May is one of our favourite times of year here at Wooda Farm Holiday Park. The hedgerows are bursting into bloom, the sun lingers longer in the evenings, and the local area starts to buzz with spring and early summer events. If you’re visiting Bude this May—or thinking about booking a last-minute Cornish escape—there’s so much to look forward to.

From bustling craft markets and foodie festivals to live music and scenic walks, Bude offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere and plenty to see and do for the whole family. Here’s your guide to what’s on in Bude this May.

Bude Farmers’ & Craft Markets

No trip to Bude is complete without a wander through the town’s much-loved local markets. Taking place every Friday on the Wharf (near the canal), from April to September, these open-air markets showcase the very best of North Cornwall’s independent producers, artists, and makers.

You’ll find:

• Fresh bread, cheese, and locally grown veg
• Hand-poured candles and homewares
• Jewellery, woodwork, and coastal-inspired gifts
• Local gins, ciders, chutneys and more

Grab a takeaway coffee, pick up a picnic, or simply enjoy the relaxed, friendly atmosphere and live acoustic music that often plays in the background. It’s a lovely way to support local businesses and take a little piece of Cornwall home with you.

Dog-Friendly Days Out

May is a brilliant time to bring your four-legged friends to Cornwall, and Bude is one of the most dog-welcoming towns around. Most of our beaches allow dogs either all year or with limited restrictions.

Highlights include:

• Beach walks at Widemouth Bay (dog-friendly all year at the southern end)
• Pet-friendly cafés like The Beach House or Life’s a Beach, which welcome dogs with water bowls and treats
• A stroll along Bude Canal Towpath, perfect for easy walks with older dogs

At Wooda, we’ve got designated dog-friendly holiday homes, camping pitches, and plenty of space for sniff-worthy adventures on site, too.

Garden Open Days & Spring Wildlife

If you love exploring Cornwall’s gardens, May is the perfect time to visit. Many local gardens host spring open days or seasonal events celebrating the very best of the region’s horticulture.

Some nearby gems include:

• RHS Rosemoor – A peaceful escape just over the Devon border, bursting with tulips, bluebells and wild garlic in May.
• Hartland Abbey Gardens – With wooded valleys, walled gardens, and stunning rhododendrons, this is a great spot for a spring day out.
• Tamar Lakes Nature Reserve – Not a garden as such, but a fantastic place for spring wildlife watching and lakeside strolls.

Many of these venues also offer tearooms or local produce shops, so they’re ideal for a relaxed half-day out.

Outdoor Activities & Adventures

With the warmer weather returning, May marks the start of the outdoor adventure season in Cornwall. Whether you’re looking to try something new or just get back out in nature, there’s no shortage of fun to be had.

Here are just a few ideas:

• Surf lessons with local schools at Crooklets or Summerleaze Beach
• Stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking on the canal or at Tamar Lakes
• Coasteering and sea swimming for the thrill-seekers
• Walking the South West Coast Path, with wildflowers in full bloom and the sea sparkling beside you

For families, there’s also the Bude Sea Pool—a safe, open-air tidal pool perfect for early-season dips. The sea may still be a little bracing, but it’s incredibly refreshing!

Why Visit Bude in May?

Visiting Cornwall in May offers the best of both worlds: quieter beaches and attractions before the summer crowds arrive, but with warmer days and longer evenings that make everything feel like summer’s just beginning.

At Wooda, May is a wonderful time to unwind:

• The park is full of colour and wildlife
• Our full host of facilities open from May Half Term
• You’ll find space to explore without the hustle of high summer
• There’s still availability in our luxury holiday homes, lodges and touring pitches

Whether you’re planning a half-term escape, a romantic weekend away, or a spring break with friends or your dog, you’ll find plenty to keep you smiling this May.

Plan Your May Holiday in Cornwall

There’s so much to look forward to in Bude this May, from community festivals to wildflower walks and surf lessons. Whether you’re joining us for the events or simply want to enjoy the views, we’d love to welcome you to Wooda Farm Holiday Park.

Check availability and book your May holiday in Cornwall here>