessons at Widemouth Bay, just a stone’s throw from Bude. This expansive sandy beach serves as an idyllic setting for both learning the basics of surfing and honing your existing skills. Whether embarking on this adventure solo, with family, or alongside a group of friends, our amiable and skilled team is not only dedicated but their passion and contagious enthusiasm, ensures you receive nothing short of the finest experience in the water.

Whether you’re a first-time surfer eager to catch your first wave or seeking to refine your technique, our expert coaches specialize in optimizing every moment of your session. Our comprehensive lessons encompass the essentials, from learning how to carry a surfboard to mastering the art of catching waves and adopting various standing techniques.

Our crafted 2-hour lessons strike the perfect balance, combining valuable coaching time on the beach with extensive water sessions. This approach ensures you not only grasp the fundamentals during instruction but also have ample time in the water to hone and practice your newfound skills.

Happy Paws Dog Field

Happy Paws Dog Field
Dog friendly Family friendly Outdoor Adventures Rainy day attractions

Happy Paws Dog Field

We offer a range of services designed to create a safe, enjoyable, and enriching experience for dogs and their humans.

Private Field Hire
Enjoy exclusive use of our secure dog field with total peace of mind

  • Fully enclosed space with 6ft fencing
  • 30 or 60-minute time slots
  • Suitable for reactive, nervous, or energetic dogs
  • One booking at a time — no shared use
  • Safe parking and easy access

Solo Dog Sessions
Perfect for individual dogs or dogs from the same household

  • Quiet, controlled environment
  • No other dogs or people present
  • Ideal for dogs that need focused attention

Enrichment & Agility Area
Stimulate your dog’s mind and body with extra activities.

  • Basic agility equipment (e.g. tunnels, jumps, weaves)
  • A fun podium to take a picture of your dog
  • Designed to encourage confidence and exercise

Dry Dog Area
Highly beneficial for both dogs and their owners

  • Reduces the risk of health problems associated with dampness
  • Provides a comfortable space for dogs to rest and play
  • More usable in various weather conditions

Gold Panning Experience

Gold Panning Experience
Family friendly For Groups Nature & Scenery Outdoor Adventures Unique experiences

Gold Panning Experience

Holsworthy Gold Panning – The only real Gold Panning Experience in the South West!
Join us for an exciting gold panning adventure at our beautiful stream near Holsworthy!
Devon and Cornwall are well known for their rich mineral deposits. This includes GOLD in the hills near Holsworthy!

Here’s how your prospecting adventure will look :-
A short walk down to the panning station next to the stream.
A fun demonstration and equipment distribution.
1 hour of fun gold panning in the stream!
Return equipment to the panning station.
Examine and share your finds with the group.
What might you find?
Fools Gold (Pyrite)
Bits of Quartz sometimes with crystals
Pretty Sandstones with Mica crystals
Maybe if you are lucky – even some real Gold?!?

After your Gold Panning Adventure
Head to our picnic area to relax and wonder about ‘The gold in them hills!’

Could this be the start of your prospecting journey?

Join The Devon Gold Rush and make some Golden Memories!

Fantastic experience
Jul 2023 • Family
This was a fantastic experience and Paul is so knowledgeable and friendly . My 2 boys 7yrs & 15yrs have additional needs and he won them over . As a family we absolutely loved the experience , didn’t feel rushed and was made to feel very welcome . I would highly recommend this experience , it’s worth going just to see the beautiful surroundings/settings . We learnt so much !

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