Things to see and do at Sandymouth

A view of the sandy beach at Sandymouth, Cornwall, with rocks in the foreground, a cliff visible on the left and the sea in the distance — The beach at Sandymouth | © National Trust Images / Jon Gerrish

Sandymouth is a popular and unspoilt beach but like the other beaches north of Bude it can be very tidal. Here's some information that will help you plan your visit so you don't get caught out and also discover what’s on offer for you to do during your visit.

Mind the tides at Sandymouth

Sandymouth, Northcott Mouth and Duckpool beaches are very tidal, which means at high tide the sea covers a majority of the beach.

As it's easy for the tides to take us by surprise it’s a good idea to check ahead the tide times before your arrival.

Check the predicted tide times for the Bude area before you visit.

Lifeguard service

RNLI lifeguard cover is in place at Sandymouth from 18 May to 29 September, 2024 (10am-6pm). You can find more information on staying safe here.

A view looking down from the cliff top at a stretch of sandy beach, with rocks visible at the cliff base, a glimpse the sea and distant walkers on the sand — A view of the beach at Sandymouth | © National Trust Images / Chris Lacey

Best time to visit?

It all depends on what you’re planning to do. If you’re hoping to spend a long day on the beach then the advice is to try arriving an hour or two before low tide. At low tide there’s usually the most sand and rock pools to observe.

Remember that the coast is a dynamic environment and constantly changing; the sand can be moved around by the tides and sea condition so no one can predict exactly what the beach will look like each day. This is part of the magic of the coast.

Returning safely

Remember to give yourself plenty of time to get back to the beach entrance before the incoming tide comes in. Getting cut off is more easily done than you might think.

Visitor walking with their dog along the clifftop at Sandymouth, Cornwall — Walking on the cliffs at Sandymouth | © National Trust Images/Ben Selway

Where to walk at Sandymouth

There are a couple of enjoyable walking trails to enjoy at Sandymouth. The Sandymouth to Duckpool coastal walk follows the South West Coast Path to Duckpool before returning along the same route. Views stretch far along the coast, with the clifftops adorned with wildflowers during the summer months.

Meanwhile the Sandymouth to Stowe Wood circular walk offers contrasting landscapes as it follows dramatic coastline to Duckpool before heading inland along a wooded valley, through the centuries-old Stowe Wood before heading back to Sandymouth. This route is also ideal for birdwatchers – look out for blackcaps, linnets and stonechats.

Livestock grazing

Cattle and sheep can be found grazing in the cliff top fields throughout the year. Please be alert, particularly if walking with dogs when lambs could be present.