Kids can begin their adventures by dropping in on the neighbours. Right next door is an activity centre offering a range of outdoor pursuits, from rock climbing and surfing to coasteering. Or take your net down to Wanson Mouth Beach, awash with tiny wildlife. Crabs, shrimps, snails and anemones peep from the pools.
Swim outdoors at Summerleaze Beach’s Bude Sea Pool, or just stick to the beach for sand, surf and sun. Or hop over the hill to Widemouth Bay with its panoramic sandy beach perfect for ball games in summer followed by fish and chips from the beachside café.
Spot heron, kingfisher, moorhen, coot and cormorant on a canoe adventure on the Tamar Lake. Find an entire star system of excitement to explore at the Milky Way Adventure Park. Park your broomstick outside and visit the Museum of Witchcraft at Boscastle. Or lose yourself in the maze at Hidden Valley Discovery Park.
Trethorne Leisure Park offers zorbing, trampolines, pillow bash, a climbing wall, bungee run and an assault course. Or head over to The Big Sheep at Bideford, home to Devon’s highest and longest rollercoaster and a whole flock of rides, animals, entertainment and live shows.
Here on Cornwall’s wild north shore, coastal walks abound. Take the South West Coast Path practically from the door, or try the Rough Tor and Brown Willy walk on Bodmin Moor to see this rugged world from the roof of Cornwall. Or see all the local landmarks on a circular walk from Bude to Sandymouth.
Book surf lessons next door at Outdoor Adventure or try boogie boarding and body boarding. See an Aladdin’s Cave of treasures at Bude Castle. Fire a few arrows at Red Elk Archery. Run, jog, cycle or walk the circular 5km path by the Tamar Lakes. Or explore the geologically fascinating Bude Formation with Geolastica.
Learn stand-up paddleboarding with the Bude Surfing Experience. Tackle the Awesome 4some (high ropes, climbing wall, Jacob’s Ladder and zip wire) at the Ultimate Adventure Centre. Or play the most picturesque 18 holes in North Cornwall at Ivyleaf Golf Course.
At the end of a long day, wind down at Widemouth Manor Pub, an exhausting three-minute walk from Barford rewarded with generously portioned food and a huge grassy garden with crazy golf and a children’s play area. Sip a Sauvignon-Blanc or Shiraz-Cabernet as you watch the sun dip deep red beyond the blue horizon.
