The Castle Bude offers an interesting day out where you can learn about the local history, view local art in the galleries and bask in the sun while admiring the stunning coastal views
Running alongside the Bude canal, this Grade II listed building will delight all with a fascinating day out. The Castle Bude is only a 15 minute car journey from our wonderful Sandymouth Holiday Resort, where you can holiday in our luxurious holiday homes and take advantage of our first class facilities.
The Castle Bude is open every day from 10am until 5pm, and is a free attraction to visit, where you can see local artists display their work in the gallery, learn local history in the Heritage Centre and enjoy delicious meals and outstanding views in Café Limelight.
the heritage centre
The centre is home to a number of artefacts, which would help to bring the varied and rich history of Bude to life for all. There are a wide range of exhibitions available to view, where you can discover more about the world famous Cornish geology, or view the amazing collection of Bude railway memorabilia and nostalgia. There are also fun interactive displays to entertain the children, as well as exhibitions on local naval and military history.
exhibitions
The Heritage Centre is divided into themed exhibitions, which represent certain key elements of the cultural heritage in Bude’s history. We’ve listed only a few of the exhibitions below, with a brief overview of what they focus on.
- Sir Goldsworthy Gurney – Sir Gurney built The Castle Bude in 1830 and is often referred to as Cornwall’s ‘forgotten genius’. Although he was a trained surgeon, Gurney actually excelled as an inventor, scientist and engineer, he invented a completely new system of lighting in the 1800’s. He injected a stream of oxygen into an oil flame, this method was known as ‘Bude Light’ and was used in Pall Mall, Trafalgar Square and even the Houses of Parliament. Learn more about this extraordinary man in the exhibition.
- Shipwrecks – Cornwall has a history of shipwrecks over the decades, this exhibitions focuses on Bude’s coast and includes its most famous wreck, the Bencoolen, which wrecked in 1862 on Summerleaze Beach. Try your hand at navigating the treacherous waters of Bude by using the interactive model
- The English Civil War – Learn how Bude played a key role in Cornwall’s history during the Civil War, and see the copied and beautifully coloured costumes from that time period. You’ll also learn more about the ‘Cornish Giant’, a man named Anthony Payne, who was crucial in the 1643 Battle of Stamford Hill. The battle lasted an incredible 10 hours, with the Royalists defeating the much larger Parliamentarians, this win secured Cornwall for the King during the war.
Visit The Castle Bude for a wonderful day out filled with interesting facts, outstanding exhibitions and beautiful artwork in the galleries to view. Head to the Café Limelight in the conservatory, where you can enjoy some warming food and drinks, as well as some breathtaking views of Summerleaze Beach.
Holiday breaks at Sandymouth Holiday Resort are ideal for exploring the local area of Bude, and further into North Cornwall. You can enjoy the wonderful accommodation on offer, the outstanding coastal views and take full advantage of the first class facilities. Our facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, a wonderful entertainments programme and a full Go Active programme, including archery, body zorbing, mini jet skis and waterwalkerz.
There is so much more to explore at Sandymouth, so why not book your holiday getaway now and start planning?