Last week we went through our top 5 places family friendly places to visit in North Devon. So this week we are going to run through our top 5 attractions in North Cornwall for guests staying with us or at other holiday cottages in Bude.
There’s so much to see and do while holidaying in Bude (the location of our luxury cottages) that we’ve compiled a list of our top 5 favourite family friendly sites to see.
Summerleaze Beach, Bude – For Families, Couples, Surfers and Water Sport Enthusiasts
Only a 10-minute drive from Glebe House Cottages, the unspoiled Summerleaze beach in Bude has a unique appeal for all beach lovers. Without doubt this is the most popular attraction with our holiday cottage guests.
This sandy beach is less than five minutes’ walk from the centre of Bude and has a large car park which leads directly to the sand dunes. Bude’s iconic Beach Huts are bookable daily or weekly from £10 – £20. Just off the beach is a canal with a great range of crafty shops as well as an RNLI shop, a sandy play area and beach café which all add to the charm of Summerleaze. Another advantage is the Sea Pool, which has enticed swimmers since it opened in 1930, which is a real hotspot for families. Don’t forget that those staying at our luxury cottages near Bude can borrow our bodyboards, bucket and spades and windbreakers for free!
Bodmin – For Families, History Lovers and Steam Train Fanatics
Less than an hours-drive from Glebe House Cottages is historical city of Bodmin, one of Cornwall’s oldest towns. There’s plenty to do here to keep the whole family entertained.
Why not start your journey at Cardinham woods, where you will find four marked trails to choose from perfect for cycling or walking they also have a wooden play area to keep the kids entertained. You can then catch the Bodmin and Wenford Steam Railway Line which is a great way to get around the town and see all the attractions, this will take you to the centre of the town where you can visit the beautiful 19th Century Lanhydrock House and Gardens. There are plenty more attractions in the centre of the town, including the Courtroom Experience where you and your family can participate as jury members in a Victorian courtroom setting. Alternatively, there’s Bodmin Jail where you can walk through 6 floors browsing creative exhibits depicting penal life in Victorian Cornwall. After your busy day away remember that you can always come back and relax back with us at your cosy holiday cottage in Bude.
Tintagel Castle – For Hikers, History Enthusiasts and Wizards
You’ve heard the story of King Arthur and his round table, now you have the chance to visit the ruins where his castle once laid in North Cornwall! Situated just 20 miles from our dog friendly cottages between Padstow and Bude,
Tintagel has captured the creative imaginations of writers and story tellers for centuries with its beautiful landscapes and amazing views from the cliffs. Discover the remains of a settlement from the dark ages and try to imagine what life was like in the 5th and 6th Centuries AD. Although there are a lot of steps there is plenty here to keep the family entertained including a stunning beach with great rockpools, fantastic for crabbing! Tintagel is dog friendly and a popular destination for our visitors with dogs.
Port Isaac
Less than 30 miles from our luxury family friendly cottages lies Port Isaac, a traditional fishing village in North Cornwall. Home to the popular TV series Doc Martin starring Martin Clunes. Port Isaac is a chocolate-box village with narrow winding streets that head down to the stunning harbour where you can watch local fishermen mooring their daily catch of fish, crab and lobsters. In centre of the village there are plenty of local galleries and art shops where you can find a souvenir to remember your amazing holiday in North Cornwall. There are also boat trips and fishing expeditions available from the harbour.
The Camel Trail – For Walkers, Cyclists and Wine enthusiasts
Stretch your legs and get ready to experience Cornwall’s most famous family friendly trail. The trail is well surfaced and virtually traffic free and a fantastic way to view the stunning scenery of the Cornish countryside. The trail is split into three sections:
- Padstow to Wadebridge- 5.5 Miles (8.8Km)
- Wadebridge to Bodmin (Boscarne)- 5.75 Miles (9.25Km)
- Bodmin to Wenfordbridge- 6.25 Miles (10.1 Km)
Visitors can hire a bike from Padstow, Wadebridge, Bodmin or Wenfordbridge. The Camel trail is also accessible from the Bodmin Steam Railway (see above) which is also close to the Camel Valley Vineyard where you can try and buy local wines, tour the vineyard as well as hear the Lindo’s family story.
Whilst exploring all of these fabulous days out in the stunning setting of North Cornwall, you will need a home-from-home cottage to relax in in the evenings, so take a look through our range of self-catering cottages in Devon.
There is so much to see and do while staying at a holiday cottage in Bude that we just couldn’t fit everything in that’s available in North Cornwall into one blog! In fact, being located where we are (near Bude), we’re spoilt to have the delights of North Devon also available to our holidaying guests!
We’d also like to know what your top 5 picks are for the area around Glebe House Cottages. Tell us on our Facebook page!