I took a little time offline this May switching off with a stay in Bude – a few calm days away from the screen to focus on client projects, shoot planning and (of course) carve out a tiny pocket of rest in the mix. I was lucky enough to be invited for a gifted stay at The Beach at Bude, and couldn’t resist sharing the best finds from the trip – a real blend of coastal walks, best beaches and, naturally, great coffee!
This stay was such a treat – nestled on the north coast of Cornwall, just over an hour’s drive from my usual patch in Devon, Bude is a gorgeous escape that feels like a slower pace of life. Think wild sea air, beautiful independent shopfronts, and friendly faces. For my work, I travel all over the Southwest and beyond, so finding places that mix work and downtime seamlessly is a bit of a sweet spot – and Bude absolutely delivered.
So, pop the kettle on, and have a browse through some of the favourite local spots I stumbled across while soaking up a few days in this dreamy corner of Cornwall.
Temple, Bude
An absolute must. Tucked just off the main road through town, Temple has the kind of atmosphere that instantly makes you want to slow down. The coffee here is seriously good – locally sourced, expertly brewed. There’s a Scandinavian feel to the interiors: clean, calm and minimal, with a real focus on sustainability. Whether you’re grabbing a flat white to go or sitting in for brunch, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to return to before you’ve even left. Unfortunately they’re for sale, but I hope they start up a new spot and venture soon!
The Beach at Bude
This was my base for the trip and what a location. Right on the edge of Summerleaze Beach, The Beach at Bude is just a minute from the beach, and the onsite restaurant, Element, is perfect for lazy breakfasts or an afternoon Cornish cider (or pimms!) with a sea view. Ideal for a switch-off-from-the-world and the perfect central location for exploring Bude and all it had to offer.
Thank you to the team at The Beach at Bude for a fantastic gifted stay! With other contemporary and stunning townhouses of theirs dotted around the town, it’s one to add to your stay for a larger family holiday, or just if you fancy a home away from home.
Wild Spirits Cafe and Studio, Bude
Tucked away just outside the centre of Bude, Wild Spirits Café and Studio is a true hidden gem – part café, part creative sanctuary. I absolutely loved it here and worked for a while on my laptop in between rest on my stay with The Beach at Bude. With a focus on wellbeing, community and connection, it’s the kind of place where time slows down and the coffee is brewed with care, using The Roasting Room coffee from Newquay.
Expect smooth blends, locally made cakes, energy bits and a peaceful atmosphere that makes it perfect for solo work sessions, mindful meetups or a quiet moment with your journal. The studio space next door hosts yoga classes, making it a hub for locals and travellers alike who are looking to reset, recharge and reconnect. If you’re seeking somewhere with soul, Wild Spirits is it.
Sip and Sea
Sip & Sea is the kind of coastal coffee stop that feels like a reward at the end of a stunning walk. Nestled along the coast path from Crooklets Beach, about 30 minutes on foot with sweeping sea views all the way, this converted horse box is a little pocket of warmth and charm perched in between the cliffs. Serving locally roasted coffee, and sweet treats, it’s the perfect place to pause, take in the view, and sip something hot with the sound of waves on the way. Perfect for those who love to explore the coast path – and sip coffee en route!
Home Vintage
Just around the corner from Electric Bakery on Bude’s Kings Hill Industrial Estate, Home Vintage Store is a haven for design lovers and renovation enthusiasts alike. Housed in a spacious warehouse-style unit, this thoughtfully curated store offers an ever-changing selection of vintage furniture and homewares!
The welcoming atmosphere – often enhanced by the presence of a resident dog – make browsing a pleasure. It’s the kind of place where you might pop in for a quick look and leave with the perfect piece you didn’t know you needed!
Crooklets Beach
Crooklets Beach in Bude is a Blue Flag beach and boasts golden sands, lots of interesting rock pools, and has a vibrant surf scene, making it a favourite among families and beach enthusiasts!
Just a short stroll away lies the well known Bude Sea Pool, which unfortunately was having seasonal maintenance when I visited, otherwise I would have dived right in! It’s a semi-natural tidal pool nestled between the cliffs and is open daily and free to swimmers, with stunning 180 degrees views of the beaches at Bude.
Enhancing the beach’s wellness offerings is the Ocean Soul Sauna, a wood-fired, barrel-shaped sauna situated right on the promenade. With its panoramic half-moon window, guests can unwind while taking in breathtaking views of Crooklets, Middle Beach, and Summerleaze. I’m a lover of a sauna – especially a sauna by the sea!
Hello Magpie & Shore Fired Pottery Studio
I quite literally stumbled upon this newly opened Artist and Pottery studio whilst exploring the town, and was delighted to meet artist and illustrator, Sam Davies, who recently opened this studio with her sister, Becci, who runs Shore Fired Pottery! Having only been in Bude 2 weeks when I chatted to her about their new shop, they’ve really turned the space around and are selling Sam’s gorgeous illustrated cards in store, along with offering pottery throwing classes and more. I think this will be a firm new favourite gem in Bude!
This Spring Cornwall escape was the ideal mix of focus and freedom – time to recharge, re-inspire and discover a bunch of new-to-me places that I’d recommend in a heartbeat. There’s something really special about Bude – it’s a little under the radar, but all the better for it. If you’re heading down that way soon, save this list and explore as you go. And if you’re a fellow coffee snob (proudly so!), you’re going to feel right at home.
Let me know if you visit any of these spots – and if you’re ever after content or photography with a marketing focus for your independent business in Devon, Cornwall or beyond, I’m always up for a chat and an explore to new places!
