
Widemouth Bay Beach
A vast, popular beach in North Cornwall known for its excellent surf, stunning sunsets, and family-friendly atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Max beach space for play

Widemouth Bay Beach
Best Time
Max beach space for play

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, popular beach in North Cornwall known for its excellent surf, stunning sunsets, and family-friendly atmosphere.
"A beautiful beach, great for rock pools, playing games on, great surf with several surf schools."

🚗 Parking Fees Apply
There's a parking fee, payable by cash or the Just Park app. Rangers have WiFi for app payments. :car:
🌊 Check Tide Times Daily
Crucial for beach access and safety, especially with kids. Rangers can provide info. :ocean:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Expansive Sands
Main beach area
A vast stretch of coarse sand perfect for sandcastles, games, and long walks, especially when the tide recedes.

Surfer's Paradise
Main surf breaks
Known for its excellent surf conditions, attracting both beginners and experienced surfers.

Rock Pool Adventures
Southern end near Black Rock
Discover fascinating marine life in the rock pools revealed at low tide.

Spectacular Sunsets
Western facing beach
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky over the Atlantic Ocean.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tide Times are Crucial
Surf's Up (or Down!)
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Fees Apply
There's a parking fee, payable by cash or the Just Park app. Rangers have WiFi for app payments. :car:
🌊 Check Tide Times Daily
Crucial for beach access and safety, especially with kids. Rangers can provide info. :ocean:
🏄 Book Surf Lessons Early
Popular surf schools operate here; book ahead to secure your spot. :surfboard:
🥾 Explore Black Rock Beach
A lovely walk to the attached Black Rock Beach, great for exploring. :hiking_boot:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fees Apply
There's a parking fee, payable by cash or the Just Park app. Rangers have WiFi for app payments. :car:
🌊 Check Tide Times Daily
Crucial for beach access and safety, especially with kids. Rangers can provide info. :ocean:
🏄 Book Surf Lessons Early
Popular surf schools operate here; book ahead to secure your spot. :surfboard:
🥾 Explore Black Rock Beach
A lovely walk to the attached Black Rock Beach, great for exploring. :hiking_boot:
☀️ Lifeguards on Duty
Lifeguards are present during peak months; swim between the flags for safety. :guards:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Widemouth Bay is a beloved beach, praised for its vast sands, excellent surf, and stunning sunsets. Visitors appreciate the family-friendly atmosphere, rock pool discoveries, and convenient amenities like cafes and surf schools. Some note the significant tidal range requires planning, and parking fees apply.
"It’s a lovely beach that is very popular with surfers. There are lifeguards on duty during peak months and they encourage you to swim between the flags. There is a large tidal range in the bay so expect a long walk to the sea when the tide is out. It’s mostly coarse sand with a few pebbles and large rounded rocks. Perfect for sandcastles."
Chris Gledhill
"We love this beach! Great for rock pools, playing games on, great surf with several surf schools based in the car park. There is a great cafe and a nice walk to Black Rock beach, which is attached to."
Tracey “TraceyK” Kidd
"Another beautiful beach. Easy access. Parking fee apply. You can pay by cash or Just Park. There is no service,but the rangers got WiFi in their hut,so no problem with paying by app. Small café. Lovely walks.
When we arrived around 11.30am,rangers informed us about tide coming in and gave us approx time,which was very helpful when coming with small kids. Life guards on the beach."
Iwona suszczyk
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Widemouth Bay is located just south of Bude. You can drive there, with parking available on site. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes is advisable if you're not driving.
Yes, the beach generally has easy access, with a car park close by. The walk to the sea can be long at low tide due to the large tidal range.
There is a car park available, but parking fees apply. You can pay with cash or use the Just Park app, as rangers have WiFi available for this purpose.
While it's a short drive, walking from Bude to Widemouth Bay is possible, especially if you enjoy coastal paths. It offers scenic views along the way.
Information on direct bus routes can vary. It's best to check with local transport providers or tourist information centers in Bude for the most up-to-date schedules.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee for the beach itself, but parking facilities do have a fee.
Widemouth Bay Beach is a public beach and is accessible at all times. However, facilities like cafes and surf schools will have their own operating hours.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book surf lessons in advance, especially during peak season, as surf schools are popular.
Some accommodations near Widemouth Bay are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific beach regulations regarding dogs, especially during peak seasons.
Facilities typically include a cafe, surf schools, toilets, and lifeguard services during peak months.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, exploring rock pools, building sandcastles, and simply relaxing on the expansive sands.
Yes, it's great for families. The large sandy area is perfect for playing, and lifeguards are on duty during peak times. Always be mindful of the tide.
Yes, swimming is popular, but always swim between the lifeguard flags for safety. The RNLI lifeguards are present during peak season.
The beach is primarily coarse sand with some pebbles and large rounded rocks, making it ideal for sandcastles and exploring.
Yes, RNLI lifeguards are on duty during the peak months to ensure visitor safety.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a small cafe located near the beach, offering refreshments and snacks.
The cafe typically offers light snacks, drinks, and possibly some hot food options like sandwiches.
Yes, the Widemouth Holiday Village and surrounding areas in Bude offer various dining options, from pubs to restaurants.
Absolutely! Picnics are a great option for a day at the beach. Remember to take all your rubbish with you.
The Bay View Inn is a popular pub located right on Widemouth Bay, offering food and drinks with sea views.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset is a prime time for stunning photos, with the sky often ablaze with color. Early mornings can also offer beautiful light with fewer crowds.
The expansive beach itself, the dramatic cliffs, the surfers catching waves, and the rock formations at Black Rock Beach are all great subjects.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check local bylaws and guidelines before flying a drone to ensure compliance.
The unique rock formations, the coastline stretching towards Bude, and the surf schools with their colorful boards offer great photographic opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the beach and coastline. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing surfers. Don't forget a polarizing filter for enhancing sea and sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏄 Surfers and Watersport Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Surfing and Watersports
Beyond surfing, the bay's waters are popular for general swimming and paddling. The large tidal range means that at low tide, there's ample space for beach games and exploring the shoreline. The presence of RNLI lifeguards during peak months provides an added layer of security for all water activities.
Accommodation Options
Luxury beach houses and cottages are also available, some being dog-friendly and perfect for group getaways. For a more unique stay, consider options like OA Surf Club, offering bed and breakfast with sea-view rooms and private beach access. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during the busy summer months and holiday periods.
Exploring the Coastline
Nearby attractions recommended by locals and visitors include the Bude Sea Pool, Sandymouth Beach with its waterfall at low tide, and Compass Point for scenic coastal walks. The area is perfect for day trips, with Bude itself offering charming shops, cafes, and the iconic Bude Canal.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit