What's On at The Castle
Throughout the year, The Castle, owned by Bude-Stratton Town Council, hosts a diverse programme of events, offering interesting talks, workshops, and activities for all ages. From children to adults, there’s something for everyone to enjoy while celebrating our local heritage.
Our flagship celebration, the Bude & Stratton Heritage Festival, remains the highlight of the year, bringing the community together to explore the history, culture, and stories of the area.
Events take place across The Castle, The Castle Lawn, Bude Library, and The Parkhouse Centre, with most activities free, though some may have a small charge for materials or entry.
Stay up to date with all our events and seasonal programmes by viewing our What’s On Guide as well as following us on social media, either through Facebook or Instagram.
There are three ways to view our ‘FREE‘, What’s On Guide. Full of events and offers at The Castle Heritage Centre this season and beyond. Our programmes are open all year round. For more information see your options below and get in contact if you require assistance on anything at: thecastle@bude-stratton.gov.uk
Art Exhibitions
Be inspired by who is currently exhibiting in one of our two gallery spaces. You can download our latest Art Exhibition brochure for more information about art at The Castle. Check out our online guide above for who is currently exhibiting at The Castle.
Exhibits
Visit our museum exhibits and learn about trains, boats, heroes, heroines and much more as you search The Castle for stories and local tales of Bude and Beyond! Don’t forget to pick up your Castle Detective Activity Sheet for a full family fun filled visit!
Castle Tours
Explore Bude’s iconic Castle with Heritage Curator Janine King, discovering its 1830 origins under inventor Sir Goldsworthy Gurney, unique artefacts, rich local stories, the building’s history, and the lives of its former residents past today.
Featured Talk
Discover the gripping tale of Richard “Doctor Dick” Pascoe, a notorious quack who divided Victorian Cornwall. Join storyteller Will Hazell for a vivid journey into scandal, secrets, and moral ambiguity in this lively, music-laced event.
Featured Talk
Join Tracey Norman to uncover Devon’s hidden witchcraft cases. Explore forgotten stories, reactions, and folklore beyond the Bideford Witches, revealing Victorian and Edwardian fears, beliefs, and attitudes.
February Half Term Fun!
Join Emma Banford’s Nature Mask Workshop this half-term! Kids aged 3+ will craft animal masks from natural and recycled materials, exploring colour, texture, and creativity in a fun, hands-on, playful mixed-media art session.
Join Janie for the free Fun with Fossils activity—no booking needed—on Tuesday 17th and Thursday 19th February. Explore fossils, discover fascinating facts, take rubbings, and search the museum for our very own fossil fish!
Take part in the Castle Detective activity for £2! Explore the museum, uncover exciting facts, follow the Gurney and art trails, find objects, and tackle word-finder challenges. Pick up your sheet from Café Limelight on the first floor.
Live Music - Ezmay Grace
Welcome to our annual Winter Programme of live music by local talented musicians. This is a free event, which is based in The Willoughby Gallery, so pop along and grab a hot drinks and sweet treat from the café as you soak in the Sunday vibes!
On Sunday 8th February, Ezmay Grace will be joining us to sing at our Acoustic, Coffee and Cake Event from 1.30pm until 3.30pm.
Please note that The Willoughby Gallery is a general no dog zone (however, coasted assistance dogs are always welcome).
Live Music - Mark Ben Wilson
Welcome to our annual Winter Programme of live music by local talented musicians. This is a free event, which is based in The Willoughby Gallery, so pop along and grab a hot drinks and sweet treat from the café as you soak in the Sunday vibes!
On Sunday 22nd February, Mark Ben Wilson will be joining us to sing at our Acoustic, Coffee and Cake Event from 1.30pm until 3.30pm.
Please note that The Willoughby Gallery is a general no dog zone (however, coasted assistance dogs are always welcome).
Live Music - Daisy Mae
Welcome to our annual Winter Programme of live music by local talented musicians. This is a free event, which is based in The Willoughby Gallery, so pop along and grab a hot drinks and sweet treat from the café as you soak in the Sunday vibes!
On Sunday 1st March, Daisy Mae will be joining us to sing at our Acoustic, Coffee and Cake Event from 1.30pm until 3.30pm.
Please note that The Willoughby Gallery is a general no dog zone (however, coasted assistance dogs are always welcome).
Live Music - Fiddlefit
Welcome to our annual Winter Programme of live music by local talented musicians. This is a free event, which is based in The Willoughby Gallery, so pop along and grab a hot drinks and sweet treat from the café as you soak in the Sunday vibes!
On Sunday 8th March, Fiddlefit will be joining us to sing at our Acoustic, Coffee and Cake Event from 1.30pm until 3.30pm.
Please note that The Willoughby Gallery is a general no dog zone (however, coasted assistance dogs are always welcome).
Plan Your Visit
We do offer room hire and at times this will cause the gallery and exhibit spaces to be unavailable from time to time. If you are planning your visit, you can check our current access for planned room closures on our website.
We will also need to do essential maintenance on the building itself, which may affect room closures, which we will include if needed.
We try to regularly update this information, if you would like to check a date in advance, please email the team at: thecastle@bude-stratton.gov.uk
UPDATED 14 January 2026
Please note that The Willoughby Gallery is a dog-free zone (with the exception of coated assistance dogs). Thank you for your understanding.
JANUARY – MARCH CLOSURES – The following dates will mean the room will be closed for the duration of the day and not available to the public.
The Willoughby Gallery: 19 Jan, 6 Feb, 15 Feb, 21 Feb, 27 Feb, 14 Mar & 22 Mar
The Blanchminster Gallery: 16 Jan, 6 Feb, 7 Feb, 14 Feb, 16 Feb, 19 Feb, 25 Feb, 27 Feb, 20 Mar & 25 Mar
Conservatory: 14 Feb
Storm Tower Room: 17 Feb, 19 Feb & 5 Mar
Castle and Café Closed: No planned closures at this time.