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Surf Pods and Camping at Atlantic F…

90%
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· Bude, Cornwall, England
1 acre hosted by Atlantic P.
15 glamping pitches · 26 motorhome/tent pitches
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Creature comforts
Enjoy the comforts of home at some sites—including flush toilets, showers, and a kitchen.
Best in South West England: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.
Glamping near Bude, with eye-catching eco-pods, a staggering treehouse for couples and traditional tent camping

Set within easy reach of Bude's pumping surf scene, this singular south west retreat can arguably lay claim to some of Cornwall's most eye-catching glamping accommodation. While operating a separate field for 50 or so grass tent pitches (with optional electric hook-up), it's the luxury camping that steals the show here.

For starters, there's the eponymous oval pods. Ingeniously designed, these green-roofed wooden cabins come kitted out with king-sized beds, heated showers and solar-powered lighting, not to mention all the essentials from cooking gear and a cool-box to lean futons for extra pod-mates.

Although they aren’t exactly surfside, these luxury abodes come close enough, with the beach and town just a 20 minute walk away. And lets face it, after a battle with the Atlantic swell, these trendy little eco-pods offer superior comfort and protection from the elements than a sand-blasted tent on the beach.

Next up, the Atlantic Treehouse is a staggering feat of arboreal architecture. The spacious timber-framed house features bi-fold glazed doors, a perfectly proportioned balcony, and a clear translucent roof on its north side, with the central trunk forking right up through the structure and providing shade on the south section. Despite its eco-credentials, couples in the canopy are not short of mod-cons with a double bed, state-of-the-art heating, LED lighting, kettle, combi-microwave, and electric cool box, plus a firepit, barbecue and private bathroom with a 'secret al fresco shower' on the ground level. And, from six metres up, the views across the rolling green countryside to Widemouth Bay are stunning.

Although luxurious, there's a charming quirkiness to Atlantic Surf Pods. The spin-off business of an ex seashell-trader, there’s plenty of shell-themed décor and a shell shop and workshop onsite, which can be a brilliant distraction when the surf’s flat, the kids are bored or, on that rare occasion that Cornwall is hit by rain.

Gone are the days when 'roughing it' was non-negotiable if you wanted to dip a toe in the surfing lifestyle Cornwall is so famous for (although if you still yearn for a spot of traditional tent camping, the field next door offers some of the best in the region). In fact, flopped on a giant beanbag, the gas barbecue alight and a cold beer in hand, initiation to ‘surf-camping’ can be positively luxurious.

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90%
62 Ratings · 45 reviews
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Janine R.doesn't recommend
August 18, 2023
Electric Pitch
Nice site but facilities not good
Facilities are too basic. Too far from Bude. Nice site though.
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Joanna M.recommends
August 17, 2023
111 - Samphire (11) - Seapink (1)
5 days at surf pods
Really loved our stay at the surf pods- such a wonderful relaxing holiday ☀️
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Lucy C.recommends
August 16, 2023
Atlantic Treehouse
Great Campsite, Wonderful Staff
The campsite staff and the site are glorious! They really have thought of everything to make your stay hassle free. We ended up in one of the surf pods which are roomy and light, have lovely comfy king sized beds, weber BBQs, all the cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils you could need and their own private shower room and toilet to boot. I'd highly recommend a visit!
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Jasmine P.doesn't recommend
July 31, 2023
Grass Pitch
Nice campsite, wouldn’t stay again
The campsite itself is lovely and mostly tidy, however, when we asked if we could please check-in early we were told no as staff needed to check the pitch and cut the grass. After we checked in, there were a few large dog poops still on our pitch and other pitches, which weren’t cleared up until after we had set up our tent. This also made it obvious that the checks hadn’t actually been carried out, nor the grass cut as it was raining. The majority of the staff were nice however there was one particular member of staff who made us feel unwelcome and her attitude left us disappointed. The location is very close to Bude (5 minute drive) and a good base but, again, spending time in the campsite where certain members of staff also seem to live made us feel uncomfortable. It’s a shame that this was the case as if it were not for this, we would have definitely enjoyed our stay more and wanted to come back.
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Rob S.doesn't recommend
July 2, 2023
Electric Pitch
Sanitair below standard
The pitch is set up beautifully on a good location. However the sanitary services were below standard. Going to the toilets resulted in getting wet, since the roof was leaking. Showers missed simple accessories to keep your clothes dry. We left a day early
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Melanie F.
May 9, 2023
Electric Pitch
This site is a really mixed bag. Perfect location for Bude and the north Cornwall beaches, the grounds and camping areas are immaculate. The pods look amazing and as a camper I was envious that we didn’t get to experience them. There are lots of details (picnic tables with umbrellas for the pods) to make an enjoyable stay. The toilets and showers are perfectly functional but don’t quite match the same standard and there is a lot of noise from the A39 so it’s not a quiet site. I think if it had been busier (maybe 5% occupancy) this review might be different but based on our stay I would definitely camp here again because overall it was an enjoyable stay with no problems.
Location
Bude, Cornwall, England, United KingdomTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Atlantic P.Joined in July 2011
From the host
Atlantic Camping is situated back from the Atlantic Highway on the Cornish Coast a few minutes drive from the main surfing beaches of Crooklets, Summerleaze and Widemouth Bay. The campsite is a clean tranquil setting for you to enjoy your holiday. We are within easy reach of the rest of Cornwall so, you can park the car for the whole week and just relax or for the more adventurous, we are ideally located for exploring the myths and legends across Cornwall. Atlantic Camping is a small, family-run farm campsite. Many of our guests return time after time and it is camping as you may remember it as a child. If you are looking for a peaceful friendly campsite, where children can play safely just a mile from the beach, then you will love it here Atlantic Surf Pods, each pod is a livable, spacious capsule, insulated to the highest degree, featuring under floor heating in the off season months to take the chill off colder nights, meaning they are comfortable all year round. They sit nestled amongst the lush and undulating landscaped lawns, each with its individual decked area, with gas barbecue-oven and outdoor furniture, a private external wet room, featuring a heated shower, flushing toilet and hand basin. Perfect as an escape from daily life! Our Bell Tents - new for 2019 are a small group of 5m Bell Tents, surrounding a Firepit area.
Nearby attractions

Bude is all about beaches and surfing: Summerleaze, Crooklets, Widemouth Bay and Sandymouth being the four main breaks, all within 10–15 minutes’ drive. Surfing outfits include Outdoor Adventure (01288 362900), which also runs coasteering sessions. If you prefer activities on terra firma, Bude Bike Hire will give you the low-down on cycle routes along the canal and coast (07749 408100).

Food and drink

For wholesome grub and a pint, the pick of the pubs are The Brendon Arms (01288 354542) and The Bencoolen Inn (01288 354694) and The Falcon (01288 352005), all close to the heart of Bude. The River Life Café and Bistro at Petherick’s Mill is one of the closest restaurants to the site for good, reasonably-priced cuisine (01288 355994).

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