The Beach

The old, pointy-gabled Victorian Summerleaze Court Hotel hardly knows itself these days, with its cool New England style and sunny terrace above a sandy surfers’ beach. It has a 'smart, metropolitan' feel, a reader writes, and ‘I could not fault the warm and helpful welcome, and the lovely situation'. The bedrooms, though they vary in size and outlook, are light and rather sleek; all have a king or super-king-size bed, soft-hued decor, limed oak furniture, Lloyd Loom chairs, ‘splendid baths and showers’. One is on the ground floor; a lift serves the first and second floors. Rear-facing rooms have walk-in or over-bath showers. Superior sea-facing rooms have a Juliet balcony, while deluxe rooms have a private terrace or are extra-spacious. Be selective when you book and take advantage of the lovely location – one reader was disappointed with a room that, although very spacious, did not have a view. The bar and restaurant, with a sea-facing prospect, are run by Elements, with people-pleasing, Italian-inspired menus. Bude’s 1930s tidal pool offers warm, safe bathing if you’re daunted by the mighty Atlantic.