A seaside resort famed for its impressive sandy beaches and relaxed vibe, dog-friendly Bude is just the place to escape to with your faithful friend in tow.
Families race here for the beach fun and outdoor adventures on offer, surfers migrate to this place for the impressive waves that roll in off the Atlantic, and couples make their escape to Bude for the romance and relaxation offered by holidaying on the coast.
There’s something to draw everyone to this excellent destination and we know dogs will love it too! With plenty of dog-friendly restaurants, pubs, and cafes locally, activities and attractions welcoming our canine companions, and winding walks along impressive coastline, your break will be fun-filled and unforgettable.
Below, we’ve put together a few of the best dog-friendly beaches in Bude, best places to eat, best things to do and plenty of other information on this fantastic holiday destination. Read on to get to know this town in our guide to dog-friendly Bude.
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🏖️ Top beaches
🐶 Top days out
🐾 Top walkies
🍴 Top dining spots
🌿 Towns and villages
🏡 Top places to stay
Dog-friendly beaches in Bude
Sandymouth Bay Beach
Best for remarkable scenery: Dog-friendly all year round and with a lifeguard service during the summer months, this beautiful Cornish beach is just north of Bude and a wonderful place for coastal adventures with your faithful friend any time of year. Sandymouth Bay Beach is cared for by the National Trust and has a pebble ridge and a flat sandy expanse, and is backed by dark and daunting cliffs. Rocky ridges provide plenty of rock pools to investigate, and while gazing out to sea at this destination you might also spot a dolphin or basking shark, or a buzzard swooping overhead. Once you’re ready to clean off those sandy paws and stretch your legs, follow the South West Coast Path that leads up over the cliffs and provides exhilarating views in this dramatic corner of Cornwall.
Why your dog will love it: The clifftop walks ensure your canine companion will have the chance to enjoy roaming the Cornish coast during a dog-friendly beach day out to Sandymouth.
Northcott Mouth Beach
Best for shipwreck hunters: Another impressive National Trust beach that welcomes dogs all year round, Northcott Mouth is a beauty and sits right next door to Sandymouth Bay Beach, so you could hit two in one outing! A steamship called ‘Belem’ ran aground to the north of the beach, at Menachurch Point, in 1917 and the rusting debris can still be spotted at low tide. Whether you’re planning to blow away the cobwebs with a Christmas day walk or hoping to swim in the sea during a summer holiday, you’re sure to have a fantastic time at this seaside gem.
Why your dog will love it: The cliffs offer an array of peculiar wildlife to sniff out and, of course, with a second dog-friendly beach right next door, your pup will be spoilt for choice of which fabulous beach to visit first!
Black Rock Beach
Best for beach days with the whole family: Bude is well-known for its fantastic waves, with Sandymouth and Northcott both great places to take your surfboard, but this beach is right next to Widemouth, a beach with excellent surfer cred. If you or someone in your family is a keen surfer, this may be the dog-friendly beach to head to – just make sure you have someone to hold the lead/watch the dog while you dive in! It’s a wild and beautiful beach to explore with many rock pools and there is good access with a ramp leading down onto the sand, and seasonal lifeguards, making it a great choice for families as well as water sports enthusiasts.
Why your dog will love it: Any water-loving hounds can have a great time splashing about in the waves lapping on the sand, while there’s plenty of opportunity for beach games on the wide, flat sand.
Things to do near Bude with dogs
Best for anyone who loves to uncover a bit of local heritage: If you’re looking for dog-friendly things to do in and around Bude, we’d recommend a trip out to this historic site. It is 14 miles south of the seafront town and offers up a low and ruined manor house, primarily covered in grass as nature works to reclaim it, yet it is still a complete ground plan. It was originally built by the de Cardinham family in the 13th century and you can walk from room to room imagining the servants working away in the kitchen, the master of the house reading in his study and the children playing in the garden of this centuries-old home.
Why your dog will love it: There’s space for dogs to stretch their legs with soft grass underfoot and trees bordering the grounds. It can even get wonderfully muddy in rainy weather which is great fun for mucky pups although not so good for their human companions – bring sturdy shoes if you're visiting after rain.
Best for young families on their hols: Who would expect an adventure park to be dog-friendly? But this one really is. Your four-pawed pal can stay by your side as you try to find your way through the maze, and as you investigate the impressive on-site collection of sci-fi memorabilia. There are tonnes of super-fun rides that children will love, so as long a member of your party is happy to sit back and watch with the dog, this is the ideal place for a family day out with your entire family. The only place your dog cannot go is the Birds of Prey Centre, however with the Milky Way Railway, Destroyer Dodgems, Cosmic Typhoon and many more exciting attractions throughout the park, you’ll be well entertained throughout your visit. This adventure park can be found across the border in Devon, 17 miles from Bude, and is a wonderful dog-friendly and family-friendly day out.
Why your dog will love it: It’s often busy with families so sociable dogs will have a great time meeting lots of other humans as you make your way around the park.
Best for garden lovers and plant parents: Another dog-friendly attraction that sits just across the border in Devon, Docton Mill is 15 miles north of Bude and offers delightful gardens full of mature shrubs and hidden gems to wander. Spot the intriguing plants living in the bog garden, enjoy a riverside walk as you roam and see the extensive herbaceous border that runs for over 140 metres, before taking a look at the plant sales area in case something takes your fancy. During the spring, you’ll see wonderful displays of narcissi, wild garlic and bluebells, and the wildflower garden bursts into life in summer, while the tea rooms are the perfect place for a South West cream tea any time of the year.
Why dogs will love it: There are so many strange scents to sniff out in this garden, your pup will be overwhelmed working out where to go first. Dogs do have to be kept on short leads; as there’s so much to explore, your pup could quickly get itself into trouble digging up those lovely flowerbeds if it's not careful!
Dog walks near Bude
Best coastal walk in Bude: This easy 3.5-mile route is a circular walk in Bude that will take you along the South West Coast Path, past Bude’s charming sea pool, alongside the flat sands of Crooklets Beach, over Maer cliff, until finally arriving at dog-friendly Northcott Mouth. There are impressive coastal views to take in along the way towards Tintagel Castle south of Bude, and north to Morwenstow. You’ll also pass the River Neet where you might spot wading birds catching fish such as herons or egrets. In the summer months, you could stop off at Margaret's Rustic Tea Garden in Northcott for a mid-point break where all seating is outside so the dog can join you.
Why your dog will love it: As you get to stop off at Northcott Mouth on you way around, your dog can burn off some excess energy by racing up and down the sand, and can cool their paws in the lapping sea.
Best accessible walk in Bude: This winding, figure-of-eight loop will take you along Bude’s enchanting canals and allow you to take in the coast along the way too – you’re getting the very best of both watery worlds during this trail! Bude’s excellent beaches are unusually rich in minerals so the canal was built to carry the sand inland to farmers who would use it on their poor-quality soil. Today, it’s simply a beautiful landmark that’s well-worth appreciating and only adds to this enchanting seaside town. This path may be accessible for wheelchairs as it’s tarmacked all the way around except for the gravel path near River Café which can be avoided by following the cycle path, past the car park entrance. A ramp at the start of the car park can be used to bypass the steps at Nanny Moore’s Bridge, and the steps in front of the beach huts at Crooklets can be bypassed by using the tarmacked path behind the huts.
Why your dog will love it: There’s plenty to see, people to fuss and wildlife to look out for on this wonderful dog walk in Bude.
Best for storytellers and history buffs: Get lost in legend at this intriguing site, said to be the place of the final battle between King Arthur and Mordred. Walk the trail and you’ll soon get to the remarkable Inscribed Stone, an artefact that’s over 1,500 years old and carries the rare and ancient Celtic script known as Ogham (or Ogam). The entire trail runs from Tintagel to Dozmary Pool, but the Slaughterbridge section is our favourite as you can begin with a stop at the exhibition in the dog-friendly Visitor’s Centre before striking out on your Bude dog walk.
Why your dog will love it: It’s an interesting route that traces its way through forest, field and past a river where your pup could enjoy a splash about in the water during your walk in Cornwall.
Places to eat out with your dog in Bude
Best dog-friendly pub in Bude: When you’re ready to take a moment’s rest between exciting Cornish attractions and long, winding dog walks, this is the place to go. The Brendon Arms is a wonderfully cosy and dog-friendly pub near Bude seafront with warming food and local beers, fine wines and soft drinks on offer. Out front, there are picnic benches with a grassy area, the perfect place for bright sunny days, while inside, stylish furniture and furnishings create a relaxed vibe. Their menu includes fresh seafood, traditional pies and mixed grill dishes, and vegetarian and gluten-free options too.
Why your dog will love it: The soft grass out front is the perfect place to flop after busy days out and about, while carpets adorn a couple of the rooms in the pub where your playful pup can snooze on wet, rainy days.
Best dog-friendly cafe in Bude: With views down to the popular Crooklets Beach, this is a delightful dog-friendly café in which to enjoy a steaming cup of coffee and sweet slice of cake by the sea. Serving milkshakes and ‘legendary’ hot chocolates, artisan ice cream, and pizzas, burgers and salads, this daytime café turns onto a cocktail bar at night so you may like to pop in for an evening tipple too. There’s an enclosed outdoor play area so if you’re travelling as a family, your children can enjoy burning off some steam while you kick back and relax on the enclosed sundeck at this charming dog-friendly place to eat in Bude.
Why your dog will love it: The enclosed sundeck is the perfect place for your dog to take in the world and watch passers-by, while an outdoor wood burner provides warmth and atmosphere when the weather turns chilly.
Best for cider lovers: If you enjoy a tasty pint of cider, you’re in the right place! The South West is renowned for its top apple-based beverages, and Haywoods Cider Farm provides a tour of their extensive orchards before you head to the cider house to sample their homebrewed cider over a tasty Cornish cheeseboard, and listen to a history of cider-making in the West Country. Pick up a couple of litres of their Haywood Farm Cider before you go and you might like to get their ‘hand picked & pressed’ charity single too – an unexpected offering at a cider farm. They, of course, welcome our canine friends to join in on the tour and are located in St Mayburn, near Wadebridge and Bodmin.
Why your dog will love it: Time spent outdoors with their owner is about the best thing a dog can get, and this is a lovely place to enjoy it with your pup by your side.
Towns and villages around Bude
Clovelly
Best for a taste of quintessential South West: Ancient fishing houses cling to a 400-foot cliff in this unique coastal town and the only way to get around Clovelly is by foot or paw. The cobbled street that winds down to the sea is traffic-free and very steep, so give yourself enough time to make the trek back up to the top again! Clovelly is one of Devon’s real gems and a renowned attraction all on its own for the pure charm and enchantment that is infused into every stone; visiting this beautiful settlement is a mix between stepping back in time and entering a quaint children’s storybook. There’s a short film of the village, craft shops and cafes, a couple of museums, donkeys to meet, Clovelly Court Gardens at the top of the village, and a tiny, dog-friendly beach at the bottom.
Why your dog will love it: If you’ve got a super sociable dog, this is the perfect place as there’s so much to see and often lots of people to meet as it’s such a popular destination!
Tintagel
Best for local legend: A charming village with delights like Tintagel Toy Museum, St Necten’s Glen, and Tintagel Old Post Office and Museum, Tintagel is famous for the ancient and legendary ruins that dominate its coastline. Dating back to 1233, it was built by Earl Richard who was inspired by the island’s connection to King Arthur and today is managed by English Heritage. Follow the island walk and see the exhibition, before climbing down the steep steps to Merlin’s Cave (these steps may be tricky for little legs). Once you’re done exploring this dramatic attraction, Tintagel village offers up a wealth of shops, pubs, inns and cafes where you can grab a bite to eat.
Why your dog will love it: Your dog can feel the wind in their fur and gaze out to the horizon on a visit to the castle.
Boscastle
Best for long rambling walks: Much of the landscape in and around Boscastle is cared for by the National Trust, and there are many trails you could follow to get to know all the beautiful places hidden in and around this village. The South West Coast Path leads you over cliffs to Willapark headland, footpaths lead you past the Forrabury Stitches showcasing an ancient way of farming, while you could also walk as far as the two unassuming yet enchanting churches, Minster and St Juliots, which were once made famous by Thomas Hardy. Back in the village heart, there’s an exquisite natural harbour creating a beautiful backdrop to your visit, and a few shops and restaurants, and the curious Boscastle Museum of Witchcraft and Magic where well-behaved dogs are welcome - but do check ahead: they may not be able to join you on busy days.
Why your dog will love it: Walkies! Need we say more?
Dog-friendly places to stay in Bude
Best family-friendly cottage by the beach: Complete with a range of games and space to hang sandy wetsuits and surfboards in the garage, this is an exciting stop for families or groups of friends holidaying in this seaside location. It is central so you can walk to Bude’s beaches, pubs and the shops, and an enclosed grassy garden area is the perfect place for the pup to pootle about after you return from long days out. The Smart TV, Xbox 360, and pool snooker table will keep everyone well-entertained during your stay, while there’s a coal BBQ so you can cook up your own al fresco lunches at your holiday let.
Best for a big group getaway: Boasting a hot tub and children’s play area, this fantastic holiday home is ideal for getting all generations together under one roof for a special celebration or just a big reunion. Inside, style and glamour exudes from every stone of this exquisite property where there’s a wonderful conservatory with seating for your entire party and five sumptuous bedrooms for cosy slumbers. Impressive views, from which you can glimpse Bodmin Moor and Dartmoor, create a fantastic backdrop to your stay, and there’s a large expanse of level lawn where children and dogs can run about and play while the grown-ups unwind on the patio seating.
Discover more of this remarkable South West destination with our full Canine guide to Cornwall; this vast landscape offers up a fantastic coastline, rural reaches to discover, foodie hotspots and attractions welcoming families with their pets in tow. Get exploring and find the perfect place for you.
This seaside getaway is a wonderful choice for a holiday with your faithful friend with remarkable walks winding through countryside and along dramatic coastline, a choice of thrilling and relaxing attractions to stop by, and delightful eateries where you and the hound can rest and refuel after all those Cornwall adventures.
If you’re feeling inspired to take a trip to this corner of the West Country, start planning your break by browsing our portfolio of dog-friendly holiday cottages in Bude.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.