The Beach Blog

AN UPBEAT & CONTEMPORARY LUXURY SEASIDE HOTEL, BAR & RESTAURANT. ALSO OFFERING A COMPLEMENTARY COLLECTION OF EIGHT BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED APARTMENTS & TWO BEACHSIDE TOWNHOUSES.

The Beach is an upbeat and contemporary luxury seaside hotel, complemented by a stylish bar and Elements restaurant; both of which benefit from a large sun terrace to enjoy the sunsets from… and perhaps a few cocktails!

Also in our collection are eight beautifully crafted apartments and two beachside townhouses which provide a self catering option.  Bol Y Maer Apartments, Crooklets House and Crooklets View offer modern but comfortable homes from home for all the family.  All have use of the private indoor swimming pool and are just steps away from the beach.

Call our friendly reception team on 01288389800 option 1 to discuss your stay in our beautiful Bude.

The Beach Apartments - Bol-Y-Maer

Introducing

Bol-y-Maer, Bude, Cornwall

A collection of beautifully crafted apartments in the stunning seaside town of Bude.

Located in the vibrant and picturesque seaside town of Bude, ‘Bol-Y-Maer’ is a prestigious new development of exquisitely styled apartments with an impressive central entrance space, communal indoor swimming pool, superb views across Crooklets bay and only a short walk from the town centre.

Modern and stylish, these individually designed apartments are distributed across three floors with a bright and sunny South Westerly orientation to maximise sunshine hours and natural light. With a choice of layouts, each apartment has been designed with premium finishes, quality appliances and generous outdoor spaces with gardens or balconies, creating an elegant yet contemporary place to stay that is peaceful, relaxing and tranquil.

Offering breath-taking views across Crooklets Bay, Bude Downs and the Bude & North Cornwall Golf Course, this stunning development with modern interiors, stylish kitchens and minimalist bathrooms provides the perfect environment for a luxury seaside stay.

To book or discuss your requirements further please call 01637861005 or visit https://www.beachretreats.co.uk/

Summer dates still available https://www.beachretreats.co.uk/self-catering/cornwall/bude/8-bol-y-maer/

Self Catering From 12th April

THE BEACH SUITES – SELF CATERING

Our two suites, The Suite and The Retreat, will be available on a self-catering basis from 12th April 2021.

The Suite extends to in excess of 50m2 and sleeps 4.  It comprises of one double room, one twin room, a bathroom with walk in shower and separate bath, lounge area with kitchenette and an outdoor seating area.

The Retreat is a little larger, extending to in excess of 70m2 and sleeps 6.  It comprises of two bedrooms (both can be made up as double or twin beds), a bathroom with walk in shower, a large lounge/kitchen/diner with a sofa bed and an outdoor seating area.

Both The Suite and The Retreat provide special spaces which are perfect for but not limited to families and they are both dog-friendly too.

To book please do so online or call us on 01288389800 to discuss your requirements.

Winter Offers

Valid from 1st November 2021 to 31st March 2022

(excluding 23rd December to 8th January inclusive)

  • 20% off if you book up to 72 hours prior to arrival
  • 20% off Sunday nights
  • 20% off stays of 2 nights or more Monday to Thursday
  • 20% off stays of 3 nights or more

Book Yourself A Stress-Free Staycation With Our New ‘Book With Confidence’ Cancellation Policy

Hotel bookings can be cancelled or transferred up to 72hrs prior to arrival with no charge. If you need to cancel or amend your booking within 72hrs of arrival due to COVID-19, we can transfer your booking to another suitable date, however rates may differ between dates.

Any cancellations or amendments within 72hrs, that are not as a direct result of COVID-19, will result in our retaining the total cost of your stay.

If we are forced to close the hotel due to COVID-19 bookings can be transferred or cancelled at no charge.

THE BEACH IS RE-OPENING – 4TH JULY 2020

We are excited to announce that we are busy preparing our hotel to welcome our guests back again this summer.

Whilst the world continues to experience the terrible effects of COVID-19 our thoughts are firmly with those who have lost loved ones during this difficult time.

After careful consideration and consultation with the local authorities, we feel the time is right for us to begin the process of re-opening the hotel.

We are making some important changes to how we operate which can be found here (click here).

Initially, we will be providing bed and breakfast with our bar and terrace reserved for guests only. We are encouraging our guests, where possible, to book online.

We want to personally assure our guests that this decision has been reached following confirmation that the measures and procedures we have put in place allow us to operate in a safe environment, ensuring guest and staff welfare at all times.

Whilst we remain committed to making sure the new ‘normal’ does not impact guest enjoyment, there are some services and facilities, including the restaurant, that will not re-open until we consider it safe to do so. However, for areas of the business that are safe to operate normally, the service, comfort and level of luxury you experienced prior to the closure will remain.

We will continue to monitor the situation in accordance with government guidelines, and are taking bookings for stays from 4th July 2020 under our ‘book with confidence’ guarantee, which offers a full refund, a voucher or a booking postponement, should the government revise guidelines which do not allow travel on the dates selected.

Bude, its beaches and the surrounding areas are all looking simply stunning.

We look forward to welcoming you back to breathe life once again into our beautiful hotel.

 

10 things to pack for a holiday in Cornwall

You’re all booked for your Cornish getaway, and now it’s just a case of packing the essentials. Whether you’re visiting Cornwall in the summer sunshine, or coming to enjoy the quieter, but just as picturesque, months of winter, then take a look at our top ten things to pack for visiting us here in Bude.

1. Sunglasses

One of the key essentials all year round. Sunglasses are a must for days running around on golden sands, as well as watching the sunsets whilst sipping on cocktails on our terrace, overlooking Summerleaze Beach.

2. A variety of clothing options

A waterproof jacket, warm jumper, flip flops, board shorts – you can never be too prepared. Cornish weather is known for changing quite quickly, and the last thing you’d want is to be caught in a rain shower without cover. On the other end of the spectrum, temperatures in the summer can be known to rival that of the Mediterranean, so make sure you’ve got some lighter clothes packed, especially if you’re staying between June and September.

3. Sun cream

Make sure you’re protected from the sun’s rays, as there is nothing worse than arriving back to your hotel room after a day on the beach looking like a lobster. If you’re a water baby, and enjoy splashing around in the sea, make sure you find a water-resistant product for the ultimate sun protection.

4. Wellies or walking boots

We’re lucky to have some great walks to explore in Bude. The South West Coast Path is a must for keen adventurers, and also offers some great views for those of you who just want a quick stroll. From the rocky cliffs, to the long grasses near the canal and marshes – leave no area unexplored with the right footwear.

5. Camera

There are so many photogenic locations around Bude. Whether you prefer using your phone, or a professional camera, you won’t want to miss capturing those special Cornish memories. We love seeing your holiday snaps too, so make sure to tag us if you’re uploading them onto social media. One other important thing – don’t forget your charger.

6. A good book

A holiday in Cornwall offers a chance to unwind and relax. Many of our rooms have sea view balconies, or lounge areas which are perfect to chill out and read – escaping from everyday life. But don’t worry, we have a great selection of magazines and newspapers in the bar downstairs if you forget.

7. Water sport equipment

Surfing, paddleboarding, or kayaking, Bude is the place to be if you want to spend your holiday in the water. From the ocean, to the sea pool, and even the canal, there’s lots of interesting places to explore. If you have your own wetsuit, surfboard, paddle board, or kayak, make sure to pack them. If not, don’t worry as there are plenty of places around Bude where you can hire equipment for the day. Ask at our reception for further details.

8. Swimsuit

If the action-packed water sports we have mentioned above are not your thing, it’s still a good idea to pack swimwear for a little dip to cool off. The unique Bude Sea Pool is located just moments from our hotel, and provides a safe place for swimming away from the current.

9. Beach towel

Always a handy item to put in the car for day trips. A very versatile piece, you can use it for sitting on the beach and sunbathing, drying off after a swim in the sea, or as a picnic blanket for going off on daytime adventures.

10. Reusable water bottle

Bude is a very environmentally-conscious town, with an active community working hard to keep our beaches clean, and reducing our carbon footprint. If you’re holidaying with us, why not think about bringing a reusable water bottle to fill up before heading out for the day, instead of buying a plastic bottle when you’re here?

Bude Surf Life Saving Cornwall

Bude’s beaches are one of the main reasons so many people visit our award-winning seaside town every year, and we all know a visit to the beach isn’t complete without a little dip in the sea. Whether it’s just a quick paddle, or making the most of the Atlantic waves rolling in, our local surf life saving club is always on hand keeping Bude’s waters safe.

But did you know that Bude Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) was the very first surf life saving club in Britain?

Its history has international roots, with Australian surfers inspiring its creation. World War II pilots from Australia, based at nearby St Mawgan during the war, would often check out the Cornish coast when flying, on the hunt of good surfing beaches – which of course, there are plenty.

A couple of years after the war, two Australian lifeguards from Byron Bay came to the UK for work, and after remembering the pilots’ stories, they set their sights on Cornwall in the hunt for a suitable surf club location. They settled on Bude, and with the help of a local youth group, the ‘bronze squad’ was created. The Aussies then got to work on training the team, which got quite a lot of attention from people watching on the beach. There was such a buzz around examination day for the lifeguards, that even the BBC turned up.

Bude SLSC is now thought to be one of the longest-established clubs of its kind in the northern hemisphere. The self-financing club holds a number of popular fundraising events throughout the year, including its annual Christmas Day swim, which attracts a few thousand people. They’re often fun to watch, or even join in sometimes, so keep an eye on their Facebook page to find out about upcoming events.

Thanks to the success of Bude SLSC, our town is a great place to come and learn to surf safely. Or, if you’re an experienced surfer, you can enjoy the water sport with the reassurance that someone will have your back in an emergency. As one of Cornwall’s top surfing destinations, find out more about the top surfing beaches in Bude.

If you want to come and enjoy a surfing holiday in Bude, why not book a room in our boutique hotel? Located just a few minutes walk from generic tramadol price Summerleaze Beach, you can be in water just moments after stepping out of our front door.

Surfing in a group? Why not try one of our suites? Sleeping up to four guests, with added lounge space to relax after spending time in the water, it’s the perfect retreat for a surfing escape in Cornwall.

View our availability online, or call our reception team on 01288 389800.

Food trends: vegetarian and vegan

With vegetarianism and veganism becoming some of the largest food trends we have seen in the past decade, we wanted to explore why people are jumping on these new ways of eating, and how the restaurant industry, and us at The Beach, are responding.

When considering the impact of eating meat, for many it is now more than just the ethical standpoint. It is no surprise that the broader consumer lifestyle trend of cleaner living means more people are adopting a ‘plant-based’ diet as a way to minimise their individual environmental impact. Also, as you may expect, eating more fruits and vegetables might just lead to a healthier overall diet.

When exploring the previous and projected trends in the UK, we can now see that one third of us have stopped or reduced our meat intake. It is easy to see that more and more people are becoming interested in opting for a vegetarian based diet.

Being in Cornwall, an area that takes pride in working towards minimising its environmental impact, adopters of a plant-based diet are numerous in the area. From sustainable tourism awards, beach cleaning sessions, and a focus on locally sourced ingredients, there is quite a demand for high quality vegetarian and vegan offerings.

Here at The Beach at Bude, our restaurant has been ahead of the curve when it comes to vegetarian offerings. With a stunning menu offering an excellent selection of vegetarian and vegan options, and further focus on making gluten free options easily available, we are leading the change into this new culinary landscape.

Our head chef Jamie Coleman has been working hard to ensure the vegetarian and vegan food options are not only healthy and locally sourced, but also totally delicious and will leave you wanting more.

Whilst it is important for us to deliver a full offering of vegetarian options, we haven’t compromised on flavour for the meat and fish dishes which are available on the main menu.

Below is a sample of our vegetarian and vegan menu. Please note, this is subject to seasonal change and availability:

SMALL PLATES

WHIPPED GOATS CHEESE

with carrot, sea buckthorn and crispy quinoa

PANZEROTTI PORCINI

with Arrabbiata sauce

SWEETCORN AND COCONUT SOUP (vegan)

with sourdough

RANCH SALAD

Iceberg lettuce, blue cheese, pickled walnuts and croutons

TEMPERUA VEGETABLES (vegan)

with chipotle chilli and avocado

LARGE PLATES

HERB RISOTTO

with confit egg yolk, parmesan, leeks and wild mushrooms

HAY ROASTED CELERIAC

with Granny Smith apple, date puree and fried duck egg

CHICKPEA & BUTTERNUT SQUASH BURGER (vegan)

with shredded iceberg, tomato and French fries

PICCOLO PARSNIPS (vegan)

with quince jelly, poached pear, Cavolo nero and hazelnut cream

PUDDINGS

BLACKBERRY ETON MESS (vegan)

with gin marinated blackberries, rice cream, lime sorbet and hazelnut crumble

PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE (vegan)

with coconut mousse, passion fruit sorbet, pineapple crisp, rum and raisin

CHOCOLATE TOFU (vegan)

with roasted banana, chocolate crumble and sea salt

Christmas opening times

We have a busy couple of weeks coming up here at The Beach.

With a number of private functions, and our annual Christmas closure to give our team some quality time to spend with their families, here are our opening times between Monday 23 December and Thursday 2 January.


Up to and including Sunday 22 December – open as usual

Monday 23 December – lunch service as usual, then closed from 3pm for a private function

Tuesday 24 December – bar open from 10am to 10pm. Only the bar & terrace menu will be served from 12pm until 8pm, no restaurant service

Wednesday 25 & Thursday 26 December – closed

Friday 27 December – open as usual

Saturday 28 December – closed for a private function

Sunday 29 December  – open as usual, but lunch will be served from 1pm, instead of the normal 12pm

Monday 30 December – open as usual

Tuesday 31 December – open as usual for lunch. Evening service is ticket-only for New Year’s Eve

Wednesday 1 January – open as usual, but only our roast dinner menu is being served between 12pm and 8pm

Thursday 2 January onwards – open as normal

Day trips from Bude

Bude is full of spectacular sandy beaches and famed for water sports. But did you know that Bude also makes a great base for getting out and about to see some of the things that make the area so special? Here are some ideas for day trips around Bude.

Tintagel Castle

Just half an hour south on the rugged north Cornwall coast sits the ancient birthplace of King Arthur at Tintagel. Tintagel Castle, perched high up on the dramatic coastline, has fired imaginations with its links to King Arthur for centuries, and in 2019 was reunited with the mainland for the first time in more than 500 years when the historic crossing from the mainland to the headland was recreated by a new footbridge.

Explore the island, castle, the remains of the medieval buildings and the beach below at one of Britain’s most historic places. Book tickets online in advance for timed crossings of the new bridge.

tintagel-castle

Clovelly

Travel 30 minutes north from Bude and you’ll find another historic village at Clovelly. Once owned by the Queen of England, Clovelly has been in private ownership since Elizabethan times. The picturesque fishing village is a perfectly preserved monument to times past, with traffic-free steep cobbled streets winding down to the ancient harbour – the only transport allowed are sledges and donkeys.

Explore the village, visit the restored Victorian walled kitchen garden, eat in one of the two inns, explore the shops, or take a guided tour. Entrance fees apply to all visitors and include parking, a 20-minute film of the history of the village, entrance to the two museums (Kingsley Museum and Fisherman’s Cottage) and to Clovelly Court Gardens.

Lundy Island

Slightly further away, the beautiful Lundy Island makes an unforgettable day trip. The tiny island is just three miles long but packed with history including listed buildings, monuments and depending on the season, thousands of seabirds.

Owned by the National Trust, a further 50 years of ownership was secured in 2019 to protect this amazing location which on its rugged and exposed west coast is home to colonies of Puffins and Manx Shearwaters. The relatively protected east coast meanwhile is famed for its spectacular wildflowers in spring.

Access is by ferry from either Ilfracombe or, nearer to Bude at Bideford – ferries run several times a week. Look out for guided walks, rockpool rambles and snorkelling safaris for seeing the wildlife, or visit the Marisco Tavern, a pub which never shuts (although you can’t get a drink all of that time). You might see dolphins, seals breeding in the sea caves or even basking sharks.


For more information on day trips or other activities nearby please contact our reception on 01288 389800, where one of our friendly team would be delighted to advise.