As one of Cornwall’s oldest seaside resorts, Bude has been welcoming dogs to its golden shores for well over a century. There are many beaches along this stretch of the north Cornish coast that welcome canine companions, as well as places to eat and drink and brilliant walks. Read on for places to go and things to do in dog friendly Bude!
Dog friendly Bude — beaches
Bude’s main beaches have dog restrictions over the summer between 10am-6pm, so you’re free to let your dog loose outside of those hours. If you’re looking for a runaround on the sand during the day, there are plenty of dog-friendly beaches near Bude. Breakwater Beach is a small cove beyond the rocky outcrop to the south of Summerleaze Beach, backed by the grassy slopes of Compass Point. Northcott Mouth Beach, a couple of miles north of Bude, is one for wreck-spotters, with the remains of the SS Belem revealed at low tide.
Slightly further afield, the National Trust-owned Sandymouth Bay has a dramatic backdrop of sheer cliffs and at low tide you can walk all the way from Crooklets Beach to here, and there’s a dog-friendly seasonal cafe along the route. Millook Beach is a quiet, shingle beach that manages to escape the crowds, plus it’s a great start point for lots of circular walks in the area. And just south of Widemouth Bay, you’ll find Black Rock Beach — a brilliant beach that’s popular with dog walkers, surfers and rockpool explorers.
Dog friendly Bude — places to eat and drink
Run by the same family since the 1800s, the historic pub The Brendon Arms is a great stop off with dogs in tow, who are welcome in the bar and on the large terrace outside. Overlooking Bude’s inner harbour, it serves homemade dishes using fresh local ingredients, best washed down with a Cornish ale or a glass from the carefully selected wine list. The seafood restaurant Potters is fairly new on the scene, having opened back in 2020, but is now a firm favourite with locals and visitors. Dogs are welcome in the downstairs seating area or outside in summer.
A mile or so away in the village of Stratton, The Kings Arms is a lovely pub that offers a warm welcome to all, including dogs. Finally, The Preston Gate Inn is everything you would imagine a Cornish country pub to be, and is dog friendly inside and out. The hearty menu is paired with real ales, craft beers and an array of Cornish gins. Finally, the popular Electric Bakery serves up pastries and other baked goods from Wednesday through to Sunday (check out their online sourdough courses). There’s no inside seating but dogs and their owners are welcome on the outside terrace.
Dog friendly Bude — walks
Bude canal walk
With the benefit of being fairly level (apart from a small rise up to the coast path from the canal) and having no stiles to negotiate, this stroll takes in Bude’s historic canal, wildlife-filled countryside and the rugged beauty of the coast path.
Bude to Crackington Haven
For something a little longer, the cliff walk to Crackington Haven is nothing short of spectacular. With the power of the Atlantic waves on one side and steep stream valleys on the other, there is a new vista to be enjoyed at every turn.