Bude is a marvellous location from which to investigate the pleasures of Devon and Cornwall. Particularly when holiday cottages to rent nowadays in many cases are so lavish. This summer UK tourists wanting a staycation with a difference are rushing to book self-catering holidays in the relaxed Westcountry. So what is available in and around Bude for summer 2011? And which are the greatest nearby attractions?

Numerous cottages in the UK's much-loved holiday counties are pet friendly, and that means you can bring your best furry friend with you. There is plenty of opportunity for family friendly self-catering and a few luxury cottages also come with a heated outdoor pool. Choose yours carefully and you may even end up benefiting from an all private woods, an all weather tennis court and dedicated youngsters' play areas. Acres upon acres of well maintained gardens with aromatic, exquisitely planted landscapes and smooth lawns. Wonderful!

Take picturesque Bridgerule, only a few miles away from Bude itself. Close by Bude's surfer's heaven, each one of the regions beaches are breathtaking. Widemouth Bay as well as the charming South West coastal path are just ten minutes drive away. And there's 4 star luxury self catering accommodation in the heart of the village at Glebe House, a group of stunning Georgian properties of durable stone with wooden beams, traditional studded doors and a warm, agreeable atmosphere. Well behaved pets are welcome too, by arrangement, and that's really good news if the little ones can't bear to go on holiday without their dog.

Wherever you holiday there is plenty to do in the area and not too much further afield from the numerous alluring holiday cottages in the countries balmiest holiday paradise. There's countryside shows with displays of artistry, farm animals, riding events, stalls with local produce, fairground rides and entertainment for the little ones. There's the Bude Jazz festival in the last week of August. There is the historic Bude Canal, dug from the tough earth to transport coal, sand and limestone to remote outlying areas for soil improvement. There's the old Museum, in times past a smithy. And, naturally, there's always exceptional food.

Food afficionados take pleasure in self catering cottages in the Westcountry. Previously a culinary no mans land, Britain happens to be solidly on the world-wide foodie map and, to prove the point, you'll find gastro-pubs and exceptional eateries almost everywhere. You can partake of some of the finest Indian food in the region. Taste delicious locally caught fish. Or visit one of the areas numerous laid back surf-style cafes and diners, suppliers of great fast food to hungry surfers and water sports lovers from all around the planet!

The tea rooms of Cornwall and Devon are renowned for cream teas. There's a multitude of really great farm B&B's and country house hotels. And fascinating places such as Tintagel, Boscastle, Clovelly and Padstow are all in easy reach for care-free days out exploring in the sunshine. How about a last minute visit to the Westcountry? It is often worth a go. However it's almost certainly better to reserve self catering Cornwallor Devon early, especially if you plan to be close to the coast!