What’s on in Bude, Cornwall – February Half Term
February half-term is now just a week away, and our What’s On guide is brimming with exciting things to do for all the family. It covers Bude and the surrounding North Cornwall/Devon area. Foodie, cultural connoisseur, child, adventurer, art lover or nature fan – there is something for everyone, reminding us why Bude and North Cornwall is such a fabulous holiday destination.
Bude Artisan Food Market
Bude Artisan Market is a great weekly food and craft hub where you can buy gifts and produce from local artisan producers situated within a 20-mile radius of Bude. Held every Saturday, and Wednesday in the summer months, it is a must-visit during your time in Bude.
Vicko’s Wednesday Walk
Born in Bude, Peter Vickery (Vicko) has got many stories to tell about his life here. His walks are fun, entertaining, and informative but more than that; they are full of stories you won’t find in many history books. Vicko will take you to some of Bude’s many landmarks, including Bude Lock Gates, Bude Sea Pool and Bude Surf Life Saving Club. It’s very likely you’ll meet other characters on the way as Vicko knows everyone!
This walk is suitable for families with children, individuals and groups who want to learn about Bude in fun way from a real local legend.
Tickets: Adults – £10 Children under 14 years old – £5
The tour take place every Wednesday, 10:30am – 12:30pm starting at Bude Tourist Information Centre, The Crescent, Bude, Cornwall
Rockpooling
There are a host of great locations in Bude for rockpooling. Our favourite is Duckpool, just a short walk from Woodlands Manor Farm. Owned by The National Trust, this beach is located on the northwest coast, featuring high cliffs towering over the pebbles with large crabs lying in wait in the numerous pools at the far end of the beach.
Check out North Cornwall Rocks for top tips for safe and fun rock pooling. And, The Natural History Museum has put together a great guide and video that will help you explore the magic of the rockpool in safety.
Bude Sea Pool
The amazing Bude Sea Pool is open all year round and even better it’s completely free to enjoy. While the water temperatures may be a little chilly in February, a thick wetsuit and some boots and gloves will keep you warm. Or be brave like the Bluetits swimming group just go straight in!
Tintagel
Set high on Cornwall’s rugged north coast, these atmospheric ruins are inextricably linked with the legends of King Arthur. Once a stronghold for early medieval rulers, Geoffrey of Monmouth named Tintagel as the place where King Arthur was born. It seems likely that such legends inspired Richard, Earl of Cornwall, to build his impressive cliff-top castle on the site in 1233.
Today, thanks to English Heritage, you can take in the stunning natural scenery and explore these 13th-century ruins. Imagine the feasting and merriment of Richard, Earl of Cornwall’s court as you learn about the history of the castle and the role that legend has played in shaping the historic site.
St Nectan’s Glen
This must be Cornwall’s best-kept secret! St Nectan’s Glen is an area of outstanding natural beauty, where you can experience St Nectan’s Kieve, a spectacular sixty-foot waterfall splashing through a hole in the rocks. There are also two additional waterfalls and a beautiful walk to explore, leading through ancient woodland full of ivy-clad trees along the banks of the River Trevillet as it sparkles and gurgles busily on its journey to the sea.
The area has been appointed a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to rare specimens of plants. Once at the hermitage you can enjoy a well-deserved cream tea or coffee, visit the shop & gallery for gifts to take home, and visit the meditation room for a time of self-reflection.
The Cornish Rum Distillery Tour
If you’ve ever wondered how to make true British rum from scratch you will have the opportunity to visit the factory floor and see the process of rum production – from the fermentation of the molasses to the bottling of the finished product. You’ll get a keen insight into the new wave of rum production in the UK and get to sample the range of the Cornish Distilling Co’s rums whilst enjoying sweeping views over the Cornish countryside.
Book a distillery tour here – £20 per person
The Castle
The Castle is a heritage centre in Bude. The grade II listed building is one of Bude’s finest and oldest, nestled in the sand dunes overlooking Summerleaze Beach and running alongside the Bude Canal. Each month sees new artists showcasing their talents in the galleries, exciting events, monthly favourites, children’s entertainment and a wealth of knowledge for visitors to enjoy. Café Limelight serves monthly specials alongside its delicious menu and the gift shop on the first floor is full of beautiful treasures and inspirational books.
Art Exhibition by Gloria Bardell
Working in both oil & acrylic, Gloria’s portfolio is a testament to her eclectic approach to art. She finds inspiration from vivid landscapes to abstract compositions and everything in between. Gloria’s artistic journey has been continuous, allowing her to create a diverse body of work. You can visit the free exhibition showcasing Gloria’s work in The Blanchminster Room at The Castle Heritage Centre from 10am every day with doors closing at 4pm.
Art Exhibition by Debbie Gower
‘The Wildlife Collection’ by Debbie Gower. A collection of Wildlife Paintings in acrylic by Debbie Gower, a self-taught artist from Cornwall. There is something quite magical when trying to capture the feelings of our Earth’s most beautiful animals. Pay a visit to enjoy Debbie’s work in The Willoughby Gallery at The Castle Heritage Centre from 10am every day with doors closing at 4pm.
Acoustic Music at The Castle – Adam Cumbers
11 February @ 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm Coffee, Acoustic and Cake
Get yourself a coffee and enjoy a delicious, sweet treat from Café Limelight while you listen to some acoustic music in the Willoughby Gallery. No booking is required, this is a free event, so get there early.
The Eden Project
Ice-skating at Eden
Lace up your skates! The Eden ice rink is now open until February 2024 and for half-term. Limited tickets will be available to book up until 18 February 2024. So make sure you book
Half-term Science Spectacular at Eden
In February half-term you can head to Eden to explore the weird and wonderful worlds of science and technology, and how they can help us build a better future. Packed with explosive science shows, amazing experiments and genius inventions.
Kids go Free for Half-term
Kids go FREE in February half-term | Maximum of 1 child per adult | 10-18 February inclusive. (Select the free tickets first and on the second step of checkout you will be able to select the adult tickets)
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
At the Lost Gardens there’s a network of magical gardens, woodland walks, and farmland brimming with interest and intrigue; and with over 200 acres – enough room to tire the most energetic little legs!
Half-term at Heligan
At the Heligan Trail, you can collect Love Heart stamps along the way. Discover more about the natural beauty, the history of the gardens, and the people that nurture the wonderfully magical place?
Then head to the reserve yard event tent to get stuck into some seasonal crafting, including planet Earth paper chains, Love & Hope dove decorations, and Heligan Valentine card decorations. There’s always room for a toasted marshmallow or two, and the Heligan team will welcome you around the firepit to add something sweet to your visit.
Finally, the fascinating Voices from the Underground experience, based in the shepherd’s huts, provides interviews with dwellers of the earth beneath our feet, you can hear the ramblings of the mole and the secrets of the heroic Tardigrade.
Lentsherd, Clovelly Village, Bideford
Pronounced ‘Lanshard’, this event is an old Clovelly Shrove Tuesday custom. Historically the aim is to chase bad spirits away and drive the devil into the sea before Lent. This has been going on for centuries. At dusk children set off Down-a-Long, dragging their clattering tin cans. Take part with free entry after 4:30pm on February 13th.
The Plough Arts Centre – Great Torrington
This vibrant arts centre supported by the Arts Council provides a host of events over half term from screening of National Theatre performances to live comedy.
National Theatre Live – Vanya
Andrew Scott (Fleabag) brings multiple characters to life in Simon Stephens’ (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time) radical new version of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya. Hopes, dreams, and regrets are thrust into sharp focus in this one-man adaptation which explores the complexities of human emotions. Filmed live during its sold-out run in London’s West End, Vanya will be playing exclusively in cinemas in 2024.
Scott Bennett: Great Scott
Recently described by the Evening Standard as “Live Comedy’s best kept secret” Scott Bennett has been blazing a trail through the stand-up circuit for the best part of a decade. He’s written for many high profile acts such as Chris Ramsey and Jason Manford, and recently recorded his debut on BBC One’s Live at the Apollo. In massive demand as a comedy writer and with regular appearances on BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz and The Now Show, Scott is an act on the verge of breaking through into the big time.
Leicester Comedy Festival “Best Show” Nominee, 2019 and 2020.
Comedians Comedian 2020.
“Great Material, great delivery, a very funny man” – Rob Brydon
“A Joy to Watch” – Chris Ramsey
“Flashes of Peter Kay, Jason Manford and John Bishop” – Beyond a Joke
Rosemoore RHS Gardens
Magic Luke
Dates to be confirmed 30-minute sessions: 11 am, 12noon, 2 pm, in the Learning Studios
An interactive and energetic magic show, filled with fun and silliness to entertain the whole family.
£3 per child; recommended for all ages (must be accompanied by an adult)
Fun Family Planting Workshops
Monday 12 – 17 February 10.30 am – 12.30 pm and 2 pm – 3.45 pm, in the Learning Centre
Interactive workshops based around planting and growing at home. Including nature art, plant a pea, paint a pebble character, miniature terrariums, create a mini herb garden, and grow your own Marimo pet
Recommended for ages 4+ (must be accompanied by an adult)
Garden Trail
Saturday 10 – Sunday 18 February
Join for a fun trail around the gardens and discover all the signs of spring at RHS Rosemoor. All ages (must be accompanied by an adult)
The Big Sheep
The Big Sheep, multi-award-winning Theme Park one of Devon’s top Family Attractions, is guaranteed to be the highlight of your holiday!
Experience the joy of The Big Sheep this February Half Term, where you can witness adorable lambs being born. Feed and connect with baby goats, sheep, piglets, chicks, calves, donkeys, alpacas, and more. Enjoy hilarious live shows, and thrilling rides, and let the little ones explore Ewetopia Soft Play. It’s a day of laughter, learning, and farmyard fun for the whole family!
The Milky Way
A firm favorite with all the children at Woodlands Manor Farm, if you’re looking for family attractions and things to do in North Devon or North Cornwall, The Milky Way Adventure Park is a great choice!
Ride the Cosmic Typhoon roller coaster, have fun on the gravity rider donut slide, explore the maze and experience fantastic outdoor displays from the North Devon Bird of Prey Centre. Pilot a Cyber Scooter and shoot lasers on Ziggy’s Blast Quest, giggle on the Droid Destroyer Dodgems, leap around with the family on the Jumping Jupiters and kick back on the Milky Way Railway – there’s something here for everyone!
Doc Martin – Tour
Wondering where was Doc Martin filmed? If you’re a fan of the TV show Doc Martin, this fully guided walking tour will take you around the fictional Cornish seaside village of Portwenn. In reality, Doc Martin is filmed on location in Port Isaac, a small and picturesque fishing village on the Atlantic coast of north Cornwall.
The walking tour is led by a local who has been involved in the filming of Doc Martin itself as an ‘extra’ and shares many anecdotes about the filming of this show. Locations from the show that you will see include the Doc’s house and surgery, Louisa’s school, Mrs Tishell’s pharmacy and much more.
However, the village itself has a long and fascinating history dating back to King Henry VIII and your guide will show you hidden village paths, historical buildings, beautiful views and give you an insight into local life. There will be plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
Discovering42
Discovering42 is about using art as a catalyst for engaging adults and children with physics, engineering, and environmental issues. The range of thought-provoking exhibits encourage visitors to explore through play, imagination and ingenuity. Join them on their journey to create a permanent grassroots science museum for Cornwall.
The current exhibition is an immersive and unique space to explore interactive, up-cycled artworks that delve into the peculiarities of science. If you’re looking for something different, this exhibition is for you. Great for all ages to learn through play, prepare to be baffled and amazed!
This exhibition is about as environmentally friendly as they come. Everything has been carefully crafted with waste or reclaimed materials. Follow the stories that are entwined in each exhibit; where its components came from and how it was transformed.
February Half-Term at Woodlands Manor Farm
With so many fantastic events and activities happening, I am sure you will agree there is something for everyone this half-term in Bude and Woodlands Manor Farm! If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask Ruth & Andy.
Whilst you are staying don’t forget to experience one of the many great restaurants we are priviliged to have nearby – read more about them in our food blog.