Review of the Bude Coastal Resort in Cornwall
Bude Coastal Resort in Cornwall is a quiet, well-considered retreat at the end of a little lane among grassy fields and grazing horses, far from the hustle and bustle of the town’s tourist streets, tiny quayside, and interesting waterfront.
The location may be more reminiscent of the verdant Cotswolds than the rocky Cornwall shore, but that is precisely what makes it so special.
Previously known as Burn Coastal Retreat, it has undergone a rebranding after an investment of £10 million to bring it in line with its fabulous Carmarthenshire, Wales, sister property, Dylan Coastal Resort. The new name won’t be used until 2022. In addition to the original resort’s farmhouse, stables, cottages, and other farm structures, a new field has been planted with 27 luxury lodges this year.
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 to the public in time for Easter, are privately owned but share a modern aesthetic, with lots of neutral tones like creams and soft greys as well as timber paneling with a distinct Scandi-countryside vibe. The resort promotes a high standard of living in a peaceful rural setting. There are two bedroom options that sleep four people, and three bedroom options that sleep six people. There is a spacious sofa area with a flat-screen TV, a dining table, and a beautiful kitchen (some with islands and all with dishwashers) in the open floor design. All suites feature French doors leading out to private decks with hot tubs, dining areas, and glass fencing. Two offer rooftop patios with limited sea and mountainous rural views. The bedroom in our lodge has a king-sized, quite comfortable bed and an attached bathroom with a shower. There were two more bedrooms, each with two single beds, and a shared bathroom for the guests. Separate quarters were provided for a washer and dryer.
The lodges are situated around a river-like pond with a fountain and are surrounded by freshly planted bushes and shrubs.
The Glasshouse, a brand-new two-story structure with space for six, features a free-standing tub adjacent to a glass wall (complete with blinds!) and Godolphin Stable, a classic stone structure with a contemporary interior that can accommodate a family of four. They, like many of the cottages, feature decks and spas.
All are great for families with young children, but older families will appreciate the peaceful environment and lack of hectic resort activities more. Pets are welcome (and don’t pay) at this motel.
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. The bar provides a simple drink menu, including coffee. There has been discussion of extending the hours and breadth of service to include serving food later to coincide with happy hour.
Back on the lawn, near the putting green, is a small play area for the kids.
The spa is off to one side, with a few private treatment rooms known for their excellent massages (especially deep tissue). The indoor pool is a decent size and located in a stylish hall with a timbered ceiling and a separate hot tub off to one side. There is a nice gym, as well as two smaller saunas and a steam room on the way.
Newly planted foliage and colorful bushes decorate the grounds around the lodges, evoking the location and the reassuring wildness of the Cornish environment.
What’s Nearby?
Bude, with its beautiful blend of harbor town and beach resort, is well worth the short jaunt down to town. The main street runs parallel to the tiny River Neet (also known as Strat), which flows into the Bude Canal and was originally used to convey sand to the interior of Cornwall. Bude Castle, a Victorian manor in between, is now a free museum, gallery, and café with picturesque views across the canal and out to sea and features exhibits on railways (Dr. Beeching eliminated them from the town), American wartime battalions, and art. The little harbor opens up to Summerleaze Beach, which is flanked by even smaller rocks. Bude Sea Pool is a beautiful, public pool filled with salt water. Invigorating strolls to beaches and scenic areas are available thanks to the proximity of the South West Coast Path.
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.
In terms of groceries, there is a large Sainsbury’s in town as well as a Morrison’s and a Lidl within a five-minute drive.
VERDICT:
Bude Coastal Resort stands in stark contrast to the hectic atmosphere at many other amusement parks. 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, with plenty of space, a modern aesthetic, and a pleasant seaside vibe.
