Cornwall is arguably most sensational in the autumn months. Now that the summer rush has passed, there is no better time to take a romantic break. What’s more romantic than a picnic watching the sunset?

So grab a blanket, a punnet of strawberries, and maybe a bottle of bubbly and head to one of these idyllic locations…

Picnics in Bude

Port Isaac

A wonderful matrix of winding streets and white washed cottages, this village is everything you imagine when you think of Cornwall. Explore this picture-postcard village and harbour where TV’s Doc Martin was filmed before heading up the coastal path to the coastal cliffs.

Take in the sea views with a picnic looking over the pretty little port. On your way back down make sure you stop off at one of the many ice-cream parlours for an after picnic treat.

 

Tamar Lakes

Just a short drive inland from Bude lies the Upper and Lower Tamar Lakes. The lakes form part the Cornwall/Devon border which runs though the middle where the river originally ran before the lakes were formed.

The walk around Upper Lake takes about an hour and covers three miles. Look out for the abundance of wildlife from kingfishers to squirrels. A bird hide allows you to get a really a good look at the Cornish wildlife in their natural habitats.

Once you are done exploring, relax with a picnic on the grassy banks looking over the lake or at a picnic bench. If you fancy a more active day there is also plenty of water sports available such as windsurfing, kayaking and paddle boarding. 

Take a look at the water sports on offer on the South West Lakes Trust website.

Bude Canal

You don’t have drive anywhere to make the most of beautiful picnic spots, we have plenty right here in Bude.

Take a stroll and find a quiet spot for a romantic lunch on the banks of Bude Canal. Or if you’re a classic romantic and really want to make the day special, then why not hire a boat and row up the canal? Cosy up with a blanket, wrap up warm and take in the peaceful surroundings as the trees begin to turn to shades of orange and the balmy summer air gives way to clear crisp mornings.

To hire a boat head over to the Bude Rowing Boats website.

 

Sandymouth Bay 

As the name suggests, Sandymouth Beach has a large expanse of golden sand when the tide is out. Just a short drive from Bude, the walk down from the car park is definitely worth it as the large beach opens up to reveal towering cliffs and rocky outcrops.

Autumn is a quieter time in Cornwall with emptier beaches that are perfect for a relaxed walk along the coast and a more laid back atmosphere to just sit and admire the impressive shoreline. Sunsets are often spectacular as the summer months come to a close. As Sandymouth is west facing, the sun sets over the water providing the perfect backdrop to a picnic dinner.

To find out more about Sandymouth and how to get there take a look on the National Trust page.

St. Nectan’s Glen

St. Nectan’s Glen is a truly magical place that transports you far away from everyday life. Completely hidden away in woodlands alongside the River Trevillet, the tranquil river walk offers many perfect picnic spots. However, this beautiful wooded valley is not the reason that makes St. Nectan’s Glen such an incredible picnic spot.

Follow the valley path to a place that is nothing short of awe-inspiring with three gushing waterfalls, one of which falls through a naturally formed hole in the rock. Make sure you have your camera ready, you will definitely want to take some photos here. Take your wellies and wade into the shallow waters before the tallest of the three waterfalls to really get a feel for the power of the water falling a huge 60ft.

Find a peaceful corner to have your picnic with the sound of the cascading water in the background.

Find out more about St. Nectan’s Glen on their website.

Once you’re all picnicked out, retreat back to your equally romantic room at The Beach at Bude. Go to our website to book your Autumn getaway.

Cornwall is blessed to be one of the most sun-drenched counties in England, but inevitably we will get the occasional day of rain. Fear not, Cornwall still has so much to offer to guarantee a fun-packed family day out no matter what the weather.

Here in Bude we are able to make the most of the many wonderful family attractions in both north Cornwall and north Devon.

Here are some of the best family friendly days out to be had within easy reach of Bude…

Milky Way Adventure Park

Just a twenty minute drive from Bude lies the Milky Way Adventure Park. Voted Devon’s best large visitor attraction in 2016, this all-weather park offers fun for all the family come rain or shine. With a selection of roller coasters and outside activities such as mini golf and a maze this huge park, just across the boarder into North Devon, is great on a sunny day. However, with 110,000 sq. feet of indoor fun, rainy days don’t have to be a write off. All the family will be entertained with a huge indoor adventure play area designed not only for the little ones but adults too, so let your inner child run free and dive straight into that ball pool. If that isn’t enough there is also dodgems, indoor bird of prey shows and the mind-blowing ‘Clone Zone’ ride, an interactive ride where you can explore an alien spaceship, encounter aliens, fly the suspended roller coaster and attempt to make it back to Earth without being cloned.

The Museum of Magic and Witchcraft

If you fancy doing something a little different on your rainy day, why not visit The Museum of Magic and Witchcraft in the picturesque village of Boscastle? Regarded as the world’s oldest and largest collection of all things magic, the museum allows you to indulge in the human fascination for magic. With vast collections of weird and wonderful exhibits, learn about the folklore of Bodmin Moor and explore objects of ritual magic within its hallowed halls. The museum also offers candlelit evening openings throughout the summer often alongside ghostly story telling sessions in the Museum Library. Visit the website to check the dates of these events through the summer.   

The BIG Sheep

Situated on what was once just a working farm, The BIG Sheep welcomes families to meet the animals and learn about feeding, sheering and the day-to-day workings of a farm at an attraction worthy of its TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. However, don’t be fooled into thinking The BIG Sheep is just another petting zoo, it is so much more than that. Featuring Devon’s largest roller coaster, live combat games and an indoor play area on top of many other attractions there is plenty to keep the children busy. Live shows take place both outside and inside throughout the day including the milking show, the shearing show and the infamous sheep racing. The adults have not been forgotten either with an onsite ale and gin distillery as well as a live beer show. This place is packed with things to do for all the family on a rainy day and it is just a half an hour drive from Bude.

The Venue Bude

Situated in Bude itself, The Venue boasts 10 lanes of quality ten pin bowling with animated scoring, “Glo-Bowling” and disco lighting. Ramps and gutter rails are available so that all ages and abilities can play. A giant 4 storey soft play zone is sure to burn off any extra energy with interactive noises and lights and plenty of slides including the 8 meter high ‘Demon Drop Slide’ for the more daring amongst us. There is a large comfortable seating area for parents to enjoy a excellent coffee whilst the children play. If that still hasn’t worn them out there is a also a selection of amusement machines to top off an action filled day. The best part is that all this is available without even leaving Bude.

Splash Leisure Pool

Splash Leisure Pool, also in Bude, brings the thrills of the ocean inside when the weather means the beach is a no go zone. The AquaSquash sessions, with a wave machine and a 33 meter flume, provide fun for adults and children alike. When you’re all swam out you can recoup in the onsite cafe serving Lavazza coffee, smoothies and a range of light snacks.

To book your next family getaway take a look at our luxury family suites.