For some people, lying on the sand in the sun is what dreams are made of, but others like to get a bit more out of a day at the beach. We play in the waves, scramble over the rocks, explore the tidal pools that they hide, and try to resist the urge to climb the cliffs so that we don’t miss out on getting an ice cream with the rest of the family. But now’s our chance to leave the sunbathers behind and indulge our passion for exploring, far along the coast and away from the crowds. We’re talking about coasteering, the adventure activity that gets you out in the open air - and under the water. Bude is a seaside resort in Cornwall which has both the beautiful beaches and the rugged coastline to make sure that everyone’s dreams come true.

Set on the north Cornish coast, Bude is a wonderful place for a holiday at the beach. Summerleaze beach is an expanse of golden sand where you can walk into the waves for a swim, or enjoy the Sea Pool which is filled with fresh water at every high tide. It also faces west, meaning that swells from the Atlantic Ocean provide a reliable succession of waves that surfers, stand up paddleboarders and sea kayakers can enjoy. There are historical and natural landmarks along the coast and inland to enjoy, and an active nightlife to enjoy in the evenings. But it’s the coasteering opportunities near the town that convert it into a unique destination. Bays, beaches, cliffs and rock formations to the north and south make this a dynamic landscape, shaped by the forces of the waves and tides, which has so much variety that you could never explore all of it. But coasteering is surely the best way to start, and we’re going to tell you why.

Where are the best places to go coasteering around Bude?

• Sandymouth Bay: This is one of the biggest, and, as its name suggests, sandiest, beaches in the area. When the tide’s out, you won’t notice the cliffs and rocky outcrops as much as the wide sandy expanse, but when the tide comes in it covers the sand and creates a maze of rocky islets and pools. This is a great place to go exploring, where you can avoid the water if you want, or play in the waves, and the rock pools are full of plant and animal life.

• Tintagel: The birthplace of the mythical King Arthur, Tintagel is known as the village on the mountain in the old Cornish language. It’s truly a magical place, where the ruins of a castle sit on a dramatic promontory of the cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean. At the foot of the cliffs, you’ll find Merlin’s Cave, a 100 metre long sea cave that cuts right through the headland from one cove to another.

• Bossiney Cove: This haven sits below the headland of Tintagel, cut into the cliffs. It’s a wild part of the coast, but it’s one of the favourite spots for Cornish coasteering enthusiasts because of the formations that the waves have carved out of the landscape. One of these is Elephant Rock, a rocky trunk separated by a narrow arch at the limit of the cliffs. There’s also Lye Rock, which is separated from the land at high tide and has been the scene of a number of shipwrecks, and The Sisters, twin rocky pinnacles that jut out of the water further out to sea. Around these landmarks are cliffs for climbing, and platforms that you can jump off to plunge into the waters below.

• Port Gaverne: A little further along the coast, Port Gaverne is a tiny village with a narrow beach flanked by high cliffs. This is an endlessly rewarding coasteering destination, as the scenery and personality of the area change with the tides. You can have dozens of completely unique adventures in this one place depending on the state of the tide and the strength of the waves.

Requirements to do this activity

The shoreline is one of the most varied and dynamic environments of all. Whether the tides are coming or going, if the sea is calm or rough, an inshore or an offshore wind, and let alone where you choose to go, there are so many factors that determine how challenging a coasteering route will be. Essentially, this means that there’ll be something for the most nervous newcomer to the most daring explorer around Bude. Of course, it’s necessary that you’re comfortable in and around the water, and some operators ask that you’re able to swim 25-50 metres, but you don’t need any experience or training to get involved.

You can also take the family with you on a shoreline expedition. Depending on the conditions, children as young as 10 years old can take part in coasteering, though there are some locations near Bude that are only suitable for teenagers and adults. And if you’re not in Cornwall with the family but, say, your best mates or your colleagues on a corporate retreat, then coasteering is an ideal way to give everyone an experience that won’t be forgotten.

How long does this experience last?

No two coasteering trips are the same, and so again, it’s up to you how long you want to be climbing, jumping and swimming along the coast. Shorter routes will last around 2 hours, and 3 hours is a common duration, but if you’re keen, you can also arrange a full day excursion to really discover the north Cornish coast.

What do you need to bring on a trip?

As far as water sports go, coasteering is very light on specialist equipment. You don’t need a board or a boat for this activity, because you use your body to get around the watery landscape. But, as you’ll come into contact with water and rock, you need some equipment to protect you. The good news is that this will all be given to you by your coasteering guides in Bude. They’ll kit you out with a wetsuit, helmet and lifejacket in your size so that you don’t have to worry about getting cold or bruised and focus on the fun!

There are a couple of things that the guides can’t give you, so make sure that arrive for your experience in Bude with the following: a swimsuit to go under the wetsuit, a pair of old, lace-up trainers that will give you some grip even when wet, and (most importantly) a towel and some dry clothes to put on afterwards.

You’ll never look at a beach again after having so much fun in the rocks and pools of the coast. We’re ready and waiting to make this adventure happen for you!