Padstow is a working fishing port on the Camel Estuary that has become one of Cornwall's best-known food destinations. Its harbour is lined with old stone buildings, the estuary beaches are glorious at low tide, and the Camel Trail starts on its doorstep. It gets very busy in summer, but there is a reason so many people love it.
Getting there and parking
Padstow is at the end of the A389, about eight miles from Wadebridge. The town's narrow streets are not suited to traffic, so use the large car parks at the top of town, which are a short downhill walk from the harbour. In high season they fill up, so arrive early or consider walking or cycling in along the Camel Trail from Wadebridge. Buses link Padstow with Wadebridge, Bodmin Parkway station and Newquay.
The harbour
Padstow's inner harbour is enclosed by a tidal gate, which keeps the water in at low tide, so there are boats to look at whatever the time. Wander along the quays, watch the fishing boats unload, and browse the shops and galleries in the streets behind. Boat trips run from the harbour in season, including sea safaris to look for seals, dolphins and seabirds, and fishing trips.
Food in Padstow
Padstow's reputation as a food town owes much to the chef Rick Stein, who opened his first restaurant here in the 1970s and now has several businesses in the town. But there is much more to eat than that: the town has fish and chip shops, bakeries selling pasties, delis, cafés and restaurants serving the day's catch. In summer, it is worth booking ahead for an evening meal, especially at weekends.
The Black Tor Ferry to Rock
A passenger ferry runs across the estuary between Padstow and Rock, a short and scenic crossing that has been running in one form or another for centuries. From Rock you can walk along the sands to Daymer Bay and on to Polzeath. The landing point in Padstow changes with the tide, so follow the signs on the quay. In summer, a water taxi has often run into the evening. Check current times before you rely on it to get back.
Beaches near Padstow
Padstow's estuary beaches are among the most beautiful in Cornwall. St George's Cove, a short walk north along the coast path from the harbour, is a sheltered sandy beach. Further on, Hawker's Cove and the open coast beyond lead to Stepper Point. The estuary has strong tidal currents and shifting sandbanks, including the notorious Doom Bar at the river mouth, so swimming is not safe everywhere. Check signs and stick to sheltered spots. For surf and lifeguarded beaches, head west to Harlyn Bay, Trevone, Treyarnon and Constantine.
May Day: the Obby Oss
Every 1 May, Padstow celebrates 'Obby 'Oss Day, one of the oldest surviving folk festivals in England. Two 'osses, dancers in black, hoop-shaped costumes with fearsome masks, dance through streets decked with greenery and flowers, accompanied by drums, accordions and singing. The town is packed on the day, so arrive very early, ideally by public transport.
Walks from Padstow
The Camel Trail heads inland along the estuary to Wadebridge, and is flat and traffic-free. For something wilder, follow the coast path north from the harbour past St George's Cove to Stepper Point and its daymark tower, then return across the fields, a loop of around five miles. Prideaux Place, an Elizabethan manor house above the town, is open to visitors on certain days. Check before you go.
Good to know
- Padstow is busiest in July and August and on bank holidays. Spring and autumn are calmer.
- Gulls are bold around the harbour. Keep food covered.
- The town is compact and most sights are within a short walk of the harbour.
- Combine your visit with a ride on the Camel Trail or a ferry trip to Rock and Polzeath.
Photos: Padstow Harbour by Derek Harper, CC BY-SA 2.0; Padstow by Ian S, CC BY-SA 2.0; via Wikimedia Commons.
