Is Bridgerule a good place to live? Yes, if you want a riverside village with a pub, shop and school, five miles from both Bude and Holsworthy. Bridgerule is in Devon, in the EX22 postcode, right on the River Tamar about a mile from the Cornish border.
Bridgerule at a glance
| Where | West Devon, Torridge district, on the River Tamar by the Cornwall border |
| Postcode | EX22 |
| To Bude | About 5 miles, around 15 minutes |
| To Holsworthy | About 5 miles, around 15 minutes |
| Nearest transport hubs | Bude or Holsworthy |
| In the village | The Bridge Inn, community shop, primary school, village hall, St Bridget’s Church, playing field |
Bridgerule can’t decide whether it’s Devon or Cornwall, and it doesn’t need to. The Tamar runs right through the village. Until 1844 the river was the county border, so the west side was Cornish. It even has a Cornish name, Ponsrowald, or Rowald’s Bridge.
Today it’s firmly Devon, but it gets the best of both: the beach at Bude one way, Holsworthy’s market the other.
Village life in Bridgerule
The Bridge Inn is the village local, a 16th-century pub by the river known for its real ales. The village hall has its own community shop, run by local volunteers, and it’s grown its range steadily since it opened. There’s a playing field too, home to the village football pitch.
Bridgerule Church of England Primary School takes children from age two, and St Bridget’s Church has stood on the Devon bank since the 15th century.
The river and the countryside
Some of the village’s best homes have gardens running down to the Tamar, and riverside wildlife comes with them. Beyond the village it’s rolling farmland in every direction, with the Tamar Lakes a short drive north for lakeside walks and water sports.
Bude’s beaches are around 15 minutes away. That’s an after-school swim, not a day trip.
Homes and house prices in Bridgerule
- A bit of history: character cottages in the village, some dating back to the 18th century, a few with gardens on the river.
- Family homes: houses and bungalows within walking distance of the school, pub and shop.
- Room to breathe: farmhouses, barns and smallholdings with land around the parish.
Your money generally goes further here than in Bude, while the beach stays within easy reach.
For the latest local figures every month, read Plot & Shore.
The honest bit
The river that makes Bridgerule pretty also floods the High Street from time to time. Check the flood risk for any home near the Tamar on the GOV.UK flood map, and ask about insurance before you offer. You’ll want a car, and secondary school means a daily trip to Holsworthy or Bude. Check the broadband and heating at the exact address too. Some homes run on oil or bottled gas.
Living in Bridgerule: quick answers
Is Bridgerule in Devon or Cornwall?
Devon. The River Tamar runs through the village and was once the border, so the west side was in Cornwall until 1844. Its postcode is EX22.
How far is Bridgerule from Bude and Holsworthy?
About five miles from each, or around 15 minutes by car.
Does Bridgerule have a pub and shop?
Yes. The Bridge Inn is a 16th-century pub, and there’s a community shop at the village hall.
What schools are near Bridgerule?
Bridgerule Church of England Primary School is in the village. For secondary, Holsworthy Community College (11 to 16) and Budehaven Community School in Bude (11 to 18) are both around 15 minutes away.
Does Bridgerule flood?
The Tamar does flood the High Street at times. Check the GOV.UK flood map for any specific address near the river.
About the author. Mat Loach has worked in estate agency for 20 years. He lives on the Devon and Cornwall border between Bude and Holsworthy, coaches junior football at Stanhope Park and is a governor at Holsworthy Primary School.
Sources: Bridgerule Parish Council; GENUKI; bridgerule.co.uk; The Post; Department for Education; Wikipedia.
Fancy a look round?
If you’re thinking about a move to Bridgerule, I’m always happy to chat it through over a coffee. No pitch, just a local view.