Padstow, with its fleet of trawlers, netters and crabbers, and colourful harbour surrounded by pastel-washed medieval houses, is an example of what Cornwall does best - it's a working port which wears a holiday hat.
Watching the everyday ebb and flow of harbour life is a perfect way to spend a day in Padstow. And when this gets too hectic, then spread your towel on the nearby beach at Harbour Cove, and watch the sails of the passing river traffic. Or get a sailor's view of the Camel Estuary on a boat trip, sailboard or ferry ride.
Take time away from the quayside to explore the port's rich heritage - the hidden curiosities of the Town Trail, the maritime displays in Padstow Museum, and the grounds and lavish interiors of Prideaux Place, home of the Prideaux-Brune family for 400 years and film location for Twelfth Night. On balmy summer evenings there are quayside concerts, where the brass band plays as the sun goes down. And once a year on May Day, Padstow dances to a different tune, when the pagan 'Obby 'Oss is unleashed and the narrow streets throb to the ceaseless drumbeat and wild cavortings of this age-old fertility celebration.
Hotels, guest houses and holiday cottages are never more than a seagull's cry from the water's edge. If Padstow had a visitors' book, it would make for interesting reading. You'd find entries from the prehistoric Beaker folk, from Romans, Celtic Saints and even Viking marauders. Later inhabitants include Sir Walter Raleigh, whose Court House stands on Riverside and the internationally acclaimed Chef Rick Stein. Population 4,000
Attraction
Constantine Bay
Harlyn Bay
Padstow Museum
Prideaux Place
Camping
Dennis Cove Camping
Padstow Holiday Park
Padstow Touring Park
Dentist
Skipper Cottage Dental Surgery
Doctor
The Medical Centre
The Surgery
Estate Agent
Cole Rayment & White
Jackie Stanley
Holiday Park
Pub and Bar
Farmers Arms
Harbour Inn
Harlyn Inn
London Inn
The Harlyn Inn
Tredrea Inn
Restaurant
Focsle (The)Harbour Inn
London Inn
Margot's
Number 6
Pescadou Restaurant
Pompas
Pucellis
Rojano's
Seafood Restaurant
Seven Bays Bistro
St Petroc's Bistro
School
Padstow Primary School
St Merryn Primary School
Self-Catering
22 Bay Retreat
Cornish Traditional Cottages
Padstow Breaks
Trehoghjy
Solicitor
Taxi
Padstow CabsShops
The Strand
Roses
Rymans
C J Shoes
Kevin Platt Galleries
Blue Monkey Gallery
Dukeswood
Steins Patisserie
The Peter Morris Pasty Shop
The Chough Bakery
Treyarnon Bay Beach Stores
Porthcothan Bay Stores
Victorian Tea Room
Greens Cafe
Basement Cafe
Chip Ahoy
Quayside Cafe
Cornish Delights
The Buttermilk Shop
Panache Gifts
The Waters Edge Gift Shop
The Famous Little Store
The Padstow Mussel Co
The Craft Cabin
White Stuff
Activities
Padstow Sealife Safaris(Boat Trips and Cruises)
Padstow Cycle Hire(Cycling)
Cornish Bird(Fishing)
The Padstow Angling Centre(Fishing)
Explore The Shore(Outdoor Pursuits)
Tresallyn Riding Stables Padstow(Riding)
Harlyn Surf School(Water Sports)
Places to Stay near Padstow
Padstow Breaks (0.11 miles)
Cross House Hotel (0.12 miles)
Charming Georgian house with Grade II listing set in the Cornish harbour town of Padstow. Recently refurbished and beautifully furnished to a very high standard. Our aim is to combine the ... More
The Metropole Hotel (0.19 miles)
More often than not, the 4 star Metropole hotel is the first sight you notice on entering the vibrant town of Padstow, aka the sea food capital of Great Britain (thanks in the main to ... More | visit website
Symply Padstow (0.23 miles)
Located just a stone's throw from the quayside shops, restaurants and romantic harbour. The picturesque harbour-town of ... More | visit website
Pendeen House (0.23 miles)
Pendeen House overlooks Padstow’s Camel Estuary with beautiful views to Rock & Daymer Bay. Four ensuite rooms, including a family room. Decked terrace and spacious dining room. Just three minutes ... More
Old Custom House (0.28 miles)
Standing in an imposing position on the quayside, the Customs and Excise building was well respected by the smugglers in the 1800’s. After refurbishment it’s still one of the finest ... More
Damara House (0.33 miles)
Well Parc Hotel (1.47 miles)
Molesworth Manor (1.92 miles)
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