Summary
A picturesque harbor town located on the North Cornwall coast, Padstow is nestled within the Camel Estuary.
Now a popular destination for travelers, this port has been a trading hub for centuries and served as the foundation for a prosperous pilchard industry in the 19th century.
Visitors flock to the beaches on both the estuary and the Atlantic coast, where novice surfers can gain confidence on the water.
The harbor is exceptionally scenic and offers boat trips and ferry services across the estuary. The South West Coast Path and Camel Trail highlight the beauty of the verdant Cornish coastline and countryside.
Padstow has maintained an RNLI lifeboat station since 1825, conducting rescue operations at the Doom Bar, a sandbank at the mouth of the river that has been responsible for over 600 shipwrecks over two centuries.
Let us examine the top attractions in Padstow:
1. Padstow Harbour
Situated within the only river estuary on the North Cornwall coast, Padstow Harbour has roots dating back to the Domesday Book (1086). The town has been developed on reclaimed land as the port expanded over the centuries, with the Strand, North Quay, and South Quay taking form in the mid-16th century.
While Padstow’s fishing heritage is largely historical, the quaysides are vibrant with activity during the summer months, featuring galleries, Cornish ice cream parlors, restaurants, shops, tearooms, and pubs.
The outer dock, connected by a walkway, was established in 1910 to meet the demand for fresh fish, which at that time could be delivered to London’s Billingsgate Market within a few hours.
2. Prideaux Place
Completed in 1592 and subsequently modified over the centuries, Prideaux Place has remained in the possession of a single family for over 400 years.
Perched above the harbor, the building’s foundation is Elizabethan and features the distinctive “E” footprint associated with other stately homes of that era.
In the early 19th century, the southern facade was transformed in the Strawberry Hill Gothic style.
Visitors can enjoy views of the Camel Estuary and the village of Rock in the distance, as well as stroll through the beautifully restored Victorian formal garden, which includes the Gothic Revival dairy, stable courtyard, and an 18th-century temple folly.
Inside the house, one may admire exceptional Elizabethan plasterwork in the Great Chamber along with a remarkable collection of porcelain, period furniture, and portraits depicting members of the Prideaux family and British royalty.
3. St George’s Cove
Located just half a mile from Padstow Harbour, this sandy beach on the estuary offers several advantages over its Atlantic counterparts.
One notable benefit is its proximity to the town; additionally, St George’s Cove is shielded from ocean winds, producing gentle ripples instead of crashing waves.
Due to the estuary’s currents, swimming is not advised; however, wading is safe up to knee height.
When the tide retreats, the beach expands significantly, allowing for walks to Hawkers Cove and Harbour Cove.
Similar to many beaches in Padstow, St George’s Cove is bordered by lush, green countryside.
4. Camel Trail
Until 1964, Padstow was connected to London via the Atlantic Coast Express railway.
The decommissioned line has since been transformed into an 18-mile greenway connecting Padstow to Wenfordbridge, allowing passage through picturesque Cornish countryside.
The Camel Trail is ideal for young cyclists, as only a small portion of the route encompasses roads, and the gentle gradients from the early 20th century create effortless cycling conditions today.
The trail is divided into three approximately equal sections, allowing one to choose whether to ride to Wadebridge, Bodmin, or all the way to Wenfordbridge.
Numerous spots are available for picnics and enjoying views of the Camel River, and remnants of the railway, such as platforms and signage, can be observed along the way.
5. Rock Ferry
The Black Tor ferry operates across the Camel at 20-minute intervals, providing access to the village of Rock on the eastern bank.
Despite the regularity of the service, it is advisable to check tide times, as the departure and arrival point in Padstow shifts downriver to St Saviours Point during low water.
The crossing is brief, and once ashore, visitors will find themselves in one of the most affluent villages in the United Kingdom.
Rock is a popular destination for wealthy individuals and has the highest concentration of second homes in Cornwall.
Visitors will encounter a delightful row of whitewashed Victorian houses facing the estuary, with pubs and seafood restaurants catering to an upscale clientele.
The surrounding area, including Rock and Daymer Bay, is renowned for watersports, with activities such as sailing, windsurfing, and waterskiing available on the Camel.
6. Stepper Point
The South West Coast Path, which traverses Padstow, is well-regarded among hikers for its challenging climbs and descents.
However, the journey from Padstow to the headland at Stepper Point on the western mouth of the River Camel is relatively easy.
Along the route, one can observe Hawker’s Cover and the Old Lifeboat Station, built in 1931 and now functioning as a holiday rental with its own slipway.
Adjacent to this is the aptly named “Rest a While Tea Garden,” where visitors can take a break for refreshments before continuing on their hike through the lush landscape.
Just above Stepper Point stands a significant stone tower, known as a “daymark,” which aids navigators during daylight hours.
7. Surfing and Watersports
While the Camel Estuary within Padstow’s harbor is notably tranquil, it requires only a short journey to reach North Cornwall’s renowned surf beaches.
At high tide, Trevone Bay, Harlyn Bay, and Treyarnon Bay are ideal for newcomers, with Harlyn hosting a well-regarded surf school to help initiate your surfing journey.
Experienced surfers will find challenges at Constantine Bay, known for its strong riptides, shallow reefs, and rapid breaks.
Here, the reef break at the southern end is suitable during both low and high tides, while the northern point is relatively safer, best during mid or high tides.
The surf school at Harlyn also coordinates activities such as sea kayaking, paddleboarding, and coasteering, led by experienced guides.
8. Harlyn Bay
A favored family beach, Harlyn Bay is located just ten minutes from Padstow’s center and features a broad stretch of yellow sand and shingle, set against lush grasslands.
This bay is situated in a sheltered alcove next to Trevose Head, ranking among the safest beaches in Cornwall.
RNLI lifeguards are present from May to September, providing additional security for visitors.
A walking trail leads up to Trevose Head, offering far-reaching views down to Newquay and up to Pentire Head.
At the beach, children can engage in activities such as paddling in the stream, exploring rock pools, and investigating the dunes.
9. Treyarnon Bay
Another of the calmer beaches in the Padstow area, Treyarnon Bay is partially shielded from the full force of the Atlantic by Trethias Island, a natural outcrop situated to the south, and Treyarnon Point to the north.
This favorable positioning attracts families who can spread out across the sands during low tide, while children can paddle in the water and explore rock pools that harbor small fish, crabs, and prawns.
The rocks on the northern side also create a larger natural pool that is safe for swimming.
As the tide begins to rise, surfers start arriving at Treyarnon Bay to catch the novice-friendly beach break.
10. Padstow Lifeboat Station
Since 1825, the town has housed an RNLI lifeboat station, currently situated at Trevose Head within a cove on the western edge of Polventon Bay.
This contemporary facility, inaugurated in 2006, is notable for its elevated design on piles and is connected to the cliff-top by a footbridge.
The station welcomes visitors from 10:00 to 16:00 on weekdays and was constructed to accommodate the new, larger Tamar-class lifeboat, which is displayed inside.
Designated “Spirit of Padstow 16-04,” this watertight vessel can stabilize itself within seconds, even while carrying up to 60 passengers.
The station also features an exhibition with medals, photographs, and newspaper articles, and includes opportunities for children to don uniforms and learn important water safety tips.
11. Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps
Located approximately seven miles from Padstow along the route to Newquay, this dramatic stretch of coastline is preserved by the National Trust.
The Trust maintains three walking trails in the area, and at Carnewas and Bedruthan, the path leads you along the cliff-top, offering stunning views of steep cliffs and the iconic Bedruthan Steps, which are large rock formations worn by the ocean.
Below the cliffs, a series of rocky, west-facing beaches are constantly battered by the Atlantic waves.
While these beaches are not safe for swimming due to the relentless surf and dangerous rocks, visitors are welcome to explore the shoreline during low tide and witness the rugged beauty of the landscape up close.
12. National Lobster Hatchery
Crucial for the sustainability of fishing communities in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, the National Lobster Hatchery operates as a marine conservation charity located on Padstow’s South Quay.
Within the Visitor Centre, guests can observe juvenile lobsters being nurtured prior to their release, and get close to marine life, such as an unusually rare orange lobster and a starfish that consumes mussels.
Windows overlooking the hatchery allow onlookers to witness the staff at work, while children can engage in numerous interactive activities.
13. Obby Oss
Cornwall’s robust sense of identity has enabled the Duchy to maintain certain ancient traditions that have ceased to exist in other regions of England.
Among these unique practices is the Obby Oss, a May Day festival that predates Christianity and originates from the Celtic Beltane festival.
The focal point of the event features two Obby Osses or Hobby Horses, which are intricately designed figures dancing through the town’s streets in search of maidens.
With one horse clad in blue and the other in red, the horses are accompanied by a procession of individuals dressed in white who resemble Morris dancers, playing accordions and beating drums.
As the day concludes, a customary farewell to the Osses takes place at the Maypole.
14. Padstow Museum
Located in Market Place, Padstow’s modest yet intriguing museum serves to document the history of the town and its harbor.
For those who may miss the Obby Oss celebrations, there are memorabilia from the event, including a historical Obby Oss costume.
The museum also houses an example of a clome oven, which was once common in homes throughout Cornwall.
These ovens were created from clay and were integrated into the side of household chimneys.
An array of maritime artifacts can also be found, including pulleys, fishing nets, weights, paintings, and models.
Among the more unusual exhibits is a genuine whale’s eardrum.
15. Dining
The prominent British chef Rick Stein heavily influences the restaurant landscape in Padstow, resulting in the town being colloquially referred to as “Padstein.” This association largely stems from the plentiful supply of fish and seafood from the Atlantic.
Although some residents express concerns regarding the gentrifying effects of his presence in the town, hungry visitors might find themselves inclined to dine at one of his four restaurants.
The establishment named “The Seafood Restaurant” boasts a straightforward title that reflects its uncomplicated menu, emphasizing fresh fish and seafood prepared using traditional techniques.
While reservations may need to be made well in advance, there is no requirement for a booking at the “seafood bar,” which offers a front-row view of the chefs in action, featuring its own à la carte menu.
