We absolutely love wrapping up and heading to the beach in the winter. The crowds have disappeared and suddenly it feels like you have miles of space all to yourself. Space to walk. Space to breathe. Space to stand for a moment and watch the wild Atlantic waves roll towards the shore without thinking about where you need to be next.
Willow Bay Lodge Escape is tucked away in the countryside close to Bude, putting some of this beautiful stretch of coastline within easy reach.
So, wrap up warm, pull on your boots and join us as we share some of our favourite winter beaches near Bude.
1. Widemouth Bay
For big skies and long winter walks
If your idea of the perfect winter beach involves a huge expanse of sand and plenty of fresh sea air, start with Widemouth Bay.
Just outside Bude, this sweeping beach continues for around two miles and is one of the area's best-known stretches of coastline. The southern end is known as Black Rock Beach, aptly named because it is here that dark rocky areas as revealed as the tide retreats.
Popular with families during the warmer months, in winter, Widemouth oozes an altogether wilder personality.
Pull on your coat and wander along the sand with the Atlantic beside you, watch the surfers brave the winter swell or climb onto the surrounding coast path for views along the shoreline.
BEST FOR: Long beach walks, surfers, couples, families and big coastal views.
2. Summerleaze Beach
For the classic Bude experience
If it's your first visit to Bude, Summerleaze is a must.
Within walking distance of the town centre, its wide sandy beach is overlooked by dunes and is home to one of Bude's most recognisable landmarks – the semi-natural Bude Sea Pool, which dates back to the 1930s.
Brave swimmers may dare however if you're not feeling quite so brave, Summerleaze is equally enjoyable on foot. Wander along the sand, watch the waves from the breakwater or continue towards neighbouring Crooklets when conditions and tides allow.
And because you're close to town, a warming coffee or leisurely lunch isn't difficult to find afterwards.
Dogs also have greater freedom outside the summer season; the usual restriction requiring leads between 10am and 6pm runs from 21 May until 30 September.
BEST FOR: Families, dogs, easy access, Bude Sea Pool and combining the beach with time in town.
3. Crooklets Beach
For rock pools, waves and a little winter nostalgia
Just around the headland from Summerleaze sits Crooklets.
At low tide, its pebbly upper shore gives way to a large stretch of sand and rock pools, and when conditions allow you can walk between Crooklets and Summerleaze across the beach.
It's particularly atmospheric on a winter day when the waves are rolling in and the beach is quiet. It's a great place to take a flask, wander along the promenade and watch the surfers.
Or hire one of Bude's beach huts and turn a chilly day beside the sea into something altogether cosier – Bude's beach huts are available at both Crooklets and Summerleaze.
Outside the main summer season, the seasonal daytime dog ban at Crooklets no longer applies either.
BEST FOR: Dogs in winter, rock pooling, surfing and easy coastal walks.
4. Sandymouth Bay
For wild and dramatic Cornwall
If you want your winter beach to feel properly wild, head north of Bude to Sandymouth.
Managed by the National Trust, this beautiful beach is backed by extraordinarily dramatic cliffs. Pebbles and rocks line the upper beach, while at low tide the sea uncoveres more sand and rock pools below. Winter only adds to the drama.
The coastline feels rugged, the waves seem bigger, the sheer cliffs more impressive and the South West Coast Path, which ascends above the beach, opens up far-reaching views along the coast.
Dogs under control are welcome, too.
Sandymouth is very tidal, however, so this isn't somewhere to head down onto the sand without checking first. The National Trust recommends checking tide times and allowing plenty of time to return to the beach entrance before the tide comes in.
BEST FOR: Wild scenery, dogs, photography, rock pools and dramatic coastal walks.
5. Northcott Mouth
For escaping the crowds
Northcott Mouth has a wonderfully tucked-away feel. Lying just north of Bude, this rugged little beach is surrounded by cliffs, with a rocky shoreline giving way to a much larger area of sand as conditions and tides allow. Dogs are welcome here throughout the year and during the winter months, it becomes particularly peaceful.
Stroll along the shoreline, explore the rock pools or pick up the South West Coast Path and head towards Sandymouth for impressive views.
Depending on the shifting sands, you may even spot remnants of the shipwreck that occasionally emerge on the beach.
BEST FOR: Dogs, quieter walks, rock pools and escaping the everyday.
6. Crackington Haven
For dramatic cliffs and a slower pace
Head south from Bude and you'll reach Crackington Haven, a small coastal village tucked beneath dramatic cliffs on one of the wilder stretches of the North Cornwall coast. The geology and coastal heathland here are particular highlights of this coastline and best explored on foot, along the iconic South West Coast Path.
It's beautiful at any time of year, but winter strips everything back. Walk beside the water, be hypnotised by the waves or beachcomb for sea-worn treasures.
Then retreat somewhere warm for something to eat before heading back to Willow Bay.
BEST FOR: Dramatic scenery, couples, coastal walks and a quieter winter afternoon.