Heritage Centre
The Castle, steeped in history, come discover, learn and explore
The Heritage Centre is the ideal place to visit and find out about Bude and the surrounding area before setting out to explore the town, canal, wharf and beaches. It is divided into themed areas which represent key elements of our cultural heritage history. There are dedicated rooms with special exhibits around the centre, with dedicated spaces showcasing the life and achievements of Sir Goldsworthy Gurney who built The Castle in 1830.
Located across the ground and first floor of The Castle, The Heritage Centre is fully accessible to wheelchair and mobility buggy users, who can gain access to the first floor via the fully accessible lift. However, if visiting independently assistance with our doors may be required.
Please call us on 01288 357300 or email thecastle@bude-stratton.gov.uk if you wish to arrange assistance in advance of your visit.
We are always looking for volunteers to help at the front of house and inform our visitors of the wonderful history at The Castle. If you are interested in volunteering with us, please contact our Heritage Officer, Janine King. JKing@bude-stratton.gov.uk or call 01288 357304.
Our History
The Castle was built in 1830 by Sir Goldsworthy Gurney and it was the middle section of The Castle you see today. He rented the land off the Acland family and engineered a way to build his house in amongst the sand dunes.
Our Exhibits
Our award winning Heritage Centre houses artefacts and exhibits bringing the rich varied local history to life. Discover Bude’s inventive genius, Sir Goldsworthy Gurney, its unique geology, alongside a wonderful collection of Bude railway nostalgia, interactive models plus local military and maritime history.
Archives
The Castle Heritage Centre Archives is based downstairs in the Heritage Centre and is led by a team of volunteers, managed by Heritage Curator, Janine King. The archive covers Bude, Stratton and the surrounding parishes, and includes a collection of original records and documents from the legal, such as deeds, wills, and contracts, through to more personal records like school reports, photographs and postcards to a collection of newspapers, books and printed media.
