The Old Forge

The Old Forge sits right in Bude, a proper piece of local history that most visitors walk straight past without a second glance. It's a working blacksmith's forge - the real deal, not some museum recreation - and you can actually watch the smith at work if you time it right. The building itself is ancient, with those thick stone walls and a chimney that's been smoking for centuries.

What makes it worth stopping for is the simplicity of it. There's no gift shop, no entry fee, no faffing about. You turn up, peer through the open doors, and if someone's in, they'll chat to you about what they're making. The sound of hammer on anvil carries right out onto the street - genuinely atmospheric, especially on a quiet afternoon.

Families with kids tend to love it because there's something hypnotic about watching metal being shaped. Older visitors and history types will appreciate seeing a genuine trade still being practised in its original setting. Plan about twenty minutes, though you could easily spend an hour if the smith's in a chatty mood.

If you're staying at Wooda Farm Holiday Park just down the road, it's a two-minute drive into town and worth combining with a proper wander around Bude's seafront. The forge ties in nicely with a rainy-day itinerary, and it costs you nothing but time. Atlantic Surf Pods is a bit further out, but still close enough for a quick detour on your way to the beach.