Lover’s Bench

There's a bench on the cliffs near Bude where couples have carved their initials for decades. That's Lover's Bench - not much to look at really, just weathered wood and stone overlooking the Atlantic, but it's become something of a pilgrimage spot for people wanting to mark their relationship in a slightly romantic, slightly tacky way.

The appeal is straightforward: the views are genuinely impressive from up here, and there's something about the ritual of it that works. You walk out from Bude itself, find the bench, and if you're the sentimental type, you carve or write your names. The sea churns below. It's windswept and raw rather than genteel.

Honestly, it's worth the stroll if you're based nearby, but don't make a special trip. The real draw is the clifftop walk itself - you get proper coastal scenery, and depending on the season, decent chances of seeing wildlife. Families with older kids will enjoy the hike more than young ones; toddlers will find it a bit of a slog and there's not much to occupy them once you arrive.

It works brilliantly as part of a longer coastal walk rather than a destination in itself. If you're staying at Wooda Farm Holiday Park or Atlantic Horizons, both within easy reach, you could easily combine it with a wider exploration of the Bude coastline. Go on a clear day if possible - the bench matters far less than the setting.