THINGS TO DO

THE BEACHES

Year by year, Widemouth Bay is awarded the top standard for excellent water quality in the MCS Good Beach Guide. It has also recently been awarded the Blue Flag Seaside Award; being a scheme operated globally which recognises beaches that meet all 33 points of its qualifying criteria to include environmental education and management, excellent water quality, safety and adequate services.

Being just a 2 minute level walk from Stay, its flat sandy beach lines a mile of clear waters and offers something for everyone.

Lifeguarded by the RNLI from Easter through to the end of September, the beach at Widemouth Bay is popular with families and surfers alike, having a wide range of facilities to include toilets, showers, cafes, surf hire and car parks.

To the north of the beach you’ll find some of the best rock-pooling in Cornwall, with the interesting, low-lying rock formations becoming home to a host of sea creatures during low tide.

Nearby Bude has a further two superb beaches – Summerleaze and Crooklets. Bude also has one of the few remaining sea pools in the country, which is perfect for youngsters when the waves are a little fierce.

These beaches, together with the free sea pool are also lifeguarded throughout the summer months.

SURFING

Widemouth Bay is a renowned surfing destination, offering waves that are suitable for beginners through to intermediates during the summer and a wilder ride for the more experienced surfers during the winter.

The wide bay invites waves along its entire length, making it popular with body boarders, long boarders and short boarders alike.

The Hot Dog surf shop on the beach offers affordable board and wetsuit hire for those wanting to give it a go, and those needing some direction can take an enjoyable surf lesson from one of the friendly surf schools operating in Widemouth bay.

There’s a fresh-water shower in the car park for a rinse-off afterwards, or skip straight back to Stay where its luxurious, high pressure hot showers await!

COASTAL WALKS

The South West Coastal Path passes along the coastline of North Cornwall, and those choosing to explore on foot will soon see why the area is regarded as an area of outstanding natural beauty. The coastal path from Bude through to Crackington Haven is easily accessible from Widemouth Bay, offering breath-taking sea views.

EATING OUT

The award-winning Bay View Inn is just a few minutes walk from Stay, as is the recently refurbished Widemouth Manor Hotel. Both are child-friendly and offer a warm welcome, fantastic food and uninterupted sea views.

There’s a wide choice of great places to eat just a short drive away in Bude, and many more in the surrounding areas.

SHOPPING

Widemouth Bay has its own local store, selling general provisions and fresh fish. Nearby Bude remains an unspoilt Cornish town being home to a wide range of independent shops, but with the convenience of two mainstream supermarkets on the outskirts.

Those in need of some more serious retail therapy will find Barnstaple an easy drive to the North, offering everything from local markets to a modern shopping centre with its big city brands.

LEISURE

There’s a wide choice of leisure activities in the local area to include an indoor swimming pool with wave machine and monster flume, ten-pin bowling centre, indoor play area, gymnasium and cycle hire.

There are also three great golf courses within easy reach of Stay.

DAYS OUT

The A39 runs the length of north Cornwall putting those must-visit locations such as Padstow, Boscastle, Tintagel and Port Issac all within easy reach.

Widemouth Bay is on the Bude to Wadebridge bus route offering a relaxed and scenic journey to these popular destinations, with numerous bus services running onwards from both Bude and Wadebridge to provide easy links to the rest of Cornwall.

Those feeling a little more adventurous will find Newquay airport only a 45 minute drive away, where Skybus operate regular flights to the wonderful Isles of Scilly.

ATTRACTIONS

There are lots of great attractions in Cornwall to include the Eden Project, Lost gardens of Heligan, the Camel Trail and a host of fun theme parks for the kids