Cross the county border into Devon and a wealth of diverse landscapes and attractions await. The beauty of staying in Bude is that you can easily enjoy both counties from one convenient base.
Hartland Quay (approximately 17 miles, 30-minute drive) rewards visitors with some of the region’s most spectacular cliff formations. These dramatically contorted rock layers tell a geological story spanning millions of years and create a coastline of raw, elemental beauty. The tiny settlement includes a museum documenting the area’s maritime history and a hotel with a pub offering welcome refreshments with breathtaking views. Nearby Hartland Abbey (around 18 miles, 35-minute drive) welcomes visitors with its beautiful historic house and gardens, frequently used as filming locations. The walk from the Abbey through the wooded valley to the secluded beach at Blackpool Mill provides a perfect blend of history and natural beauty.
A true Devon treasure awaits at Clovelly (approximately 23 miles, 40-minute drive), a privately owned village unlike any other in Britain. The impossibly steep, traffic-free cobbled main street tumbles dramatically down to a tiny working harbour. With goods transported by sledge rather than vehicle, visiting feels like stepping back in time. Though there’s an entrance fee to the village, the unique experience justifies the cost. Take time to visit the charming visitors’ centre, explore the two museums, and perhaps enjoy a cream tea overlooking the harbour.
The expansive golden sands of Westward Ho! (approximately 26 miles, 45-minute drive) – the only place name in Britain with an exclamation mark – offer miles of beach backed by a unique pebble ridge and the Northam Burrows Country Park. The resort town takes its name from Charles Kingsley’s novel and retains much of its Victorian charm alongside modern amenities.
Each of these Devon destinations offers its own distinct character while complementing the Cornish experiences available south of Bude, giving you a wonderfully varied holiday experience using your Pot and Barrel base.
