Family Holiday, Bude, Cornwall April 2010

We’ve just returned from a short break to Bude, Cornwall.  We were absolutely blessed with the weather and I can’t recommend the place we stayed at enough.  Just for the record I do not get any kick backs of any type for recommending this place.  We stayed at the Atlantic Cottages on the West Grove Farm just on the outskirts of Bude.  I originally found it on Friendly Baby Boltholes but I was a bit cheeky and went direct in the end.

To be honest it cost a wee bit more than what we budgeted for but was worth every penny.  We were only going to go for 3 days but husband managed to negotiate a great deal for two extra nights (£20).  Prior to arrival the communication was excellent.  We received a very warm welcome from Verity and her family.  The cottages are gorgeous and kitted out to a very high standard; flat screen TVs, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, TUMBLE Dryer and a wireless connection but I didn’t dare bring my laptop or I would’ve ended up in divorce court.

Bude itself is not spectacular but the beaches are.  You’re minutes away from Summerleaze, Crooklet, Northcott Mouth, Sandy Mouth, Widemouth and Crackington Haven beaches. The only downside is that we had to drive to the beaches but it really wasn’t a problem.  The bonus was being able to return to the farm after a day out and our 2 year old could run wild.  As it is a working farm there were loads of animals to chase around (dogs, cats, pigs, sheep, hens, geese and goats) and children are also invited to help at feeding times. The highlight of my daughter’s holiday was Tess the farm dog!

As the weather was so nice we really didn’t need more than the beaches but we did go on a couple of small excursions.

Boscastle

A stunning little port with a natural harbour. Make sure you go first thing in the morning or parking is a problem.  If you arrive early like we did you can always get a full English breakfast at the B and B on the corner.

Port Isaac

As we are fans of Doc Martin we had to make the short trip to Port Isaac to see the doctor’s surgery.  The scenery was stunning but the public car park sticks in my mind.  It wasn’t a problem if you remembered to move your car when the tide came in at 3pm!

Morewenstow

A gorgeous little hamlet with a church, tea room and a pub.  From the church you can walk a short way to the cliffs edge and see ‘Hawkers Hut’ the National Trusts smallest building.  It is tucked in the cliff edge and isn’t for the faint hearted.  I’m terrified of heights and nearly had kittens walking down to it.

Make sure you stop at the Bush Inn, a 13th Century Freehouse with stunning surroundings and good beer and food.

We had an absolutely amazing time and would definitely recommend a visit to the area.  There are so many things that we didn’t manage to see so we will have to go back!