A guide to Widemouth Bay, the wide sandy beach just south of Bude, for families and surfers.
Widemouth Bay, just south of Bude, is one of the best-loved beaches on the north Cornish coast. It's a big, open beach with golden sand, rock pools and reliable surf, and it's easy to reach, with parking right behind the beach. It's listed on our FAQ page as one of the beaches near Lower Pennycrocker Farm, and it's a favourite with families staying with us.
Where is Widemouth Bay?
Widemouth Bay is about three miles south of Bude, on the coast road. From our campsite near Boscastle, it's a drive of roughly 12 to 14 miles.
The beach
Sand
Widemouth is a wide, sandy beach. At low tide, a huge expanse of sand is revealed, perfect for games, sandcastles and long walks. At high tide, the beach is smaller but there's usually still sand.
Rock pools
At low tide, rocky ledges at either end of the beach reveal rock pools. Look for crabs, anemones and small fish. Wear grippy shoes, and keep an eye on the tide.
Black Rock
At the southern end of the beach is a distinctive dark rock known as Black Rock, which gives its name to this part of the bay.
Surfing
Widemouth Bay is a popular surf beach, especially for beginners and improvers. The beach works at different stages of the tide, and there are surf schools in the area offering lessons and equipment hire. See our surf camping in North Cornwall guide.
Swimming
There's seasonal RNLI lifeguard cover at Widemouth in summer. Always swim between the red and yellow flags when lifeguards are on duty, and stay out of the black and white chequered areas reserved for surfboards. Read our beach safety guide.
Parking
There are car parks and roadside parking right behind the beach. They can be busy in summer, so arrive early. Parking charges may apply.
Facilities
There are cafés, toilets and surf hire near the beach. Opening times vary through the season, so check before you go.
Dogs
Dogs may face seasonal restrictions on parts of the beach in summer. Check the signs when you arrive. Outside the restricted season, the wide sand is a lovely place to stroll with your dog on a lead or under close control. Read our camping with dogs post.
Walking
The South West Coast Path runs along the coast here. Walk north to Bude, along the clifftops with views of the sea, or south towards Millook and Crackington Haven, a much hillier stretch. Combine a walk with a beach day.
Families
Widemouth is ideal for families:
- Easy access from the car park.
- Plenty of sand at most tides.
- Rock pools to explore.
- Lifeguards in summer.
- Cafés nearby.
See our camping with kids post for more ideas.
Wet weather
If the weather turns, Bude is close by with cafés and shops, and a windy, showery day can still be great for a bracing beach walk in waterproofs. Just avoid the water in rough seas or when red flags are flying.
Sunsets
Widemouth faces west, which makes it a great place to watch the sun go down over the Atlantic. Bring a flask and a blanket.
Combine with Bude
Bude is just a few minutes up the road. Visit the sea pool, the canal and the beaches, and pick up supplies. See our Bude day trip guide and our page on camping near Bude.
What to bring
- A windbreak; the bay is open to the Atlantic breeze.
- Beach shoes for the rock pools.
- Wetsuits for swimming or surfing, even in summer.
- A tide timetable.
- Sun cream, hats and plenty of water.
- A bag for rubbish to take home.
Best time to visit
- Summer: busy, with lifeguards and the warmest water.
- Spring and autumn: quieter, with good surf and space on the sand.
- Evenings: for sunset walks.
A day at Widemouth
Arrive in the morning, take a surf lesson or play on the sand at low tide, have lunch at a café, explore the rock pools, then drive to Bude for the afternoon. Head back to the campsite for a quiet evening under the stars.
Getting there from the campsite
From Lower Pennycrocker Farm, head north along the lanes towards Crackington Haven and then the coast road via Millook, or take the A39 towards Bude and turn off for Widemouth. The coast road via Millook is very steep and narrow in places, so the A39 is the better choice with larger vehicles.
Staying nearby
Our farm campsite is about two miles from Boscastle and about 15 miles from Bude, with Widemouth a short drive away. Adults are £10 per night and children 5 and over are £5. Read our beaches near Boscastle guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Widemouth Bay good for families?
Yes. It's wide and sandy, with easy access, rock pools and lifeguards in summer.
Can you surf at Widemouth Bay?
Yes. It's a popular beach for beginners, with surf schools nearby.
Are dogs allowed on Widemouth Bay?
There may be seasonal restrictions on parts of the beach. Check the signs.
How far is Widemouth Bay from Boscastle?
Roughly 12 to 14 miles by road from our campsite.
Stay near Boscastle
Lower Pennycrocker Farm is a quiet, family-run campsite at St Juliot, about two miles from Boscastle (PL35 0BY). We welcome tents, touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans from 1 April to 31 October. Adults are £10 a night, children aged 5 and over £5, electric hook-up £7 and dogs £2 each (maximum two). Showers are free and you park beside your pitch. Check availability and book direct, or see pitches and prices.
Want a base on this stretch of coast? See camping near Crackington Haven at Lower Pennycrocker Farm.
