Bude Tunnel: Hours, Address, Bude Tunnel Reviews: 4.5/5
Bude Tunnel
Bude Tunnel
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
The only tunnel Bude has to offer is open to the public free of charge, walk from the Sainsbury's car park to Crooklets Road completely undercover, protected from the elements whilst maintaining your view to the spectacular surroundings of Bude. Consisting of 36 metal arches and over 70m long, nowhere else in Bude can you walk this far undercover in a continuos straight line, all ages are welcome
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
1,121 reviews
Excellent
985
Very good
44
Average
21
Poor
14
Terrible
57
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Bath, UK55 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
If you've done the Channel Tunnel, the Seikan Tunnel, the Dramen Spiral - this is the one to top them all! On one level, almost mundane and pedestrian. But for those with true vision, it's a marvel. Architecturally nuanced (witness the building-related kink); sensitively restored (see the glued perspex and missing panels); a hub of human activity (trolleys, tourists, locals, litter); a representation of all that's good and bad in our society. A towering achievement that deserves Listed status! One note of caution - the gift shop has no memorabilia as such.
Written 25 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Salukie
3 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Breathtaking and worth the trip. Led to a rather large spend in the “gift” shop. We admired the restoration work that had taken place but there was clearly more to do.
Written 24 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
jamesc86
Liverpool, UK47 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Some people say don’t meet your idols…some say don’t visit your dreams..as they will only be a let down…not this place! By far the greatest tunnel I’ve come across. I’ve seen the Giza pyramids, the Great Wall of China and this has to be up there…what…a…place…check out the Sainsbury’s why you are there too
Written 21 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Cidermonster
121 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
In the weeks before our visit the excitement was palpable, we’d heard so much about it and seen such amazing photos that we were slightly nervous that it couldn’t possibly live up to such high expectations.
We’re very glad to be able to report that it was as truly stupendous as we’d hoped, in truth words failed us, there’s little that can prepare you for the perspex grandeur and majesty that is the Bude tunnel, it truly is second to none. We’ve been fortunate to see some incredible sights, the blue mosque in Istanbul, Glaciers in Iceland, the landscape of cappadocia to name a few but they’re all put in the shade by this marvel of the modern world. If you’re visiting the U.K., you have have have to put it top of your to do list.
We’re very glad to be able to report that it was as truly stupendous as we’d hoped, in truth words failed us, there’s little that can prepare you for the perspex grandeur and majesty that is the Bude tunnel, it truly is second to none. We’ve been fortunate to see some incredible sights, the blue mosque in Istanbul, Glaciers in Iceland, the landscape of cappadocia to name a few but they’re all put in the shade by this marvel of the modern world. If you’re visiting the U.K., you have have have to put it top of your to do list.
Written 19 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Will H
3 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
In many ways the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little, yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgement. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read.
But, the bitter truth we critics must face is that, in the grand scheme of things... the average piece of junk is probably more meaningful than our criticism designating it so. But there are times when a critic truly risks something... and that is in the discovery and defence of the new.
The world is often unkind to new talent, new creations. The new needs friends.
Last night I experienced something new, an extraordinary amble through a singularly unexpected source. To say that both the tunnel and its maker have challenged my preconceptions about Perspex architecture, is a gross understatement-- they have rocked me to my core.
In the past I have made no secret of my disdain for frequent Sainsbury's collaborator Jamie Oliver and his famous motto: "The whole idea is to earn the flavour. No one gives it to you.". But I realize only now do I truly understand what he meant. You have to earn the experience of Bude tunnel. Nothing else will give it to you.
It is difficult to imagine more humble origins than those of the work of genius now residing beside the Bude Sainsbury's, which is, in this critic’s opinion, nothing less than the finest tunnel in the world.
I will be returning to Bude soon, hungry for more.
But, the bitter truth we critics must face is that, in the grand scheme of things... the average piece of junk is probably more meaningful than our criticism designating it so. But there are times when a critic truly risks something... and that is in the discovery and defence of the new.
The world is often unkind to new talent, new creations. The new needs friends.
Last night I experienced something new, an extraordinary amble through a singularly unexpected source. To say that both the tunnel and its maker have challenged my preconceptions about Perspex architecture, is a gross understatement-- they have rocked me to my core.
In the past I have made no secret of my disdain for frequent Sainsbury's collaborator Jamie Oliver and his famous motto: "The whole idea is to earn the flavour. No one gives it to you.". But I realize only now do I truly understand what he meant. You have to earn the experience of Bude tunnel. Nothing else will give it to you.
It is difficult to imagine more humble origins than those of the work of genius now residing beside the Bude Sainsbury's, which is, in this critic’s opinion, nothing less than the finest tunnel in the world.
I will be returning to Bude soon, hungry for more.
Written 12 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
John E
2 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
I visited Bude and had the pleasure of experiencing the tunnel for the first time.
It is Budes no3 visitors attraction.
What a tunnel
What a Sainsbury’s
It is Budes no3 visitors attraction.
What a tunnel
What a Sainsbury’s
Written 12 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
adam j
Nottingham, UK11 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Often attractions don’t live up to the hype. Bude tunnel surpassed anything I could have dreamt of, I’ve seen the seven wonders of the world, and whilst most of them are ridden with litter and a bit run down, Bude tunnel was impeccable both in character and presentation.
Written 5 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Wanas
Leeds, UK8 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
It is the best tunnel in the world. Every step through it felt spectacular and steeped in engineering history. The authentic partially rusted white supports juxtaposed alongside the modern perspex sheets made me think of the postmodern considerations of the Architects.
An absolute must see, steeped in character and Cornish personality
An absolute must see, steeped in character and Cornish personality
Written 5 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Felicity W
Truro, UK9 contributions
Is there a dress code? Me and my 5 kids, Aiden, Jayden, Kayden, Hayden, Okayden, only wear Kappa knock offs from my mate PJ. Also bonus points if I can get some cheap White Lightening near by.
Dave
3 contributions
Best enjoyed naked, smeared in fishpaste from the discount aisle in the local sainsburys. At least in my opinion.
Carl J
Birmingham, UK46 contributions
This lovely. I have two very active children. Are there any special events or activities planned for the half term ( trolley racing?) How long will it keep them occupied? Are there any food and drink op?
th0har
Cologne, Germany7 contributions
Hi 715carlj, there are no events, I mean, when would you need them, they would only detract from the experience? As to catering, there is a spotty teenager in a hoodie who sells poor quality Class A drugs most weekend evenings in section 4. I also once found a half-eaten scotch egg in one of the trolleys so maybe you could tell your kids it's a scavenger hunt...?
mike h
2 contributions
Is there any chance that a mild north westerly breeze could turn into a "vortex" of sorts?
I am concerned that the enclosed nature of the structure may literally "take my breath away".
Whilst I don't have any known asthmatic issues I can get breathless when confronted with beauty.
Philip K
Argyll and Bute, UK7 contributions
Hi Mike. I'm unable to reassure you that the tunnel can not be subject to sudden vortices, but it is well worth the risk. I can think of few better places to be introduced to sudden air movements, and personally recommend its genuinely breathtaking ambience.
N1603MWpaulf
Epworth, UK52 contributions
As someone that suffers from clausophobia, which is not related to claustrophobia, can I be assured I won't encounter Santa in the tunnel, even at Xmas time? I don't want to have to out run his Tow-Missile again.
TucoRich
Hong Kong, China110 contributions
The unique, architecturally brilliant Perspex design means that even deep in to the tunnel, claustrophobia should not be a concern but as with all similar structures, it’s not recommended for individuals suffering with Gephyrophobia or any kind of tunnel vision
Say what you see
London, UK143 contributions
Is there a dress code for thisattraction and do you need to book a slot?
Doug
Keston, UK5 contributions
Smart casual is acceptable, booking is advised during high season.
I suppose the wonderful lights of the tunnel are only to see in the evening?
Does anybody know when it will start in July??
Michael N
1 contribution
The lights will automatically turn on as soon as the switch is triggered. This usually happens when it's beginning to go dark as well as when the local town has a fair.
Hope this helps
Best
James 647
Birmingham, UK1 contribution
Is it possible to book tickets in advance for this attraction? We are also interested in knowing what time the guided tours are. I am travelling from the Midlands with my family during peak season and wish to guarantee availability. My children are excited and I don't want them to miss this opportunity.
Elke
Vienna, Austria39 contributions
😂
DaveBKiddy
Bradford54 contributions
Is this attraction suitable for people with mobility problems? Would it appeal to young children and is there a picnic area/ cafe in the tunnel itself?
featherfusions
Bradworthy, UK25 contributions
Completely accessible. Small children will be disappointed with anything ever after experiencing this. You can find refreshments at the end of the tunnel as long as it before 8pm when Cornwall closes. Picnic wise? I fear you may get a lot of tutting and maybe ran over a little.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bude Tunnel
- Bude Tunnel is open:
- Sun - Sat 00:00 - 23:59
- Hotels near Bude Tunnel:
- (0.06 km) Wooda Farm Holiday Park
- (0.14 km) Sunrise
- (0.08 km) The Grosvenor Guest House
- (0.13 km) The Edgcumbe
- (0.16 km) The Beach at Bude
- Restaurants near Bude Tunnel:
- (0.12 km) Sea Fever
- (0.13 km) The Deck
- (0.17 km) The Cornish Pie Company
- (0.07 km) The Coffee Pot
- (0.16 km) The Beach at Bude