Bude’s coastline is breathtaking, shaped by the wild Atlantic waves yet softened by sandy coves perfect for family days out. Surfers are drawn to the consistent swells at Summerleaze and Crooklets, while calmer waters at the iconic Bude Sea Pool provide a safe spot to swim, whatever the tide.

On sunny days, the sea pool shimmers in shades of blue and green, offering a refreshing dip with the cliffs rising gently behind you.

The town itself feels welcoming and relaxed, with independent shops, cafés, and friendly pubs where conversation flows as easily as the Cornish cider. Wander through the streets and you’ll find everything from artisan treats to local crafts, each reflecting the creative spirit of the community.

Bude is also a dream for walkers. The South West Coast Path threads its way along the cliffs, offering panoramic views across beaches, dunes, and rolling countryside. Whether you’re taking a short stroll to Widemouth Bay or embarking on a longer hike toward Hartland, the scenery is endlessly rewarding.

Beyond the beaches and the cliffs, Bude has a rich story to tell. Its canal, once used to transport sea sand inland, is now a haven for wildlife and a peaceful place to meander. Canoe, paddleboard, or simply pause on its banks to watch the ducks drift by.

Must-Do Activities in Bude

Swim in the Sea Pool – Take a dip in Bude’s famous tidal pool, carved into the rocks at Summerleaze Beach. It’s a unique, safe, and refreshing experience.

Surf the Atlantic Waves – Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a first-timer, local surf schools make it easy to get on a board and enjoy Bude’s world-class swells.

Walk the Clifftops – Explore the South West Coast Path for sweeping ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and wildflowers in spring and summer.

Stroll the Canal – Hire a canoe, try paddleboarding, or simply wander along the leafy towpath and enjoy a slower pace of life.

Discover Local Eats – From fresh seafood to hearty Cornish pasties, treat yourself to flavours that are best enjoyed by the sea.

Explore the Town’s Independent Shops – Pick up handmade crafts, local art, or artisan treats—perfect as a reminder of your trip.

Bude is also home to the inspiring Two Minute Foundation, a movement that began right here with the simple idea of picking up litter for just two minutes at a time. What started as a beach-clean initiative has now grown into a national campaign encouraging people everywhere to take small, positive actions for the planet. In our previous article highlighting environmental projects, we saw how grassroots efforts like this can make a lasting difference—and Bude is proud to be the birthplace of one of the most influential.

What truly sets Bude apart, though, is its warmth. There’s a friendliness in the air, from the surf instructors who cheer on beginners to the café owners who welcome you as if you’re a regular. It’s a place where you can slow down, breathe deeply, and feel part of something special.

So, whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, a family-friendly escape, or just a chance to recharge by the sea, Bude offers a little bit of everything—with a lot of heart.

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The post Bude: Cornwall’s Coastal Gem appeared first on Fethiye Times.

After closing in 1927, the jail fell into disrepair. In 2015, Twelve Architects began a major restoration to bring it back to life.

Bodmin Jail by Twelve Architects

After five years of meticulous work, the Grade II-listed building was transformed into a stunning luxury hotel and visitor attraction, reopening in February 2021. 

The £70 million restoration project converted the former prison into 70 unique hotel rooms, each crafted from three interconnected cells, blending original features with modern luxury. Guests can stay in rooms that retain the character of the original cells while enjoying contemporary comforts. 

Dining at Bodmin Jail is stylish and inviting. The Chapel Restaurant and The Champagne Bar serve contemporary meals, or you can relax with coffee and cake while soaking up the historic atmosphere.

Bodmin Jail also offers award-winning tours, paranormal experiences, and the immersive Dark Walk, making it a must-visit for history lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Tales of flickering shadows, mysterious sounds, and ghostly footsteps add an eerie edge, ensuring a stay that is as thrilling as it is educational.

Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of the unusual, or simply seeking a unique night away, Bodmin Jail offers a captivating blend of intrigue, culture, and modern hospitality. Its central location in Bodmin makes it an ideal base for exploring Cornwall’s scenic landscapes and historic towns.

Click here to visit the Bodmin Jail website for more information.

Click here to find out more about staying at the Bodmin Jail Hotel

Follow The Bodmin Jail Hotel on Facebook: The Bodmin Jail Hotel 

The post Bodmin Jail: Cornwall’s Dark and Fascinating Past appeared first on Fethiye Times.

On World Ocean Day in 2023, we went along to the World Ocean’s Day Beach Clean Up, organised by The 2 Minute Foundation as part of the Ocean Festival held in Bude and locations across the world.

We were so impressed with the concept of cleaning up our planet 2 minutes at a time, that we went along to meet CEO, Nicky Green, in Croyde, North Devon.

Nicky was appointed as CEO in 2022, taking over from Founder, Martin Dorey, and continues to take its followers on a journey to help clean up the planet together – 2 minutes at a time.

Our meeting took place on the beach at the very beautiful Croyde Bay and involved, yes, you’ve guessed it, a beach clean.

Born from a Hashtag

It seemed only fitting to hold our meeting during a beach clean, given that The 2 Minute Foundation began more than a decade ago with a simple hashtag: #2MinuteBeachClean.

As Instagram and Twitter grew in popularity, the idea was simple yet powerful: spend just two minutes picking up litter, snap a photo on your phone, upload it, and tag it with the hashtag. What started as a small campaign quickly snowballed into a social media movement. Today, that single hashtag has been used over 200,000 times.

Looking out across the now-pristine sand, you might think there’s nothing left to pick up – but a closer look tells a different story. Microplastics, or nurdles, are tiny fragments of plastic that have broken down over time. Hundreds, even thousands, of these tiny beads hide in the sand, a reminder that there’s always more work to do.

We spent an hour strolling along the beach, chatting as we went, and picking up litter along the way. By the end, our collection of plastic debris was substantial – much of it destined for the ocean if left behind.

These tiny plastics, or microplastics, are often mistaken for food by fish, seabirds, and other marine creatures. Once ingested, they can work their way up the food chain, eventually reaching humans and reminding us of the far-reaching impact of even the smallest pieces of litter.

Nicky has since moved on to pastures new, but The 2 Minute Foundation continues its journey. We’ll be returning in the coming months to see how the foundation’s mission is evolving and what the next chapter holds.

#2minutelitterpick

The Two Minute Foundation began with the ocean, but their mission quickly extended inland.

All waterways eventually lead to the sea, and there was a growing need to tackle litter before it reached drains and rivers. In fact, 80% of the litter collected on beaches originates from inland sources.

By removing harmful litter from natural habitats and inspiring action through the #2MinuteLitterPick campaign, the foundation has helped shift attitudes across the UK, encouraging more people to take a stand against litter and plastic pollution.

What came next?

The 2 Minute Foundation achieved charity status in 2020 and were on a journey as environmental educators but wanted to create a unique offering to environmental learning.

The 2 Minute Beach School provides environmental teaching right on the beach.

Teaching all things coastal from the tides, geology, and the intrinsic link between plastic and climate change, the sessions are delivered by qualified teachers.

The 2 Minute Foundation supports social and emotional wellbeing and development, providing planet positive actions to help combat anxiety and feeling of helplessness. Children benefit physically and mentally from the non-classroom based environment and time in ‘Blue’ space.

#2minutesofpositivity

We know that getting outdoors and doing something planet positive is fantastic for our well-being. The 2 Minute Foundation’s, #2minutesofpositivity campaign is all around taking 2 minutes for yourself, as well as supporting the planet. Reading a few pages of your favourite book, meditating, whatever brings you that little boost of positivity.

Follow this link to find out more about The 2 Minute Foundation and how you can help

Connect with the 2 Minute Foundation on social media for regular updates.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2minutehq

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2minutehq/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/2minuteHQ

The post The 2 Minute Foundation – cleaning up our planet, 2 minutes at a time appeared first on Fethiye Times.

For walkers, it’s not just a trail – it’s an adventure, a challenge, and a chance to discover the wild beauty of England’s coast at its very best.

A Path with a Purpose

The South West Coast Path has its roots in history. Long before it was a leisure trail, it was the working route of coastguards, patrolling the shoreline in search of smugglers. To keep watch, they needed a clear view into every cove and bay, which is why today the path clings so tightly to the coastline. That legacy has left us with a trail full of twists, turns, and sweeping sea views at every step.

Designated as a National Trail in 1978 and marked with the familiar acorn symbol, it’s become one of the world’s great long-distance walks – as much a cultural journey as a physical one.

The Scale of the Challenge

At 630 miles (1,014 km) long, the path is no small undertaking. To walk it all in one go takes most people seven to eight weeks. And it’s not just the distance – the route involves 115,000 feet of climbing and descent, which is like scaling Mount Everest almost four times.

Walking the Path

The South West Coast Path is incredibly flexible, offering something for everyone. Official guides and the South West Coast Path website provide routes for circular day walks, making it easy to dip in for just a few hours.

Of course, you don’t need to do it all at once. Most people explore the path in sections, ticking off favourite stretches over months or even years. There are also countless short circular walks, perfect for day trips or family adventures.

If you’re looking for inspiration, The Guardian has highlighted five of the most glorious sections, with incredible sea views and gorgeous West Country scenery at every turn.

Landscapes that Change with Every Step

One of the great joys of the South West Coast Path is how dramatically the scenery shifts as you move through its four counties.

• Somerset: Starting at Minehead, the path crosses the wild edge of Exmoor, with sweeping moorland views and ancient wooded valleys.
• North Devon: Here you’ll find towering cliffs – including Great Hangman, England’s highest sea cliff at 1,043 feet – and wide sandy beaches that feel made for surfers.
• Cornwall: Perhaps the most iconic section, with rugged Atlantic headlands, secret coves, and landmarks like Lizard Point, the most southerly spot in mainland Britain.
• South Devon: Softer landscapes await here, with rolling green hills, riverside paths, and chocolate-box villages.
• Dorset: The trail ends with the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for fossils, dramatic chalk cliffs, and the natural limestone arch of Durdle Door.

Every mile feels different, and every day brings new discoveries.

Natural Wonders and Wildlife

The path is a paradise for nature lovers. Seals can often be spotted basking on rocks, while dolphins and porpoises play in the waves. Birdwatchers may glimpse peregrine falcons, gannets, or even puffins in certain seasons.

The flora is equally rewarding. In spring, clifftops are alive with wildflowers, while late summer brings a blaze of purple heather and golden gorse. Autumn storms transform the sea into a dramatic backdrop, perfect for those who enjoy the coast at its wildest.

A Journey Through History

Walking the path is like stepping through time. Along the way you’ll encounter:

• Iron Age hillforts and prehistoric settlements.
• Medieval castles guarding strategic headlands.
• Abandoned tin mines in Cornwall, part of another UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape.
• Stories of shipwrecks and smugglers, woven into the folklore of every village and cove.

Every footstep has a tale, and the route feels alive with echoes of the past.

Supporting Coastal Communities

The South West Coast Path is not only a gift to walkers but also to the local economy. A 2012 study found that visitors to the trail generate around £439 million each year, supporting nearly 10,000 jobs in the region. From B&Bs and campsites to traditional pubs serving fresh crab sandwiches or Cornish pasties, walking the path helps sustain the communities you pass through.

Why It Captures the Imagination

What makes the South West Coast Path so special is the way it blends challenge, beauty, history, and community. Few trails in the world offer such a mix of landscapes – from windswept moors to fossil cliffs, from hidden smugglers’ coves to lively fishing harbours.

It’s more than just a walk; it’s an immersion into the story of England’s coast.

So whether you’re taking a gentle stroll on a sunny afternoon or setting out on the adventure of a lifetime to walk all 630 miles, the South West Coast Path will leave you with memories as endless and unforgettable as the sea itself.

Featured image: Sculpture marking start of South West Coast Path in Minehead.

The post Walking the South West Coast Path appeared first on Fethiye Times.

One of these is the Making Space for Sand (MS4S) project, part of the £200 million Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation Programme (FCRIP) funded by Defra. The project aims to find better ways of living with coastal change—encouraging a natural, ecosystem-based approach to managing our shores.

Cornwall’s Ever-Changing Sand Dunes

Cornwall’s sandy dune systems are a striking contrast to the rugged cliffs that dominate much of the county’s coastline. Unlike cliffs, dunes are always shifting—never truly “finished.” The sea can wash parts of them away while also bringing fresh sand to build them up again. At the same time, the wind constantly changes direction and strength, moving sand in unpredictable ways.

Although they cover only about 2% of Cornwall, sand dunes are incredibly important. They act as natural sea defences, helping to absorb the power of waves and protect inland areas from flooding. They are also rich habitats for wildlife, home to rare plants, insects, and birds, as well as being places of cultural history and recreation.

Sharing the Story of the Dunes

To help raise awareness, The 2 Minute Foundation, with support from Making Space for Sand, has produced a series of short films about Cornwall’s dunes. These films explore:

• How dunes are formed
• Why they matter for coastal protection and biodiversity
• The role they play in tackling climate change

With stunning visuals and expert insights, the series highlights the urgent need to restore and protect these fragile ecosystems. Each episode is a reminder that dunes are living landscapes—constantly shaped by the elements, but vulnerable to human impact.

👉 You can watch the full series below.

Making Space for Sand

The 2 Minute Foundation

CoastSnap: Science Powered by People

At the heart of MS4S is CoastSnap, a global community science project. CoastSnap began in 2017 at the University of New South Wales in Australia and has since spread across five continents. The idea is simple: use repeat photographs, taken by the public, to track how coastlines change over time.

Think about it—every day, thousands of people take photos of the beach on their smartphones. CoastSnap turns those everyday snaps into valuable scientific data.

How It Works

As part of MS4S, 23 CoastSnap stations have been installed at key dune beaches around Cornwall. Each station includes:

• A fixed camera cradle for smartphones
• An easy-to-follow instruction sign

Visitors simply place their phone in the cradle, take a photo, and upload it. These photos are then processed and added to a growing image library.

Why It Matters

The photos collected reveal both long-term changes—like dune retreat or advance—and short-term impacts from storm events. By comparing thousands of images, scientists at South West Coastal Monitoring (SWCM) and other partners can track patterns, create storm impact visualisations, and better understand coastal erosion.

But this isn’t just science for scientists. Each person who takes part becomes part of a global network, helping to build resilience and understanding of our ever-changing coastline.

Looking Ahead

Projects like MS4S and CoastSnap show how community action and innovation can come together to tackle climate change. By working with nature, and each other, we can prepare for the challenges ahead—while helping to protect the places we love most.

Take action today:

Snap a photo at your nearest CoastSnap station and join the global community tracking coastlines.

Watch the dune films and learn how to protect these vital ecosystems: Making Space for Sand | The 2 Minute Foundation

By working together, we can ensure Cornwall’s coastlines remain vibrant, resilient, and inspiring for generations to come.

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