Cornwall’s Bude Coastal Resort is a tranquil oasis at the end of a little lane surrounded by fields and grazing horses, far from the town’s busy tourist shops, tiny quayside, and interesting waterfront.
What makes this retreat unique is not the rocky coastline of Cornwall but rather the verdant hills of the Cotswolds.
After a ten million-pound makeover to put it in line with its wonderful sister resort, Dylan Coastal Resort, on the southern coast of Carmarthenshire in Wales, this will now be known as Dylan Coastal Resort until 2022. This year, the resort’s historic farm structures—a farmhouse, stables, and cottages—have been joined by 27 new luxury lodges hidden away in a nearby field.
From the field’s gate, you can walk downhill along a path lined with hedges that crosses a brook to reach the links-style golf course, with its short, wildly undulating holes, in about 10 minutes. Just a short stroll from the breaking waves of Summerleaze Beach, the path crosses what seems like an entire world of grassy dunes before emerging in the heart of town.
Accommodation
The lodges, which opened for business in time for Easter, are privately owned but share a modern aesthetic, with lots of neutral tones like creams and soft greys, and timber panelling that has a distinct Scandi-countryside vibe. The resort advertises five-star hotel comforts in bucolic settings. There are two bedroom options that sleep four people, and three bedroom options that sleep six people. The open floor concept includes a spacious sofa area with a large TV screen, a dining table, and a beautiful kitchen (some with islands and all with dishwashers). All suites feature French doors leading out to private decks with hot tubs, dining areas, and glass fencing. Two of them feature rooftop patios from which you can see the sea and some hills in the distance. The bedroom in our lodge has a king-sized, quite comfortable bed and an attached bathroom with a shower. There were two more single-bed rooms and a shared bathroom. The washer and dryer occupied their own space.
Newly-planted hedges and shrubs abound and the lodges circle a river-like pond with a fountain.
Half a dozen other options include the new-build two-storey Glasshouse, sleeping six, with floor-to-ceiling walls and a free-standing bath next to a glass wall (with blinds!) and Godolphin Stable, a traditional stone-built place with a modern interior, sleeping four. They, along with various cottages, also have patios and hot tubs.
All are perfect for families with young children but, given that this is a quiet spot rather than a full-on resort, particularly good for older family groups. There is also accommodation for those with dogs (which stay free).
Facilities
The farmhouse has a café/bar that spans from the front to the rear, complete with stylish country furnishings and decor, and access to a large shaded terrace. Simple yet delicious homemade pizzas, baked potatoes, and sandwiches are served from noon till 8 o’clock at night. There is a simple drink menu available, as well as coffee, at the bar. There has been discussion about extending the open time and menu options, so that customers may enjoy dinner and cocktails after the sun goes down.
A kid-sized putting green and playset are located on the grassy back lawn.
The spa is off to one side, with a few private treatment rooms known for their excellent massages (especially deep tissue). A large indoor pool and a separate hot tub may be found in a stylish hall with a wood-planked ceiling. There is a nice gym, as well as two smaller saunas and a steam room on the way.
Newly planted foliage and vibrant plants represent the surroundings and the reassuring wildness of the Cornish terrain, which surrounds the lodges.
Places Nearby
Bude, with its beautiful blend of harbour town and beach resort, is well worth the short jaunt down to town. On one side of the main street runs the tiny River Neet (also known as Strat), which connects to the Bude Canal, which was previously used to convey sand to the interior of Cornwall. Bude Castle, a free and beautiful museum, gallery, and café with views over the canal and to the beach, is located on an island between the two. The castle was once a Victorian manor and now houses exhibits on railways (Dr. Beeching removed the town’s train service), American wartime battalions, and art.
The little harbour opens up to Summerleaze Beach, which is flanked by even smaller rocks. Bude Sea Pool is a stunning seawater pool that is open to the public for no cost. The South West Coast Path is close by, making it easy to go on inspiring hikes to nearby beaches and landmarks.
An hour will get you to Padstow, home to Rick Stein’s restaurant empire, and 30 minutes will get you to the magnificent Tintagel Castle on its rocky ledge.
Final Words
Bude Coastal Resort, in contrast to many other amusement parks, is a refreshingly quiet and discreet destination. It’s small enough to be easily navigated, yet the lack of a nearby road makes it peaceful and secluded. The new lodges are wonderful; they are spacious, fashionable, and contemporary, but still have a pleasant coastal vibe.