STYLISH BEACH HOUSE, WIDEMOUTH BAY

By The Beach

Large holiday home by the beach at Widemouth Bay

Sleeps 8 across 4 bedrooms Saturday changeover Two well behaved dogs welcome
The Retreat

As the name suggests, this large Widemouth Bay holiday home is very much by the beach. Located in an exclusive private development on the north Cornish coast, this contemporary home sleeps up to eight guests across four spacious bedrooms. By The Beach also offers private parking, a garden and is dog friendly.

Situated just seconds from the sand, you can easily enjoy all the activities Widemouth Bay has to offer whilst staying in the comforts of a modern beach house. This location is a haven for sandcastle building, surfing and soaking up the sunshine, making it the ideal place for a relaxing holiday by the sea. The bustling town of Bude is close by and the rest of the north Cornish coast is easily accessible from here.

Inside

This large Widemouth Bay holiday home enjoys a reverse design layout. Wooden, earthy tones are prevalent throughout the house, providing a relaxing feel. Upon entering the home, you’ll find a spacious hallway which leads off to three of the four bedrooms, and a handy utility room by the front door.

All three of these bedrooms on the ground floor benefit from having their own modern ensuite with walk in shower, as well as enjoying direct access to the garden. Imagine taking an invigorating morning swim at the beach and then relaxing with a morning coffee in the garden, soaking up the sounds of the sea. Two of the bedrooms are kings — one of which is the principal and enjoys two sets of patio doors; the third bedroom has bunk beds making it ideal for families with teenagers or young children. Upstairs, you’ll find the fourth bedroom which is a spacious twin and is adjacent to the bathroom on this floor. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the tub here after a day spent adventuring on the coast.

The rest of upstairs consists of an open plan modern kitchen and living space, with high sloped ceilings. The space is airy and bright, with an abundance of light flowing in through the double set of Juliet balconies where you can peacefully enjoy sea views of Widemouth Bay. It’s the perfect social hub where families and friends can gather over breakfast to plan the day’s adventures, or spend an evening playing board games. For those cooler autumnal evenings, make use of the cosy wood burner for added warmth.

Outside

As well as the communal gardens, By The Beach enjoys its own separate garden area where you can make use of the barbecue and dine al fresco here, or enjoy a glass of something chilled in hand. This large Widemouth Bay holiday home has all the trappings of a beach side retreat — including an outdoor shower for washing off sand, as well as a lockable storage shed for beach gear.

Things we love

By The Beach is the ideal retreat for a relaxing seaside holiday where you can be on the sand in seconds. Widemouth Bay is a superb beachside destination which is dotted with eateries, an abundance of surf schools and easy access to the beautiful South West Coast Path. This area of coast is rich with mysterious inlets and coves. The sandy expanse of Widemouth Bay beach means little ones can paddle in the shallows whilst those daring for more adventure can try out water sports such as surfing — try the Reubyn Ash Surf School, which is led by a European Champion with 30 years experience! After all the day’s excitement, you can then head back home to By The Beach, where you can relax in comfort and watch a superb Cornish sunset.

Super
This was our third stay at 'By the Beach'. Weather was atrocious but we were comfortable in this lovely bolthole and still enjoyed walks on the beach with our dogs. This is a super holiday home, well-equipped and spacious. We love it. Hope to be back next year.
Elaine & Neil — New Year 2024
Features

Retreat Features

  • Juliet balcony with sea views
  • Spacious open plan living and kitchen area
  • Seconds from the beach
  • Private parking
  • On the South West Coast Path
  • Four bedrooms (three with en-suite)
SLEEPING
Principal bedroom: king en suite
Bedroom two: king en suite
Bedroom three: bunk beds with en suite
Bedroom four: twin beds

All bed linen and bath towels provided
LIVING & RELAXING
Scandi-inspired living area with a cosy sofa, Ercol easy chairs
Woodburner
OUTDOORS
Garden table
Barbecue
Lockable shed suitable for surfboards and bikes
PETS
Up to two well behaved dogs welcome
UTILITY
Washing machine
Essential cleaning items
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
Saturday changeover
Check in after 4pm
Check out before 10am
KITCHEN & DINING
Bosch double oven and grill
Fridge freezer
Dining table sitting eight
BATHROOM
Three en-suites with showers
Family bathroom with bath
BABIES & TODDLERS
Families with young children are welcome, with travel cots and highchairs available upon request
PARKING
Reserved parking for two cars
Further parking can be found at the adjacent Black Rock Sands car park charge at approximately £30 per week
There are three visitor spaces but these cannot be not reserved so are available on a first come, first served basis
HEATING
Underfloor heating
Woodburner
ACCESSIBILITY
Not suitable for wheelchairs
Split across two floors
Internal stairs with handrail
Location

Widemouth Bay

Widemouth Bay is a bay, beach and small village on the Atlantic coast of Cornwall, just 3 miles south of Bude. Attracting surfers, families and couples, this stretch of coast is steeped in the smuggling history of times before, and not far south of Widemouth Bay along the South West Coast Path can be found many little inlets and coves.

Travel times

  • By The Beach is just under 5 hours from London on a quiet day and is 1.2 hours from Exeter
  • By The Beach is 50 minutes away from the nearest train station of Okehampton

Things we love

  • Seconds from the beach
  • Perfect for surfers
  • Spacious open-plan living and kitchen area

The Widemouth Bay guide

Beach life

The village’s two beaches — Widemouth Bay and Black Rock — form one long expanse of sand when the tide’s out, stretching for almost two miles. With its Blue Flag status, this is a brilliant area for families who flock here for old-fashioned seaside holidays of rockpooling, sandcastle building and ice creams on the beach. Both Widemouth Bay and Black Rock are lifeguarded during high season, and Black Rock is dog-friendly all year round so it’s a great place for dogs too (there are seasonal restrictions on Widemouth Bay).

There are a number of places to eat within striking distance of the beach, including the popular Bay View Inn and laid-back beach bar The Break. Adventurous families who want to get out on the water will have plenty of surf school options (there are four schools on Widemouth Bay alone and many more in neighbouring Bude); some of them offer paddleboarding or coasteering if that’s more your thing.

Cornish walking holidays Gwithian South West Coast Path

Walking galore

Widemouth Bay is a fantastic spot for a bit of rambling. The coastal walk into Bude follows the South West Coast Path north and takes around an hour — it’s a beautiful stretch of coast, and along the way you’ll pass the magnificent Phillip’s Point Nature reserve, one of the Wildlife Trust’s smallest reserves. You’ve got the option to make this a 10km circular route if you want to by carrying on along Bude’s canal towpath south out of the town towards Helebridge and following the footpaths over fields back to the coast and onwards to Widemouth Bay.

A more challenging route takes you along the coastal path to Crackington Haven. It’s a good stomp of just over six miles and rather strenuous in parts but the views are worth it if you can handle the terrain.

Beautiful Bude

Widemouth Bay is only a couple of miles — or an hour’s walk — from Bude, and it’s brilliant to have all of the delights of this charming beachside town on your doorstep. There are several wide, golden beaches to choose from within walking distance of the centre, with many more little coves an easy stroll along the coast path. The wonderful sea pool on Summerleaze Beach is perfect for calm, salty swims when the tide’s out, and one of Cornwall’s largest nature reserves packed with wildlife and migrating birds can be found on the fringes of the town.

The little town is an interesting place to amble around with art galleries and independent shops, plus there’s a fascinating 18th-century castle on the outskirts. Bude is also home to some brilliant places to eat, from popular seafood restaurants such as the bistro-style Sea Fever and Potters Restaurant, to cosy pubs and cafes on the coast.

Beaches

Widemouth Bay

This beautiful stretch of North Cornwall’s coastline offers up a choice of beaches that all bring something slightly different to the party. Widemouth is a long, open bay (3 miles from Bude along the coast path) that’s also great for surfing, dog walking and rock pooling at low tide. A little further down the coast you’ll find the pretty shingle cove of Crackington Haven, which is flanked by tall cliffs — ideal for a spot of dramatic coast path walking.

Lifeguarded? May-Sept, plus Easter holidays, Oct half term and weekends in Sept and Oct
Dog-friendly? Dogs on leads between May-Sept

Black Rock Widemouth Bay

Black Rock

To the southern end of Widemouth Bay beach beyond the rocky outcrop, Black Rock is a wilder section of this stretch of coast, where big tides and some impressive reef breaks draw the surfing crowds to its waters throughout the year. There are also some incredible rockpools and caves along the beach, so bucket-and-net-wielding children will have hours of fun here.

Lifeguarded? Mid-May to mid-Sept
Dog-friendly? Yes, all year round

Crooklets Beach

This popular cove was awarded Blue Flag Beach status in 2022. Flanked by rocky outcrops which are brilliant for rockpooling families, this beautiful expanse of golden sand just north of Bude is a short walk from the town centre and is home to the Bude Surf Life Saving Club. At low tide it joins Summerleaze to form one long bay. It’s great for families with its play area, skate park and popular dog-friendly beach cafe just off the sand.
Lifeguarded? Mid May-Sept
Dog-friendly? Dogs on leads between mid May-Sept

Summerleaze

This is Bude’s main beach, just a quick walk from the buzzy town centre. Despite its popularity and proximity to town, it’s huge expanse of soft sand lined with rows of colourful beach huts to hire means that it never feels crowded, even at high tide. It’s a favourite spot for surfers and bodyboarders who come for the powerful waves. There’s surfboard hire and lessons on the beach, as well as windsurf, paddleboard and kayak rental, too. Swimmers can take a dip in the Bude Sea Pool for free (no booking required).

Lifeguarded? May-Sept, plus Easter holidays, Oct half term and weekends in Sept and Oct
Dog-friendly? Dogs on leads between May-Sept

Food & drink

The Bay View Inn

For food with a view, you can’t get much better than this popular beachside restaurant, tucked behind Widemouth Bay with beautiful views from the deck at the front. There are various eating areas, each with a different vibe, such as the laid-back surf bar with scrubbed floors, the sea-facing conservatory, and the open plan Driftwood area, which is perfect for sandy-footed families who’ve spent the day at the beach, and kids will love the pirate ship on the terrace. They’re big on fresh, Cornish ingredients, and it’s creative bistro menu features things like crispy hake and chips and gourmet burgers.

The Break Beach Bar

With private access to the beach from the bottom of the parasol and beanbag-dotted garden, sandy-footed beachgoers in search of sustenance should make a beeline for this multi award-winning laid-back beachside restaurant and bar. Serving up a heady mix of food, tunes in the dunes and stunning ocean views, The Break’s coast-inspired menu features things like seafood skewers and fragrant fish curries as well as local wines, ales and coastal cocktails. Inside, there are books, games and sofas for rainy days whilst the garden outside looks right onto the golden sands of Widemouth Bay. 

Widemouth Bay Cafe

You can almost dip your toes in the water from the terrace of this brilliant eatery overlooking Widemouth Bay — it’s a great place for watching the waves roll in and surfers performing tricks out at sea. It’s a relaxed, cosy little place, with leather sofas and driftwood tables. The menu features all the favourites, from burgers and scampi to sandwiches, and there’s an impressive gluten free and vegan menu, too, as well as lots of options for children. From pasties and sandwiches to all-day-breakfasts and tasty organic smoothies, wave-fuelled appetites will find what they need here. 

Eating out in Bude

Bude is just a couple of miles north of Widemouth Bay and has lots of good places to eat, from the laid-back cafes and bars to family friendly pubs. The stylish bistro Sea-Fever has lovely sea views and unpretentious food, whilst popular Potters is all about fresh, local fish dishes, such as Tandoori Cornish monkfish and St Ives smoked mackerel pate on toast. The scandi-inspired Electric Bakery serves up pastries and other delicious baked goods. There are also a number of great pubs, such as the tiny The Barrel, which sells craft ales from independent brewers and producers, and the slightly more formal The Falcon Hotel set just back from the canal.

Things to do
surfing widemouth bay

Learn to surf

If you want to learn to ride the waves, Widemouth Bay is a great place to give it a go. With four surf schools on Widemouth Bay beach catering to all ages and abilities, you’re spoilt for choice. As well as offering surf lessons and hire, Freewave Surf Academy also run SUP, coasteering and bodyboarding sessions. The Reubyn Ash Surf School halfway along the beach is lead by a European Champion with 30 years experience, whilst the Widemouth Bay Surfing Co offers surf lessons and hire, as well as a surf clothing shop from its shack off the sand.

Coasteering

If surfing’s not your bag, there are plenty of other watersports to try in Widemouth Bay. Coasteering is one of the most exhilarating way to explore the craggy coastline — you’ll swim through huge sea caves and wildlife-rich rockpools, visit inaccessible beaches and leap off cliffs and plunge into clear tidal pools. There are two centres on Widemouth Bay beach that provide coasteering to explore the surrounding coastline — Freewave Surf Academy, which run family trips as well as providing for stag and hen parties, and OA Surf Club, whose instructors have over 3o years’ experience.

Bude Sea Pool

The beauty of tidal pools is that you can take a dip with having to brave the waves, making it the perfect place for a bit of family fun. Under the cliffs at Summerleaze Beach in neighbouring bude, this is Cornwall’s oldest sea pool, created in 1930 so that the locals in Bude could bathe in safety away from the waves. Today it’s managed by local charity, Friends of Bude Sea Pool, who look after the upkeep of this semi-natural swimming spot. There are no fees, and there’s no need to book, just turn up and jump on in!

Guests Say
  • Super

    This was our third stay at 'By the Beach'. Weather was atrocious but we were comfortable in this lovely bolthole and still enjoyed walks on the beach with our dogs. This is a super holiday home, well-equipped and spacious. We love it. Hope to be back next year.

    Elaine & Neil — New Year 2024
  • Well equipped

    Lovely property. Well equipped. Close to beach.

    Richard & family — August 2023
  • Very clean, spacious and well equipped

    The grandchildren had asked for a house near the sea and with a garden and By the Beach was brilliant! The beach was a two minute walk and the view from the lounge overlooked the waves of the north coast and the South West coast path. The house was very clean, spacious and well equipped. A wonderful place to stay!

    Joan & family – July 2023
  • Fabulous

    We've had a brilliant few days 'By the Beach' — and what a beach it is, fabulous, enjoyed by all especially Ted! We ate at both nearby beach cafes and had a spectacular meal at the Beach House just up the coast — the sunset as we ate was so gorgeous, and imaginative fresh fish dishes, was wonderful. We also visited Bude — lovely seaside town and had Cornish pasties sitting on a bench overlooking the beach. Thanks so much for letting us stay in your lovely home.

    Liz & family – April 2023
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Please note, we only release dates 11 months ahead, so please check back or enquire for more availability.