When you’re ready for a change from coastal experiences, the regions surrounding Bude offer remarkable inland landscapes and attractions that reveal a completely different aspect of Cornwall and Devon.
Bodmin Moor (approximately 25-45 miles depending on which part you visit, 45-75 minute drive) presents an ancient landscape of wild, open moorland that has captured imaginations for centuries. This granite-strewn wilderness offers some of Cornwall’s most dramatic inland scenery. Hike to the summit of Brown Willy (1,378 feet), Cornwall’s highest point, for panoramic views stretching to both coasts on clear days. Nearby Rough Tor rewards slightly easier climbing with equally magnificent vistas and the added interest of Bronze Age settlements and medieval field systems visible among the rocks.
The moor is steeped in history and legend. Visit the Hurlers Stone Circles near Minions (approximately 45 miles, 70-minute drive), three perfectly aligned Neolithic stone circles shrouded in local folklore. Nearby Cheesewring, a natural rock formation of precariously balanced granite slabs, seems to defy gravity on its hilltop perch. Jamaica Inn (approximately 35 miles, 55-minute drive), made famous by Daphne du Maurier’s novel, offers refreshments alongside a smuggling museum that documents the moor’s lawless past.
Bodmin Moor’s reservoirs provide both scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. Siblyback Lake (approximately 40 miles, 65-minute drive) offers sailing, windsurfing, and a delightful lakeside walking trail, while Colliford Lake (approximately 35 miles, 60-minute drive) provides peaceful fishing and birdwatching in a tranquil setting.
For woodland adventures, Cardinham Woods (approximately 35 miles, 55-minute drive) offers waymarked walking and cycling trails through beautiful mixed woodland. The paths range from gentle strolls to more challenging routes, with a welcoming café providing well-earned refreshments.
The market town of Launceston (approximately 20 miles, 35-minute drive), with its impressive castle ruins and narrow streets lined with historic buildings, makes for a fascinating visit. As Cornwall’s ancient capital, it offers a connection to the region’s past alongside independent shops and local eateries.
Crossing into Devon, Dartmoor National Park (approximately 35-60 miles depending on which part you visit, 60-90 minute drive) presents even more extensive moorland landscapes. This ancient wilderness, larger and wilder than Bodmin Moor, features dramatic tors, deep river valleys, and vast open spaces. Villages like Widecombe-in-the-Moor and Chagford offer quintessential moorland charm, while prehistoric stone rows and circles dot the landscape, connecting visitors to the region’s ancient past.
The historic town of Tavistock (approximately 40 miles, 60-minute drive) sits on Dartmoor’s western edge. This attractive market town, birthplace of Sir Francis Drake, boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for its mining heritage. The Pannier Market offers local produce and crafts, while the restored canal wharf area provides a picturesque setting for a relaxed stroll.
Even closer to Bude, the Tamar Lakes (approximately 8 miles, 15-minute drive) provide tranquil waterside walking and various watersports in a peaceful countryside setting. The Upper Lake is a nature reserve known for excellent birdwatching, while the Lower Lake offers sailing and windsurfing opportunities.
These inland adventures complement Bude’s coastal appeal, providing varied experiences for days when you want to explore beyond the beaches and sea. From ancient monuments to lively family attractions, the inland treasures of Cornwall and Devon offer something for every interest, all within comfortable day-trip distance from your Bude base.
