Holiday Cottages in Bude
Bude is the perfect seaside resort - not only does it boast a beautiful coastline, the town also provides a whole range of things to see and do, catering for all ages.
The town has an interesting maritime history; 80 ships were wrecked on this coast between 1674 and 1824, and Bude Museum houses many objects salvaged from wrecks found in the area.
Bude also has a canal. This canal was originally built to transport lime-rich sea sand, further inland, where the soil was of poor quality. In 1997, the canal's sea locks were damaged by storms and had to be replaced. English Heritage declared the locks a 'listed structure', and the subsequent reconstruction process cost around £500,000. Works were completed in October 2000, and the locks were eventually re-opened in May 2001. Today, walkers, cyclists and bird watchers will appreciate the peace and tranquility that surrounds the canal.
There is a new visitor centre in the town, providing guests with a wealth of local information. Bude has a golf course, a shopping centre and an indoor leisure pool with a flume and wave machine. For those seeking a more active holiday, the town also boasts a laser dome, trampolines, mini golf and go karts. Canoeing and kayaking are now available on the canal, whilst the coast offers excellent surfing and abseiling.
Bude is host to many concerts and festivals throughout the summer months - the highlight of which is widely considered to be the annual eight-day jazz festival. This festival takes place at the end of August/beginning of September, and includes performances by artists from all over the world.
At nearby Stratton, the Battle of Stamford Hill (1643) is re-enacted each May. Cornish giant, Anthony Payne, fought alongside the Royalist Sir Bevil Grenville (commander of the King's army) at The Battle of Stamford Hill. Anthony Payne lived in the Grenville manor house at Stratton - now the Tree Inn. The King issued a Royal Crest in honour of his loyal Cornishmen, and many churches in Cornwall still bear this Royal Crest.
