09/07/2026
The Sunday Times says Summerleaze is the UKโs best beach. You are definitely spoilt for choice around Bude. There are the two main beaches in Bude. Just over the Downs is Northcott Mouth, a bit more rugged and remote. Or head about 10 minutes south to Widemouth Bay, good for surfers, rockpooling, dogs at Black Rock (allowed at the south end of Widemouth all year round). A bit further afield you have beautiful Crackington Haven and Sandymouth. Whatโs your favourite?
Chris Haslam, the award-winning chief travel writer for The Sunday Times, recently named Summerleaze Beach as the UK Beach of the Year for 2026.
Chris praises it for its sand, surf, Bude Sea Pool, cafรฉs, coastal walks and strong โEndless Summerโ atmosphere, but the main reason is the local communityโs stewardship of the beach.
https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/uk-travel/england/cornwall/this-cornish-spot-is-2026-beach-of-the-year-heres-why-lgn5906fj