Living in Bude

Bude is famed for its strong sense of community, driven by both long-term residents and a steady stream of newcomers who quickly become part of local life. The town embraces a community-driven ethos, supporting events like Bude Jazz Festival, weekly produce markets, and the Summerleaze Lifeboat Day. Community centres and church halls host everything from fitness classes to craft workshops.

Outdoor living is a major aspect of life here, with the Bude Canal towpath and coastal trails encouraging an active lifestyle. The nearby beaches and clifftops are popular gathering spots for surfers, walkers, and dog owners. The public open spaces of Crooklets and Summerleaze add to the town’s appeal, as do local allotments and the town’s ‘in bloom’ initiatives.

Safety in Bude is generally perceived as good, with the town enjoying low crime rates relative to larger urban centres. The community benefits from a strong neighbourhood spirit, with residents often looking out for each other, contributing to a sense of security, especially in residential areas.

Like many coastal towns, occasional incidents may occur, particularly around the busier summer months when visitor numbers peak. However, these are typically minor and infrequent.

Devon and Cornwall Police have a visible local presence, and neighbourhood policing initiatives focus on keeping both residents and tourists safe. Community watch groups and local forums support an overall safe setting, helping to maintain Bude’s reputation as a secure location for families and individuals alike.

Parking in Bude is relatively accessible compared to more densely populated Cornish resorts. The town centre offers several public pay-and-display car parks, including sites near the canal, Summerleaze Beach, and Crooklets Beach. Seasonal demand is high during summer, so on-street parking can sometimes be limited, but residential streets generally provide permit or free parking for locals.

Road access is straightforward via the A39 Atlantic Highway, linking the town both north to Devon and south into the broader Cornish road network. Traffic is typically light outside of peak holiday periods, with most congestion centred around the seafront and main shopping areas during high season.

Nearby towns and cities:

• Barnstaple – approx. 55 minutes via A39 (33 miles)
• Plymouth – approx. 1 hour 20 minutes via A386/A38 (53 miles)
• Wadebridge – approx. 55 minutes via A39 (36 miles)
• Exeter – approx. 1 hour 30 minutes via A3072/A30 (61 miles)

Bude’s food and drink scene celebrates both local Cornish produce and international tastes. The town is dotted with traditional pubs such as The Barrel and The Falcon, both favourites with locals and visitors. Independent cafés, like The Barge and Electric Bakery, offer artisan coffees, pastries, and light lunches, with many venues enjoying sea or canal-side views.

For dining, Bude presents a choice of bistros, seafood restaurants, and family-friendly options. Life's a Beach, located by Summerleaze Beach, is notable for its fresh seafood and relaxed vibe. Various takeaways line the main streets, providing classic fish and chips or Mediterranean fare.

Nightlife in Bude is relaxed rather than raucous, centred on pubs with live music, quirky cocktail bars like The Bank, and occasional events at local hotels. For entertainment, there are regular open mic nights and occasional pop-up cinema or theatre experiences, but the overall scene caters to laid-back socialising rather than late-night partying.

School quality: Bude’s schools are well respected, providing quality education and inclusive pastoral care, supporting children’s all-round development.

Parks and green space: Families benefit from close proximity to safe beaches, play parks, and large grassy areas along the canal and at Crooklets Beach, ideal for outdoor activities.

Childcare: Local nurseries and childminders support working families, and after-school clubs are available alongside a range of community activities for kids.

Safety: The general perception of safety is positive. Children enjoy a relatively secure environment for independent outdoor activities.

Family activities: Surf lessons, nature trails, local swimming pools, and lifeboat days all contribute to an active, family-oriented lifestyle in Bude.

Bude is well known for its dog-friendly approach, with beaches such as Northcott Mouth accessible to dogs year-round. Other areas, including Summerleaze, allow dogs outside peak summer daytime hours. There are ample green spaces and extensive cliff and canal-side walks, providing a wealth of options for dog owners.

The town also benefits from several veterinary clinics and pet shops. Many pubs and cafés welcome dogs, with water bowls and treats commonly provided. Attitudes towards pets in Bude are positive, as the town’s outdoor lifestyle and housing stock suit four-legged family members.

Transport in Bude reflects its rural coastal setting, but the town remains well-connected to nearby Cornish and Devon towns as well as to national transport networks.

By road: The A39 Atlantic Highway runs through Bude, providing a direct route north towards Barnstaple and Bideford in Devon, or south through the Cornish countryside to Wadebridge and Newquay.

Public transport: The town is served by local and regional bus services, linking Bude with Exeter, Plymouth, Launceston, and other centres. The nearest major railway station is at Exeter St Davids, approximately 50 miles away, offering direct train services to London Paddington and other UK cities.

Air travel: Newquay Airport is the closest airport, around an hour’s drive away, with flights to London, Manchester, and selected European destinations.

Typical commute times:

• Exeter: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car
• Plymouth: about 1 hour 20 minutes by car
• Barnstaple: 55 minutes by car

While most journeys rely on cars or buses due to Bude’s rural location, the area’s main road connections make it practical for those commuting to larger hubs.

Schools in Bude are highly regarded for their strong community ties and emphasis on both academic achievement and personal development. The town and surrounding areas provide a range of primary and secondary education options.

Primary Schools:

Bude Primary Academy offers both infants and junior learning on separate sites, fostering an inclusive learning environment. Another choice is Stratton Primary School, located just outside the town centre, noted for its caring ethos and well-supported special educational needs provision.

Secondary Schools:

Budehaven Community School is the town’s main secondary provider, catering to ages 11-18. The school was most recently inspected by Ofsted in September 2022 and was rated 'Good', praised for pupil development and a broad curriculum.

Independent and Sixth Form:

Budehaven Community School also provides a sixth form for post-16 education, offering a range of A-Levels and vocational qualifications. There are no independent schools directly in Bude, but Truro School and Plymouth College are accessible in the wider region for those seeking private education.

Colleges and Universities:

Bude does not have a dedicated further education college or university campus. However, Cornwall College campuses (notably in Camborne and St Austell) and the University of Exeter in Devon are accessible to those looking for higher education opportunities.