Widemouth Bay Beach
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Widemouth Bay Beach

4.7
·747 reviews·, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Low tide mornings

Max beach space for play

CrowdMedium
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Widemouth Bay Beach

Widemouth Bay Beach

Best Time

Low tide mornings

Max beach space for play

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.7
(747 reviews)

"A beautiful beach, great for rock pools, playing games on, great surf with several surf schools."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Expansive Sands

The Expansive Sands

Main beach area

A vast stretch of coarse sand perfect for sandcastles, games, and long walks, especially when the tide recedes.

Reddit
Surfer's Paradise

Surfer's Paradise

Main surf breaks

Known for its excellent surf conditions, attracting both beginners and experienced surfers.

TikTok
Rock Pool Adventures

Rock Pool Adventures

Southern end near Black Rock

Discover fascinating marine life in the rock pools revealed at low tide.

Reddit
Spectacular Sunsets

Spectacular Sunsets

Western facing beach

Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky over the Atlantic Ocean.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Tide Times are Crucial

Widemouth Bay has a significant tidal range, meaning the sea can be a long walk away at low tide. Always check tide times before you go to maximize your beach time and avoid getting cut off, especially with small children. Reddit

Surf's Up (or Down!)

This is a prime spot for surfers, with several surf schools operating from the car park. If you're keen to catch a wave, book lessons in advance, especially during peak season. TikTok

Best Times

When
Low tide mornings
Why
Max beach space for play
Crowd
Medium
When
Afternoon surf lessons
Why
Catch waves with instructors
Crowd
High
When
Sunset hours
Why
Golden hour magic
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#fyp #xbyzca #bude #budecornwall #cornwall #widemouthbay #foryoupageofficiall #british #england #Summer
@ellieoft3de
483 likes • 8.1K views

🚗 Parking Fees Apply

There's a parking fee, payable by cash or the Just Park app. Rangers have WiFi for app payments. Reddit :car:

🌊 Check Tide Times Daily

Crucial for beach access and safety, especially with kids. Rangers can provide info. Reddit :ocean:

A stones throw away from the beach! Camping in Cornwall at its best 😍 #widemouthbay #cornwall #Summer #fyp #camping #cornwallcamping #campinglife #summerholiday
@sandparks.campsite
392 likes • 38K views
📍 Widemouth Bay - Bude, Cornwall #cornwall #northcornwall #cliff #sea #adventure #hiking #hikingadventures #landscape #igers #igdaily #igtones #tflers #nature #unitedkingdom #cornishcoast #coastal #beach #beautifuldestinations #ig_countryside #ig_cornwall #secretescapes #igcornwall #igerscornwall #igersuk
outandabout_with_us
161 likes • 3.2K views

🏄 Book Surf Lessons Early

Popular surf schools operate here; book ahead to secure your spot. TikTok :surfboard:

🥾 Explore Black Rock Beach

A lovely walk to the attached Black Rock Beach, great for exploring. Reddit :hiking_boot:

Welcome to Barford Beach House… stylish, unique and right beside the sea. 📍Near Widemouth Bay, Bude. #luxurybeachhouse #beachhouse #luxuryholidayhome #groupholiday #largeholidayhome #bighouses #luxurycornwall #beautifulhomes #cornwalluk #visitcornwall
tregullandandco
42 likes • 2.3K views

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. Reddit :car:

🌊 Check Tide Times Daily

Crucial for beach access and safety, especially with kids. Rangers can provide info. Reddit :ocean:

🏄 Book Surf Lessons Early

Popular surf schools operate here; book ahead to secure your spot. TikTok :surfboard:

🥾 Explore Black Rock Beach

A lovely walk to the attached Black Rock Beach, great for exploring. Reddit :hiking_boot:

☀️ Lifeguards on Duty

Lifeguards are present during peak months; swim between the flags for safety. Reddit :guards:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(747 reviews)

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

Expansive sandy beach
Great surf conditions
Beautiful sunsets

What People Dislike

Large tidal range
Parking fees

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no entrance fee for the beach itself, but parking facilities do have a fee. Reddit

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. TikTok

Yes, it is highly recommended to book surf lessons in advance, especially during peak season, as surf schools are popular. TikTok

Some accommodations near Widemouth Bay are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific beach regulations regarding dogs, especially during peak seasons. Instagram

Facilities typically include a cafe, surf schools, toilets, and lifeguard services during peak months. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, exploring rock pools, building sandcastles, and simply relaxing on the expansive sands. TikTokInstagram

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. Reddit

Yes, swimming is popular, but always swim between the lifeguard flags for safety. The RNLI lifeguards are present during peak season. Reddit

The beach is primarily coarse sand with some pebbles and large rounded rocks, making it ideal for sandcastles and exploring. Reddit

Yes, RNLI lifeguards are on duty during the peak months to ensure visitor safety. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There is a small cafe located near the beach, offering refreshments and snacks. Reddit

The cafe typically offers light snacks, drinks, and possibly some hot food options like sandwiches. Instagram

Yes, the Widemouth Holiday Village and surrounding areas in Bude offer various dining options, from pubs to restaurants. Instagram

Absolutely! Picnics are a great option for a day at the beach. Remember to take all your rubbish with you. TikTok

The Bay View Inn is a popular pub located right on Widemouth Bay, offering food and drinks with sea views. Instagram

📸 📸 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. TikTokInstagram

The expansive beach itself, the dramatic cliffs, the surfers catching waves, and the rock formations at Black Rock Beach are all great subjects. InstagramReddit

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check local bylaws and guidelines before flying a drone to ensure compliance. TikTok

The unique rock formations, the coastline stretching towards Bude, and the surf schools with their colorful boards offer great photographic opportunities. Instagram

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Widemouth Bay is a fantastic destination for families. The wide, sandy beach is perfect for building sandcastles and playing games, especially when the tide is out. Reddit The presence of lifeguards during peak season offers peace of mind for parents. Reddit Exploring the rock pools at low tide is an exciting activity for children, offering a chance to discover small marine creatures. Reddit Consider staying at a family-friendly holiday village or caravan park for convenient access to amenities. TikTokInstagram

🏄 Surfers and Watersport Enthusiasts

This is your spot! Widemouth Bay is celebrated for its consistent waves, making it ideal for surfing, bodyboarding, and other watersports. TikTokInstagram Numerous surf schools are on hand to provide lessons and rent equipment, catering to all skill levels. TikTokInstagram Even if you're not surfing, watching the surfers from the beach is a classic Widemouth Bay experience. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers

The coastal paths surrounding Widemouth Bay offer spectacular scenery and invigorating walks. Instagram Explore the stretch towards Bude or venture further along the South West Coast Path for dramatic cliff views and diverse flora and fauna. Instagram The unique rock formations at Black Rock Beach also provide interesting natural features to discover. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Surfing and Watersports

Widemouth Bay is renowned as a premier surfing destination in North Cornwall. Its consistent waves make it suitable for all levels, from absolute beginners to seasoned surfers. Several surf schools, such as OA Surf Club, are based right on the beach, offering lessons and equipment hire. TikTokInstagram You can also try bodyboarding, as seen in videos of families enjoying the surf. Instagram Remember to always check conditions and swim between the lifeguard flags for safety. Reddit

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. Reddit

Accommodation Options

Widemouth Bay offers a diverse range of accommodation to suit various preferences and budgets. For those seeking a holiday village experience, Widemouth Bay Holiday Village and John Fowler Holiday Park are popular choices, often featuring caravan and lodge options. TikTokInstagram Many properties boast stunning sea views and direct beach access, embodying the 'saltwater lifestyle'. Instagram

Luxury beach houses and cottages are also available, some being dog-friendly and perfect for group getaways. Instagram+1 For a more unique stay, consider options like OA Surf Club, offering bed and breakfast with sea-view rooms and private beach access. Instagram Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during the busy summer months and holiday periods. Instagram

Exploring the Coastline

Widemouth Bay is part of the stunning North Cornwall coastline, offering fantastic opportunities for walkers and explorers. The beach itself is attached to Black Rock Beach, which is particularly interesting at low tide for its rock pools and unique formations. Reddit A walk along the coastal path provides breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged Cornish landscape. Instagram

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. Instagram The area is perfect for day trips, with Bude itself offering charming shops, cafes, and the iconic Bude Canal. TikTok

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