There are some bits of news that make you smile when you have holiday cottages in such a beautiful part of North Cornwall.
This summer, Summerleaze Beach was named The Sunday Times Beach of the Year 2026 — quite an accolade for Bude and a wonderful piece of recognition for this special stretch of coastline.
Having welcomed many guests to this part of Cornwall over the years, we can completely understand why Summerleaze was chosen.
Summerleaze is one of those beaches that seems to have something for everyone.
There is the wide expanse of golden sand, perfect for building sandcastles, playing games or simply finding a spot to sit and watch the waves. The Atlantic brings surfers to Bude, while families can enjoy paddling, playing on the sand and exploring the shoreline.
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More than just a beautiful beach
Then, of course, there is one of Bude’s most recognisable features: the Bude Sea Pool.
Nestled amongst the rocks at the edge of Summerleaze, the sea pool provides a rather different swimming experience from the waves of the Atlantic. Filled naturally by the sea, it has been enjoyed by generations of swimmers and has become an iconic part of a visit to Bude.
Summerleaze also has the advantage of being right next to the town. After a morning on the beach, visitors can wander into Bude for lunch, an ice cream, a coffee or a browse around the shops.
It’s that combination that makes it such an easy beach to enjoy for a whole day.
What made Summerleaze stand out?
The Sunday Times’ annual beach guide looks at much more than simply which beach has the prettiest view. Beaches are considered against a range of factors, including cleanliness, accessibility, facilities, water quality, activities and whether they are suitable for dogs.
This year, community engagement was also included as a consideration.
And that seems particularly fitting for Bude.
The recognition reflects not only Summerleaze itself, but also the wider town and the people and community that care about this special part of North Cornwall.
It is lovely to see a beach that has long been enjoyed by both visitors and local people receiving national recognition.
A beach for all seasons?
Of course, Summerleaze isn’t just somewhere to enjoy on a hot August day.
There is something rather special about the beach at different times of the year too. Out of season, the skies can be dramatic, the waves impressive and the beach much quieter.
And one of the joys of a holiday around Bude is that there is always another beach to discover.
From Summerleaze, visitors can explore neighbouring Crooklets, head towards Northcott Mouth or venture further along the coast. The South West Coast Path provides spectacular views and plenty of opportunities for a good walk – whether that’s a gentle stroll or something a little more energetic.
Staying near Bude’s award-winning beach
For us, one of the real joys of having holiday cottages in this part of North Cornwall is being so close to the wonderful beaches around Bude.
Trevalgas Cottages are around a 6-minute drive from Bude’s beaches, including Summerleaze and Crooklets, making it easy for our guests to enjoy a beach day while staying in peaceful countryside surroundings.
You can spend the day on the sand, take a dip in the sea, enjoy a walk along the coast or explore everything Bude has to offer – then return to the peace and quiet of your cottage at the end of the day.
Back at Trevalgas, you can relax in your own private enclosed garden, enjoy the indoor heated swimming pool, or let the children burn off a little more energy in the play area. There’s also a games room and great WiFi for those who need to stay connected.
We think that combination is one of the lovely things about a holiday here: the spectacular North Cornwall coastline is close by, while Trevalgas provides somewhere peaceful to return to afterwards.
Congratulations, Summerleaze!
Summerleaze has long been one of Bude’s best-loved beaches, so we’re delighted to see it receiving this national recognition.
Whether you come for the sand, the surf, the sea pool, the coastal walks or simply that wonderful feeling of standing beside the Atlantic, Summerleaze is a very special place.
And now, it has the title of The Sunday Times Beach of the Year 2026.
We think that’s something Bude can be very proud of.
If you’re planning a stay at Trevalgas Cottages, Summerleaze — along with the many other beautiful beaches around Bude — is just waiting to be discovered. We do have some availability over the next few weeks , so do check our calendars here.
