Bideford to Bude (and vice versa)

Bideford and Bude are beautiful coastal towns in southwestern England.

Bideford, with its maritime history, offers cobbled streets, a bustling harbour, and Victoria Park.

Bude, a popular seaside resort in Cornwall, features sandy beaches, surf, and dramatic cliffs.

Both towns offer outdoor activities, stunning landscapes, and a warm welcome to visitors seeking a quintessential English coastal experience.

But, you may wonder how to get to this place.

Bideford to Bude

Embark on a coastal journey from Bideford to Bude, exploring the beautiful towns nestled in southwestern England.

Bideford, a historic port town with cobbled streets and a bustling harbour, invites you to discover its maritime heritage and charming atmosphere.

As you venture onward, Bude awaits its sandy beaches, thrilling surf, and breathtaking cliffs.

These coastal gems offer a delightful blend of history, natural beauty, and seaside allure, promising an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

Bideford to Bude by Car

Travelling by car from Bideford to Bude takes approximately 40 minutes over a distance of 25.3 miles via the A39, which is currently the fastest route due to traffic conditions.

Start by taking Clovelly Road to the A39, a 6-minute drive covering 2.3 miles. Follow the A39 for about 21.9 miles until reaching Stratton Road (A3072) in Stratton, which takes around 34 minutes.

Continue on Stratton Road (A3072) for about 1.1 miles until reaching Killerton Road in Bude, taking approximately 3 minutes.

While visiting Bideford or Bude, don’t miss out on the top 9 places not to miss out on when travelling to Bideford.

Bideford to Bude by Train

To travel from Bideford to Bude, there is no direct train route. However, you can follow these general steps:

• Take a taxi or walk to Barnstaple Railway Station (around 9 miles from Bideford).
• Catch a train from Barnstaple to Exeter St David’s Station (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes).
• From Exeter St David’s, take a bus to Bude (around 50 miles).
• Arrive in Bude at the bus station or a designated stop in the town centre.

Please check the specific train and bus schedules beforehand, as they may vary.

Other Transport Options

Taxi/Uber

Travelling from Bideford to Bude via taxi or private transport takes approximately 40 minutes, covering a distance of about 25.3 miles.

The route follows the A39 road, passing through scenic countryside and coastal areas, including towns like Stratton.

It is recommended to book in advance and confirm the estimated fare for a smooth and efficient journey.

Walking/Bike

Travelling from Bideford to Bude by walking or bike is an option for those seeking an active and adventurous journey.

By Walking

The walking route covers approximately 23.2 miles and takes around 7 hours and 42 minutes.

However, it’s important to note that walking for this duration may not be feasible or practical for everyone.

The recommended route includes heading south on Buttgarden St, turning right onto Meddon St, and continuing onto Clovelly Rd.

By Bicycle

If you prefer cycling, the journey from Bideford to Bude covers approximately 23.3 miles and takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes.

The route follows the A39 road, offering scenic views along the way. It’s essential to exercise caution while cycling, as road conditions and traffic can vary.

Both walking and cycling provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beautiful landscapes of southwestern England.

However, it’s important to consider your fitness level, weather conditions, and safety precautions before embarking on these journeys.

Why go to Bude?

Bude is a coastal gem known for its stunning beaches, outdoor activities, and historic charm.

With beautiful sandy shores, opportunities for surfing and water sports, a peaceful canal, and a rich history showcased in landmarks like Bude Castle, the town offers something for everyone.

Families will find it particularly appealing, with family-friendly attractions and nearby natural wonders like the North Cornwall coast and Bodmin Moor.

Bude’s culinary scene also impresses, featuring fresh seafood and local delights.

Discover the perfect blend of coastal beauty and relaxation in Bude.

Bude to Bideford

Bideford to Bude travel is a scenic journey through North Cornwall and North Devon, covering approximately 25.3 miles.

Bideford and Bude transportation options include by car, which takes about 40 minutes, depending on traffic. The common route is via the A39 road, offering picturesque views of hills, coastlines, and countryside.

You have various transport options, including private cars, taxis, or public transport. Bideford, the destination, boasts Bideford and Bude attractions such as the Bideford Bridge and Burton Art Gallery.

This journey presents a wonderful opportunity to experience the natural beauty and historical charm of the region.

Things to do in Bude

Bude offers a range of enjoyable activities and attractions for visitors to explore.

Here are some highlights of things to do in Bude:

• Beaches: Relax or try surfing at stunning beaches like Widemouth Bay and Summerleaze Beach.
• Coastal Walks: Take in breathtaking views along the South West Coast Path.
• Bude Sea Pool: Enjoy a swim in the unique tidal pool on Summerleaze Beach.
• Bude Canal: Walk or cycle along the peaceful canal and rent a kayak or paddleboard.
• Bude Castle: Explore the art gallery and museum housed in a historic castle.
• Outdoor Adventures: Experience coasteering, kayaking, and rock climbing.
• Wildlife and Nature: Observe birds and enjoy nature in nearby reserves.
• Golfing: Play golf with scenic views at Bude’s courses.
• Local food: Sample fresh seafood and Cornish specialities at cafes and pubs.
• Events and Festivals: Check out the calendar for festivals and cultural events.

Bude offers a diverse range of activities, ensuring a memorable visit

Things to do in Bideford

Bideford offers a variety of enjoyable activities and attractions for visitors to explore.

Here’s a brief overview of things to do in Bideford:

• Discover Bideford’s maritime history at the Heritage Centre.
• Shop at Bideford Pannier Market for local goods.
• Play golf at Royal North Devon Golf Club.
• Relax at Westward Ho! Beach nearby.

In Summary

Experience the charm of Bude, a picturesque coastal town in southwestern England.

Bude boasts stunning beaches, thrilling surf, and dramatic cliffs, making it a popular seaside resort in Cornwall.

Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, exploring historic landmarks like Bude Castle, or simply enjoying the beautiful sandy shores, Bude offers something for everyone.

Families will appreciate the family-friendly attractions and the proximity to natural wonders like the North Cornwall coast and Bodmin Moor.

Indulge in fresh seafood and local delights, and immerse yourself in the coastal beauty and relaxation that Bude has to offer.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this coastal gem and create lasting memories.

If you are planning for your next trip to Plymouth, we also made a guide from Bideford to Plymouth and vice versa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the top questions about Bideford and Bude answered.

Q: What is Bideford known for?
A: Bideford is known for its ancient Long Bridge, which spans the Torridge River with its 24 arches. Originally built around 1280 as a pack horse bridge, it has transformed over the centuries into a sturdy stone structure, becoming a prominent landmark in the area.

Q: How can I travel from Bude to Bideford?
A: There are multiple transportation options to travel from Bude to Bideford. You can take a car and follow the A39 road, which takes approximately 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, use public transport such as trains and buses, or even consider walking or cycling, depending on your preferences and available time.

Q: What are some things to do in Bude?
A: Bude offers a range of enjoyable activities and attractions. You can relax or try surfing at stunning beaches like Widemouth Bay and Summerleaze Beach. Take in breathtaking views along the South West Coast Path, enjoy a swim in the unique tidal pool on Summerleaze Beach known as Bude Sea Pool, explore the art gallery and museum housed in Bude Castle, experience outdoor adventures like coasteering, kayaking, and rock climbing, observe birds and enjoy nature in nearby reserves, play golf with scenic views, sample fresh seafood and Cornish specialities at cafes and pubs, and check out the calendar for festivals and cultural events.

Q: What are some things to do in Bideford?
A: Bideford offers a variety of enjoyable activities and attractions. You can discover Bideford’s maritime history at the Heritage Centre, shop for local goods at Bideford Pannier Market, play golf at Royal North Devon Golf Club, and relax at the nearby Westward Ho! Beach. These are just a few highlights, and there are more attractions and experiences to explore in Bideford.