Way back in 2015 – yes that really is ten years ago – I decided to post photos of the numerous benches sitting in my folders. It seemed that I was not alone and suddenly it turned into the Bench Challenge where I set a particular criterion each month and people joined in posting their bench photos. It was a lot of fun and I met a lot of wonderful bloggers through it.
Bude Benches
(please click on an image to scroll though the gallery)
This is my last bench post of the year. Once again thanks to all those who have joined me in celebrating the beautiful and not so beautiful benches around the world. Often it’s the location of the bench which is more aesthetically pleasing than the bench itself, but let’s not forget how very useful they are for the weary, the old, the romantic and the opportunity to sit and stare and take in the surroundings, listen to nature, people watch, chat with friends or even strangers or even to eat one’s lunch or read a book / newspaper / magazine / phone. And even make one a memorial to those we love.
To one and all I wish you a very happy 2026
and keep looking out for those benches!
TRAVEL WORDS 
What a great finale, Jude! I especially love the last two- looking out at the world, and looking into the canal. I know I’ve been to Bude with Dad, when I was just a teenager, but I don’t remember it at all. Sorry, but I don’t have a bench for you this week. I do have a big heap of good wishes for the year ahead. It will be a challenging one for you but you’ll make it through xx
Bude was a good choice. Despite the weather! Loads of benches too! As for the year ahead I don’t really have much choice but to get on with it. I shall be glad when spring arrives though. Winter months are challenging at the best of times.
Yes, an early Spring would be good xx
The Benches of Bude are quite lovely Jude. the views are fabulous.
Mine are more sedate
Thanks for joining in with me this year BB. It’s been fun seeing where you have been, and lovely to finish off by a rose garden. I’d love to see that in bloom.
One year I’ll brave the cold and get the winter gardens of Toowoomba. My daughters birthday is in September, the same time the Floral Festival is on
Does she live in Toowoomba then?
Yes she does
This has been a great challenge Jude, even if I’ve not always joined in. And well done for keeping it going in the worst of circumstances. This new year will be a challenge as you continue to reset your life. But lots of positive thoughts and good wishes as you set forth into 2026. Here’s my bench-that’s-not-a-bench. https://margaret21.com/2025/12/28/a-final-bench-for-the-bench-challenge/
Ah, well, most of the benches were scheduled. Just a few to add at the end as I discovered new ones. I really am going to have to stop photographing them. Or else have a running challenge going!
This year is going to be a challenge. I’m trying not to think too much about it and just go with the flow at the moment. I have a couple of ideas for this blog, but haven’t done an awful lot about them yet.
Yes, there wil be challenges ahead for you Jude. I sense that the blog is a bit of a release from the day-to-day for you, but you can always ignore us for a while if you need to. We ain’t going anywhere! Well, most of us aren’t …
These are wonderful. I echo the statements made above by my fellow bloggers. However, for selfish reasons I hope you continue this challenge. I have lots more and am always finding benches to share.
Happy New Year dear Jude. I hope your loved ones are holding you tight.
Thanks Dawn, I appreciate you joining me this year. I will most likely have the occasional bench to share, but I am not going to have a regular challenge. Maybe in 5 years time?
Never having heard of Bude, I looked it up.
I do have a post about it on the Cornish blog. It was an interesting weekend!
Not only a grand finale of benches, it ends the year with a bit of sunshine too! Tomorrow’s post has some benches and I’m sure all the following ones will too! I can’t help looking put for benches now.
Some sunshine among the gale force winds and rain! It was an enjoyable weekend. I am sure I shall be posting benches as I discover them, just not every week.
You know how much I enjoy seeing you bench posts, and this slideshow was the perfect ending to this year’s challenge. Let’s hope we all have a better year in 2026, dear Jude.
Best wishes, Pete. x
Thanks Pete. I am sure I shall still be looking for benches, I can’t help myself! Yes, I hope 2026 doesn’t throw up any more curveballs. At least not on the health front. I really don’t need any more challenges.
Wonderful gallery of benches. Have a fantastic 2026.