Padstow itself is full of restaurants, pubs, cafes and an eclectic range of small shops. The harbour, just a few minutes stroll from Coswarth House, is the life and soul of the town and is the perfect place to while away the time, watching the world go by.
On a balmy summer evening there's not much to beat sitting on the harbour edge with a bag of Rick Stein's fish and chips before finding the energy to wander 10 yards for refreshment in the form of a glass (or bottle) of wine at the Bin Two wine terrace.
Attractions...
Scenery and walking
The coastline is quite simply stunning in this part of the world and we'd be happy to provide you with advice and route maps for a wide variety of walks. Wild and rugged, the coastline offers striking cliffs, golden sands and Atlantic surf.
Estuary Life
The Camel Estuary and surrounding coastline offer a wide range of attractions for both the energetic and those of us who take life at a more relaxed pace.
Daymer Bay offers one of the best local stretches of water for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Mike's tried Mobius kitesurfing school and can recommend them if you're feeling up for some extreme sport. We're both trying to learn to surf and can recommend Harlyn Surf School, a large, family run school offering great one to one instruction.
There are a number of sailing clubs on the estuary but the largest is the Rock Sailing and Waterski Club and sailing lessons are available from the Camel School of Seamanship. Even if you don't fancy taking part, the regattas and races held on the estuary make great spectator sport.
Cruises and powerboat rides are available departing from Padstow harbour and a regular ferry shuttles between Padstow and Rock so you can take in the other side of the estuary including St Enodoc's church - resting place of Sir John Betjeman.
Mackerel fishing trips are widely available from Padstow harbour making a great fun trip for kids and, if you get lucky, good eating for parents. For those with dodgy sea legs, crab fishing in the harbour offers a more sedate alternative.
Safe family beaches are about a 15 minute walk from Coswarth House along the Padstow side of the estuary or a short ferry ride will carry you to beaches on the Rock side of the estuary.
Bikes can be hired from either Padstow or Wadebridge at very reasonable rates. The Camel Trail is a disused old steam railway cutting offering 17 miles of riverside and woodland cycling.
Bedruthan Steps
There are routes for all energy and ability levels and we can guarantee you that after a few hours of sea air, pounding surf and sand between your toes, you'll be hooked on Cornwall for life.
For rambling groups we're able to offer guided walks and packed lunches.
Padstow Harbour
Trescore Islands
After Dark
By night there is no shortage of entertainment in Padstow. Firmly established on the food map, there are a broad range of places to eat from pizzerias to fish and chip shops and from informal bistros to haute cuisine. Restaurants do get very busy so be sure to make reservations well in advance. Click here for more information.
Alternatively there are a number of cosy pubs to while away the hours in and most do food. Some such as the Harbour Inn, have their own fishing boats enabling them to offer fresh lobster on the bar menu.
Padstow even has its own small cinema. The opening hours are pretty irregular but, like everywhere else in Padstow, the cinema is packed with character and is worth a visit if you have a spare evening.... and you're lucky enough to catch it open!
Porthcothan Bay
Day Trips
Padstow is ideally situated as a base for days trips throughout North Cornwall.
In Padstow itself you could easily fill a couple of days with the sights on offer. Prideaux Place is the grand Elizabethan home of the Prideaux-Brune family. Set in beautiful grounds with a wild deer park and views over the estuary, Prideaux Place is open to visitors throughout the main holiday periods. Padstow museum is open all year round and is well worth a visit as is our lovely, historic parish church.
The Eden Project is just a 35 minute drive away. This unique attraction is all about man's relationship with, and dependence on, plants. It is about education and communication of the major environmental issues of the day, always presented in an engaging, involving and humorous way. Open since 2001, the Eden Project continues to evolve and is a must do on any itinary for a Cornish holiday.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan lie in one of the most mysterious estates in the country about 45 minutes drive from Padstow.
Belonging to the Tremayne family for more than 400 years, the gardens reached their zenith in the 19th century. After decades of neglect brambles and ivy had claimed the once grand gardens. The decline continued until the current custodians made a secret discovery that fired imaginations and led to the restoration of the grounds. Discover more.
The Camel Valley Vineyard was planted in 1989 and has been producing fantastic award winning wines ever since. Tours of the vineyard followed by a wine tasting session are available in the afternoons Monday to Friday throughout the spring and summer. Check out their website for the list of awards that these fantastic wines have won. Trust us - you won't be disappointed.
May Day marks the local social event of the year. On the 1st May (or the 2nd May if the 1st falls on a Sunday) the Padstow 'Obby 'Oss welcomes the coming of summer with one of the oldest pagan festivals in Europe. Discover more.
The Royal Cornwall Show takes place in early June just a 20 minute drive away at the showground in Wadebridge. A true agricultural extravanganza, the show also features a range of entertainment such as horseback stunt riders, parachute display teams, show jumping and much more. Discover more.
Trevose Golf Club is just a short drive down the coast and offers championship level facilities in a spectular setting. Day rates are available from £35 - £55 throughout the year. Discover more.
