Local Information

Black Rock

(Widemouth)
Good, sandy beach
adjoins main Widemouth Bay beach. Reasonably good parking. Dogs allowed all year.

Crackington Haven

Sandy beach at low tide. Good rock pooling. Lifeguards 1st May to end September. Cafe, public conveniences, good parking. Pub just off beach. Dogs not allowed Easter to October.

Crooklets

Sandy at low tide, lifeguards 1st May to end September. Great family beach. Cafe, public conveniences, deckchair/windbreak hire. Plenty of parking, facilities for wheelchairs. No dogs Easter to October.

Duckpool

Rural beach. Good rock pooling. No lifeguards. Public conveniences. Dogs allowed all year.

Middle Beach

Between Crooklets and Summerleaze
good family beach at low tide. Dogs allowed all year.

Millook

Stony beach. Truly rural beach, no lifeguards, no facilities, very remote.

Northcott

Lovely rural beach. Fairly rocky most tides. Lifeguards 1st May end September. No facilities. Limited parking. Dogs allowed all year.

Sandymouth

Good, sandy beach, excellent for families. Lifeguards 1st May to end September. Cafe/bistro, public conveniences, reasonable parking. Dogs allowed all year. Two mile walk at low tide to Bude beaches.

Strangles

Fabulous beach at low tide. Long, meandering climb down and even longer climb back up. Not suitable for young children or elderly. No lifeguards, no facilities. Limited parking at top of cliff. Fantastic if you are feeling energetic enough to go down and back up! Partial nudist area.

Summerleaze

Sandy all tides, lifeguards 1st May to end September. Fabulous family beach. One of the few remaining sea pools in the country
excellent for young children not too confident in the waves
lifeguards, public conveniences, deckchair/windbreak hire. Licensed bistro/cafe. Plenty of parking. Dogs allowed all year.

Upton Beach

Climb down to rocky beach. Secluded, dogs allowed all year. No lifeguards, no facilities.

Widemouth Bay

Sandy at all tides. Wide beach, excellent for a gentle stroll, families, surfing etc. Cafe, public conveniences, deckchair/windbreak hire. Fairly reasonable parking available. Lifeguards 1st May to end September. No dogs Easter to October.

The Jubilee Queen

01841 521093

Runs from Padstow on daily summer coastal cruises. You can be sure to see seabirds, marine life and with luck dolphins and seals.

www.padstowboattrips.com

Speed Boats

07811 113380

A 7 mile/15 minute high speed trip round the Camel Estuary, passing Daymer Bay, Polzeath, Hawker's Cove, Tregirls and St George's Well.

www.padstowboattrips.com

Bude to Week St Mary Circular

Week St Mary is a quiet inland village, full of historical interest, set amongst rolling wooded hills, the route takes in canal and coast as well as the quiet hamlet of Poundstock.

Length in route (miles) : 15
Length of route (km) : 24.14
Start point : Bude
End point : Bude
Level : Easy / Moderate
Time: 3 hours

Bude, Widemouth Bay and Holsworthy

From the popular surfing town of Bude near the North Cornwall border, this route takes the coast road to Widemouth Bay, with glorious views over the Atlantic. Narrow country lanes through this pleasant undeveloped farming countryside, are in sharp contrast to the coast road as you approach the Saxon market town of Holsworthy, four miles into Devon. From here quiet lanes take you seaward once more on your return journey to Bude.

Length in route (miles) : 39.5
Length of route (km) : 63.5
Start point : Bude
End point : Bude
Level : Moderate
Time: 4/7 hours

The Camel Trail

The Camel Trail, available free 365 days of the year, winds through some of Cornwall's most beautiful and little-known countryside. And while not within cycling distance of Houndapitt, it is one of the most spectacular routes in the county. Cornwall County Council converted 11 miles of disused railway beside the River Camel from track bed to trail, linking the towns of Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow. An extension follows the river towards Camelford.

It isn't a road, it isn't a path, and vehicles are banned. There are many visitors to the Trail each year; some use it daily for jogging or birdwatching, others for an occasional day out walking or cycling. Why not join them? Travel along the Camel Trail and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Camel Valley.

Being an old railway track, the Trail is virtually level all the way. Although not a tarmac surface. it is mainly smooth, ideal for wheelchair users, pram and buggy pushers and people who have difficulty in walking on uneven surfaces. The Trail provides safe and easy access to unspoilt countryside for those people unable to use woodland and coastal paths.

Coast to Coast Trail

The Coast to Coast Trail links the harbour town of Portreath on Cornwall's Atlantic coast with the harbour of Devoran on Restronguet Creek, a picturesque inland waterway which flows into The Carrick Roads and onto the Port of Falmouth. This 11 mile(17.5km) trail takes you on a tour through one of Cornwall's famous historic mining disticts which was at the heart of Cornwall's copper production in the 19th century.

Many of the large granite and stone constructed engine houses can still be seen - a longlasting tribute to Cornwall's Industrial Heritage. Much of the trail follows the route of two mineral tramways - the Portreath Tramroad and the Redruth and Chasewater Railway - which were built for the transportation of copper ore.

The main trail is easily manageable by anyone of average fitness and does not require the use of specialist cycles but an optional additional route is available for those mountain bikers who enjoy the challenge of a more demanding terrain. The trail is clearly signposted along the whole of its route.

Great Flat Lode Trail

The Great Flat Lode Trail is a 7.5 mile (12km) circular trail in the heart of the historic Camborne-Redruth mining district. Centred on the impressive hill of Carn Brea this trail is named after the ore vein which was the centre of the tin mining activity here.

Information boards at the mining sites close to the trail provide further information on the history and working of the mines which were famous for their tin and copper production. For those wishing to make a small detour from the trail, the top of Carn Brea offers fine views of Cornwall's Atlantic coast and it is possible to explore the slopes where the remains of Neolithic and Iron Age occupation have been found. Most of the trail is off-road and it is advisable to use a mountain bike.

Other Trails Include:

Note: For further information on any of these routes including bike hire, public transport and car parking, contact the local Tourist Information Centre or the Cornwall Tourist Board (01872 322900).

The Tamar Valley

Lopwell Dam Cycle Link - 4.5 miles joins Bere Peninsula, Lopwell Dam and the Plym Valley. The Tamar and Tavy estuaries accessible between February and September allow the cyclist to enjoy some amazing views. An area of outstanding natural beauty worth exploring.

The Pentewan Leisure Trails

An ideal family trail running for 2.5 miles along the Woodland Trust Land offering children exciting wetlands and bridges to cross en route. Respect should be given to horseriders and walkers also using this trail.

Tehidy Country Park

Located near to Cambourne and covering more than 200 acres providing 9 miles of enjoyment for all the family with lakes and woodland to explore.

The St. Pirans Trail

From Truro this trail passes ornate villages along coutry roads to Newquay before heading towards the fishing village of Padstow with the famous Rick Stein Fish and Chip restaurant (please note you must book months in advance to dine in the restaurant). From the Camel Estuary the trail joins onto the popular Camel Trail where its passes easy terrain for all the family to Badmin.

The Clay Trails

Consisting of three different trails; The Bugle Trail, The Wheal Martyn and The Par Beach Trail. Ideally situated for the Eden Project and The Wheal Martyn China Clay Museum. Together the trails connect St. Austell and Par offering some amazing landscape.

The First and Last Trail

Starting in Lands End combining coastlines and coutryside this trail passes through the Cornish fishing Villages of Sennen, Lamorna and Mousehole. This trail is well situated for numerous tourist attractions including the Newlyn Art Gallery and St. Michaels Mount at Marazion, leaving them on the South Coast the trail turns to the North Coast with rougher terrain. As its description as 'a jewel in the crown of the Cornish Way' suggests this route is well worth the effort.

The Bear Works

01209 219065
create your very own teddy
www.thebearworks.co.uk

Carnglaze Caverns

01579 320251
guided tours of these fascinating caverns. Enchanted dell, woodland walks, underground lake, concerts in the main cavern.
www.carnglaze.com

Crealy Adventure Park

01841 540276
adventure park including "The Beast", myths and legends, thunder falls log flume, Viking pirate ship.
www.crealy.co.uk

Tamar Valley Donkey Sanctuary

01822 834072
have fun with all the donkeys, goats, sheep and other animals. Donkey rides for children. Indoor play barn.
www.donkeypark.com

Flambards

01326 573404
Victorian village, Britain in the Blitz Experience, Pioneering Flight, rides, play areas, exotic creatures.
www.flambards.co.uk

Geevor Tin Mine

01736 788662
over two acres of mine buildings, underground tour, water wheel, museum.
www.geevor.com

Future World at Goonhilly

0800 679593
an exciting interactive exhibition where you can help decide what life might be like in the next hundred years - and beyond. Meet a real robot that you can control - make it laugh, sing, talk and tell jokes.
www.goonhilly.bt.com

Launceston Steam Railway

01566 775665
a nostalgic steam driven 5 mile round trip through glorious countryside along the old North Cornwall railway line. Open from 10.30 am except Saturdays.

Regal Cinema

01208 812791
showing new releases in Wadebridge
www.wtwcinemas.co.uk

Screech Owl Sanctuary

01726 860182
the largest collection of owls in the south of England with over 140 owls, hawks and falcons and over 45 different species from all over the world.
www.screechowlesanctuary.co.uk

Shipwreck and Heritage Centre

01726 69897
the largest private exhibition of artefacts recovered by divers on public display in Europe.
www.shipwreckcharleston.com

St Austell Brewery

01726 66022
guided tours through this historic Cornish brewery.
www.staustellbrewery.co.uk

Cornwall's Treasure Park

01209 203280
Cornish silver, pearl & goldsmiths, authentic jewellery workshops, Tolgus Tin and the haunted mine 4D ride.
www.treasureparks.com

Trethorne Leisure Park

01566 86324
outdoor play areas, hands on fun with animals, tenpin bowling
www.trethorneleisure.com

Tunnels Through Time

01637 873379
a unique attraction where fact and fiction are cleverly portrayed to excite the imagination. Characters from Cornwall's romantic and turbulent past.
www.tunnelsthroughtime.co.uk

Beach Fishing

It should be noted that in summer the beaches are very popular with bathers and holidaymakers so beach and times should be chosen with some care.

The Bude breakwater and Crackington Haven are good marks for codling, flat fish, mackerel, whiting and dogfish.

Widemouth Bay also offers good fishing.

Crooklets, Maer and Northcott Mouth are good beaches fished at two hours before low water and on the incoming tide, mostly for skate and flatfish.

Perranporth offers several miles of good beach for all flatfish as does Holywell Bay and Crantock. Watergate Bay is fine for ray, turbot and plaice as is Mawgan Porth and Constantine.

Beware of weed which is sometimes brought onto Portreath and St Agnes. Chapel Porth is good for ray and turbot with other beaches providing plaice, dab and flounder. Perranporth Beach is also popular with holidaymakers so avoid busy times: late evenings and early mornings will give excellent sport. Sea Fishing The North Coast has an abundance of charter boats available, particularly in Padstow, Port Isaac and Newquay.

Tamar Lake Fishing

Brown trout, grayling, and the occasional dace can be taken by fly on the Upper Tamar between Kingford Mill and Bridgerule while the lower Tamar lake offers budget fishing for rainbow and brown trout. A South West Water reservoir, day permits are available from the self-service unit in the Lower Tamar car park. Season is from 1 5th March to 12th October from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. The Tamar Lakes Water Park has good car parking, picnic area, Peninsula. Gift shop and tea room, children's play area and choice of walks.

Other Lake Fishing
Roadford - Okehampton - 01409 211507
Siblyback - Liskeard - 01579 346522
Colliford - Liskeard - 01409 211507

Rock Fishing

There are many places where good rock fishing can be found on the North Coast, with an abundance of different species for the keen angler.

Good marks for ray and turbot are Trenance and Trevose where good quality pollock, mackerel, wrasse, garfish, plaice, dabs and conger can also be found.

Park Head is well known for a wonderful variety including gurnard, ray, pollock and wrasse.

Rumps Point to the east of Padstow for gurnard, ray, pollock and wrasse. Daymer Bay and the wave cut platforms at Pentire are both good marks but require caution.

Godrevy Point offers mackerel, pollock and wrasse, which also abound at Navax Point. Rumps Point at St Agnes for gurnard, ray, plaice and dabs.

Sea Fishing

The Peganina

01840 250527
based in Boscastle offers 2 hour mackerel fishing trips and a longer wreck and reef trip. Can accommodate up to ten people at a time.

Clive Pearson

01237 431042
visit Lundy Island, swim with seals, fish for mackerel or just go out for the day. Clive offers charters on Jessica Hettie based in the picturesque village of Clovelly.
www.clovelly-charters.ukf.net

Padstow

Emma Kate - 07970595244
Celtic Warrior - 01841 532639
both boats offer daily trips from Padstow. Trips include wreck and reef, bottom fishing and family mackerel trips.
www.padstowboatrips.com

Cornwall boasts a fine selection of golf courses to suit all tastes and pockets, from the truly outstanding championship courses at St Mellion, courses with superb views such as Lostwithiel and Looe, and links courses such as Trevose, Bude & North Cornwall and St Enodoc.

Our partner Golf Holidays Cornwall is a golf tour operator specialising in this beautiful county. They have a wealth of experience and contacts within the golfing community, and are pleased to offer discounted green fees to Elite West Holidays customers.

For example, why not play three of the top links courses in the county - Trevose, St Enodoc and Bude & North Cornwall - while you're in the area. Normally, visitor green fees would cost a total of £160. Golf Holidays Cornwall can book your tee times and get you on the courses for £145, a saving of £15.

Or maybe Bowood Park, Launceston and the fabulous Nicklaus Course at St Mellion are an option, all within thirty minutes drive from Bude. You can play these for just £112, as opposed to £130 published prices.

Single round discounts are available of course, as well as these sample packages.

Just visit the website at www.golfholidayscornwall.co.uk, or contact them at [email protected]. Mention Elite West Holidays to take advantage of this unique offer.

Local Courses

Bude & North Cornwall Golf Club

01288 352006
challenging links course established in 1891.
www.budegolf.co.uk

Holsworthy

01409 253177
founded in 1930 is considered to be a good test of golf for players of all abilities.
www.holsworthygolfclub.co.uk

Ivyleaf - Nine holes.

01288 321592
no handicap required - no booking required. Ideal beginners' course with fantastic views over countryside. About an hour and a half for a round.
www.ivyleafgolf.com

Launceston

01566 773442
spectacular views over Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor. Founded in 1910 and now an established par 70 6385 parkland course.
www.launcestongolfclub.co.uk

St Enodoc

01208 863216
James Braid designed course - fantastic sea and estuary views.
www.st-enodoc.co.uk

St Mellion

01579 351 351
Jack Nicklaus designed course considered to be one of the finest in Europe. A delightful course with wonderful scenery; popular with golfers of all handicaps.
www.st-mellion.co.uk

Trethorne

01566 86903
set in a pleasant parkland setting the 18 hole course gives great views of the Cornish countryside whilst creating unique challenges to the discerning golfer.
www.trethornegolfclub.com

Trevose

01842 520208
three courses; Championship, Headland and a nine hole short course. The Championship Course was designed by Harry Colt in 1924 and the Headland opened by Peter Alliss in 1993.
www.trevose-gc.co.uk

Efford Down Stables

01288 354244
great horse and pony trekking along the coastal path
www.efforddown.co.uk

Gooseham Barton Stables

01288 331204
local stables offering - children's leading rein sessions around the farm.

Ivy Leaf Mountain Boarding Centre

0777 3069716
www.ivyleafmountainboarding.co.uk

Bude Haven Recreation Ground

01288 352515
Tennis/Squash/Bowls/Putting Green/Crazy Golf/Table Tennis/Pool
www.bude.co.uk

Cornwall Power Cruises

01872 263953
half or full day private charters. 39' motor yacht "Fossils Venture" - from Falmouth Bay to Frenchman's Creek - summer evening charters available.
www.cornwallpowercruises.co.uk

Enterprise Boats

01326 374241
operates a fleet of pleasure craft along the Fal visiting St Mawes, Trelissick Gardens, Truro - day and evening charter.
www.enterpriseboats.co.uk

Helford River Boats

01326 250770
self-drive more, sailing or rowing boats. Spend a day discovering coves and quiet beaches in the clear sea water estuary. Visit Frenchman's Creek, Duchy Oyster Farm, Durgan and the gardens of Trebah and Glendurgan - all within an easy walk of the shore.
www.helford-river-boats.co.uk

Mylor Boat Hire

01326 377745
self drive Picarooners carry up to six people. Plenty of room for picnic, fishing gear - spend the day discovering pebble beaches, wooded creeks, sheltered waters and waterside pubs.
www.mylorboathire.co.uk

Cornish Blue

01637 876210
skippered day trips along the coast to Mevagissey, Fowey or do some creek crawling.
www.cornishbluesailing.co.uk

Cornish Cruising

01326 211800
day sails and coastal hopping - longer charters available.
www.cornishcruising.com

Fal Wooden Boat Hire

07967 381299
Contact Barry Wheelock for a fabulous day out on the river Fal in one of his superb wooden boats.
www.falwoodenboathire.com

Loe Beach Watersports

01872 864295
this centre has dinghies, sailing boats, windsurfers, kayaks and motor boats for hire. Tuition available or explore at your own pace the picturesque surroundings.
www.loebeachwatersports.com

All beaches around this area are good for surfing. However, unless experienced, it is sensible to take some lessons at the beginning of your stay so that you know what you are doing and make the most of the excellent conditions

Big Blue Surf School

01288 331764
Level 4 British Surfing Association Approved School, NCDC Council Approved, Est. 1999. Fun & safe learning for all levels, beginner to elite, individuals, families, groups, one to one or group tuition with British Team Coach Jon Price & co
www.bigbluesurfschool.co.uk

BSX - Bude Surf Experience

0870 7775111 - one of the longest running surf schools in the south west
www.budesurfingexperience.co.uk

Mike Raven Surf School

01288 353693
courses for beginners based at Widemouth Bay (just outside Bude). Ex-European champion - boards, wetsuits etc included.
www.ravensurf.co.uk

Shoreline Outdoor Pursuits

01288 354039
coaching in: kayaking, rock climbing, canoeing, abseiling, archery and more. www.shorelineactivities.co.uk

Summerleaze sea pool

open daily throughout May to end September - 10am to 6pm. Lifeguards.

Splash swimming pool

leisure pool and health suite
01288 356191
email: [email protected]

There are so many spectacular walks in the area it is impossible for us to list them all here. The obvious first choice is the coastal path that runs from Minehead to Poole and takes in some fantastic scenery along the way. The Tourist Information Office has numerous leaflets with walks of varying difficulty and there is an excellent list of downloadable walking maps at www.naturevalley.co.uk. If you would like advice on any particular walks in the area please do let us know. We can arrange transport to drop you off at points along the route so that you can walk back home without having to worry about collecting your car.

EBO adventure Waterskiing and Wakeboarding

0800 954 8854.
Based at Penhale Adventure Centre on the outskirts of Newquay, EBO offer courses in a variety of activities with all experience levels.
www.penhaleadventure.com

South West Lakes Trust

www.swlakestrust.org.uk
sailing, canoeing, windsurfing - hire and instruction, self launch.

Upper Tamar - 01288 321607
Wimbleball - 01398 371460
Roadford - 01566 784981
Siblyback - 01579 346522
Stithians - 01209 860301

The National Marine Aquarium

01752 600 301.
The new national aquarium in Plymouth. Open daily. Sharks, seahorses, turtles and much more.
www.national-aquarium.co.uk

Blue Reef Aquarium

01637 878134
situated on Towan Beach in Newquay with undersea tour, giant crabs, lobsters, tropical sharks.
www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk

Newquay Zoo

01637 873342
open all year with over 130 different species. Tarzan Trail, children's play area and the Dragon Maze set in beautiful sub-tropical lakeside gardens.
www.newquayzoo.ork.uk

Paignton Zoo

open daily from 10.00am (apart from Christmas Day)
crocodile swamp, elephants, Sumatran tigers, Asiatic lions - feeding times, jungle express railway
www.paigntonzoo.org.uk

Tintagel Castle - 0870 333 1181
Pendennis Castle - 0870 333 1181
Launceston Castle - 0870 333 1181

All open daily from 10.00am - www.english-heritage.org.uk

Cornwall: Antony, Cotele, Glendurgan, Lanhydrock, St Michael's Mount, Trelissick, Trerice

Devon: Arlington Court, Buckland Abbey, Castle Drogo, Coleton Fishacre, Greenaway, Killerton, Knightshayes Court, Saltram

For information on all these please contact The National Trust www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Eden Project
01726 811911
renowned park built on an old china clay pit with massive Biomes (one of which is the biggest greenhouse in the world).
www.edenproject.com

Lost Gardens of Heligan
01726 845100
award winning garden restoration which has been internationally acclaimed - over 100 acres.
www.heligan.com

Minack Theatre
01736 811902
outdoor theatre with stunning views across Porthcurno Bay. Exhibition centre, gardens, open daily as well as for evening performances.
www.minack.com

Morwhellam Quay
01822 832766
this historic port has costumed staff, underground train journey through the mine, and shows the workings of this Victorian estate.
www.morwhellam-quay.co.uk

Tate Gallery St Ives
01736 79626
modern and contemporary art at Porthmeor Beach.
www.tate.org.uk/stives