There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about a family holiday on the North Cornwall coast. Salt-tangled hair, sandy toes, ice cream melting faster than you can eat it and children who collapse happily into bed after a day of seaside adventures.
If you’re staying at Gwelmor Holiday Cottage in Widemouth Bay, you’re perfectly placed for a treasure trove of family-friendly things to do. From rock pooling and beach games to castles, canals and sea pools, this little corner of Cornwall is packed with magic for children of all ages.
Here are some of our favourite things to do with kids in Widemouth Bay and nearby Bude.
Just minutes from Gwelmor, Widemouth Bay is the kind of beach childhood memories are made of.
At low tide the beach stretches for what feels like miles, leaving endless space for sandcastle competitions, beach cricket, frisbee and paddle-in-the-sea moments.
Children love exploring the rock pools that appear as the tide retreats — tiny underwater worlds filled with crabs, anemones and the occasional darting fish.
And when little legs get tired? There are beach cafés nearby for hot chocolate, chips or the essential Cornish ice cream.
Search tip: Families often find us while searching for “family friendly beaches in North Cornwall” — and Widemouth Bay is certainly one of them.
A short drive from Widemouth Bay lies one of Cornwall’s most charming attractions: Bude Sea Pool.
Built into the rocks at Summerleaze Beach, this semi-natural swimming pool fills with fresh seawater at high tide. It’s safe, beautiful and perfect for children who want to enjoy the sea without the waves.
On sunny days it becomes a joyful hub of laughter, splashing and seaside fun.
Parents love it because:
It’s easily one of the best family activities in Bude.
If you’ve never been crabbing before, Bude Canal is the perfect place to try.
All you need is a bucket, some string, a net and a bit of bait (bacon works brilliantly). Lower the line over the edge and wait…
Soon enough you’ll hear the excited shout:
“I’ve caught one!”
It’s simple, old-fashioned fun and children absolutely love it.
You can also stroll or cycle along the canal towpath, hire a pedalo or stop for lunch at one of the lovely cafés nearby.
Sitting proudly overlooking the beach, The Castle in Bude is a wonderful little place to explore with children.
Inside you’ll find:
Outside there are grassy areas perfect for a picnic and plenty of space for kids to run around.
It’s an easy, relaxed stop during a day exploring Bude.
The coastline around Widemouth Bay is packed with secret discoveries for curious children.
Head out along the South West Coast Path and you’ll find:
Children turn into natural explorers here. Every step reveals something new.
Don’t forget a bucket and a sense of adventure.
No family trip to Bude is complete without the classics.
After a busy day exploring you can wander into town for:
Sometimes the simplest moments become the ones children remember most.
After a day of sandy adventures, returning to Gwelmor Holiday Cottage feels like coming home.
Our award-winning dog-friendly cottage offers families:
It’s the perfect base for exploring everything Bude and Widemouth Bay have to offer for families.
If you’re dreaming of a family holiday in North Cornwall, Widemouth Bay and Bude offer the perfect blend of adventure, fresh sea air and simple seaside joy.
From rock pooling and sea pools to canal crabbing and beach picnics, there’s something magical here for children — and for grown-ups who secretly still feel like kids by the sea.
Ready to plan your Cornish family adventure?
Check availability and start counting down the days to your seaside escape at Gwelmor.
