Padstow –
where dreams become your reality
The natural beauty of the area Padstow is its rugged coastline, sweeping sandy beaches, quiet coves and fabulous walks. You can spend time soaking up the atmosphere on the quay, to watch the nets being mended or the fishing catch landed or to just stroll along the deserted shoreline or over the cliff path. Get away, spend time together and make a lifetime of memories.
Padstow Harbour
The harbour is undoubtedly the strongest attraction in the town and visitors find themselves drawn to it like a magnet. Fishing and pleasure craft rock side-by-side on their moorings, children fish for crabs from the harbour wall, quayside inns and cafes overlook the calm water. There are seats all around the harbour and because there’s always something going on and it’s such a restful and interesting place it’s a favourite spot for both locals and visitors.
Eating Out
Michelin starred and family restaurants, cafes and bistros rub shoulders with vibrant tapas bars, cosy tearooms and the warmth of welcoming pubs. Relax and dine alfresco at the waterside cafes offering regional and international cuisine or enjoy delicious homemade pasties and traditional fish and chips.
The British celebrity chef Rick Stein monopolises the restaurant business in Padstow, as a hungry visitor you may be tempted to call in at one of his four restaurants.
Beaches
To the north of the town and accessible by the coast path is a super stretch of sand from St Georges Cove to Harbour Cove and Hawkers Cove. The walk from Padstow to St Georges Cove takes about 15 minutes with great views across the estuary. Harbour Cove and Hawkers Cove are just a little further along the coast. The walk from Hawkers Cove to Stepper Point provides the most stunning views of the estuary including Daymer Bay, Rock and up the estuary to the old Iron Bridge which is part of the Camel Trail. Padstow is connected via a ferry service to the village of Rock which also has magnificent beaches.
Camal Trail
Walk or cycle the Camel Trail toward Wadebridge, Bodmin and beyond or take a stroll along the Southwest Coast Path towards one of several sandy beaches or take the ferry across the river to Rock.
Attractions
There is a wide range of things to do in and around Padstow. Why not visit the National Lobster Hatchery which has a visitor centre where can see the young lobsters being reared, ready for release along with the resident giant lobster and various crabs. There are also some excellent boat trips for you to take a voyage on. Why not learn how to surf at Harlyn Surf School.
Historic Locations
Padstow has many historic locations that will keep you busy throughout your stay. On Market Place, Padstow’s small but interesting museum chronicles the history of the town and the harbour. The town has had an RNLI lifeboat station since 1825, now set at Trevose Head in a cove on the western lip of Polventon Bay. Why not visit the beautiful Prideaux Place, which was built in 1592 and has been lived in by the same family for 400 years.









