The Bude Tunnel

Walk down to Bude's seafront and you'll spot a rather unusual Victorian structure - a tunnel that burrows straight through the cliff face. Built in the 1820s as a bathing tunnel, it's one of only a handful of its kind still standing in Britain, and it's still in use today.

The tunnel itself is genuinely odd in the best way. It's a short, deliberately engineered route that lets bathers access a sheltered cove without trudging over the rocks and cliff path - very practical thinking for the era when swimming costumes were heavy and dignity mattered. You can walk through it yourself, which takes about five minutes. The salt spray echoes nicely and there's something slightly eerie about being inside the cliff.

Historically minded visitors will find it fascinating; kids might get a bit bored unless they're into proper Victorian engineering. It's free and accessible, though water splashes about on rougher days so don't wear your best shoes.

Don't expect a huge visitor experience - there's no café or interpretation boards. What you get is authenticity and a proper sense of how clever Victorian engineers were. It works well as part of a coastal walk along Bude's excellent promenade. If you're staying at Wooda Farm Holiday Park or Atlantic Surf Pods nearby, this is an easy afternoon addition to a beach day. Go when the tide's not too high - check local conditions first.