Padstow
LanwethenekA bay for everyday
Made famous by Rick Stein over the last 30 years or so, there’s much more to Padstow than just great places to eat. It’s still a working harbour, it’s surrounded by glorious beaches, and offers a base to explore the Camel estuary.
Welcome to Padstow
Padstow, a picturesque fishing port set amidst stunning beaches, has become a must-visit foodie destination, thanks in large part to Rick Stein. This charming town, part of the ancient pilgrim route known as the Saints’ Way, has a pretty working harbour that may have been in use as far back as 2,500 BC.
Situated along the Camel Estuary, Padstow is surrounded by two breathtaking National Landscapes (formerly AONBs): the Camel Estuary itself and Carnewas to Stepper Point. This area is rich in natural beauty, home to rare plant species and one of the UK’s most protected mammals, the otter. It’s the perfect spot to slow down and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.
The best way to experience Padstow is by immersing yourself in its scenic landscape, followed by indulging in the town’s renowned culinary scene. Rick Stein’s first restaurant, opened in the 1970s, paved the way for a dining revolution, with Paul Ainsworth at Number 6 earning its first Michelin Star in 2013.
But it’s not all fine dining here – Padstow offers a tempting mix of cafés, bistros, tapas bars, cosy tearooms, and welcoming pubs scattered around the harbour. For a quick bite, indulge in a classic Cornish pasty or fish and chips from the local takeaways.
Did you know?
Doom Bar, the UK’s best-selling cask and bottled ale, takes its name from the notorious sandbar at the mouth of the Camel Estuary. Feared by many seafarers, the Doom Bar is known for shifting with the tides and currents, especially after storms. More than 600 vessels are believed to have been wrecked here, the most recent incident occurring in 2020.
Things to do in Padstow
Everything is tied to the sea in Padstow, whether you’re exercising along the banks of the Camel Estuary, learning about local wildlife or dining on freshly caught seafood.
A few minutes south of Padstow harbour, you can rent bikes to join the Camel Trail. The route is surfaced and fairly flat, following the estuary to Wadebridge then on to Bodmin and Wenfordbridge.
A short walk from the bike hire shop is the National Lobster Hatchery, an award-winning visitor centre where you can learn about lobsters, local marine life and also find out about the pioneering marine conservation work taken in order to enhance the wild lobster population in our seas.
Next to the hatchery is Padstow Museum where you can learn about the maritime, cultural and social history of the town.
North of the harbour is Padstow Sealife Safaris which offer boat trips and on-the-water wildlife watching tours, giving you the opportunity to discover the abundant and varied marine wildlife of the North Cornish Coast.
A short walk further is St George’s Cove and Chapel Bar Beach. Both are accessible at low tide. However the best beaches are slightly further afield, easily accessible by car.
A ten-minute walk from the harbour is Prideaux Place, a beautiful mansion with far-reaching views over its ancient Deer Park and the Camel Estuary to Rock and Bodmin Moor beyond. It’s one of the West Country's oldest houses remaining in habitable condition and has been in the Prideaux family for fourteen generations.
Did you know?
In the late 1500s, Sir Walter Raleigh, Queen Elizabeth I’s favoured explorer, lived in Padstow at the still-existing Court House. From this charming waterfront residence, Raleigh fulfilled his responsibilities as Warden of Cornwall, overseeing the collection of taxes and dues.
Further afield
Padstow is surrounded by breathtaking coastal scenery, perfect for exploring on foot. Take the South West Coast Path through wildlife-rich farmland toward Stepper Point, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over the Camel Estuary, the notorious Doom Bar, and the chance to spot local wildlife along the way.
Continue along the path to Trevose Head, a prime spot for birdwatchers, offering even more stunning coastal views.
Close by are some of Cornwall’s most beautiful beaches, including Harlyn Bay, Treyarnon, and Trevone. Across the estuary, you’ll find even more gems like Daymer Bay and Polzeath. These can easily be combined with visits to nearby towns such as Wadebridge and Rock.
For a taste of local viticulture, Trevibban Mill, one of Cornwall’s best vineyards, is just a ten-minute drive from Padstow. Enjoy a walking tour of the vineyard, take in the scenic views, and learn about Cornish wine production before sampling the award-winning wines.
Getting around
Padstow can be reached via public transport by taking the main London line to Bodmin Parkway then catching a bus. Once in the town, local buses are available to take you to local towns and beaches. For train schedules, visit Great Western Railway, and check Transport for Cornwall for discounts on bus fares.
Accommodation in Padstow
Blable Farm Barns
Tastefully converted and luxurious 5 Star barns close to Padstow Overlooking peaceful country valley. Situated on family working farm, barns personally supervised.
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Trevear Farm
Idyllic and restful oasis of 9 luxury cottages in St Issey with fabulous facilities. Located near the buzzing towns of Padstow and Rock, and the beautiful Camel Estuary, there are plenty of outdoor ac...
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Luxury Cottages
Luxury Cottages is a holiday rental agency that offers the finest staycation cottages in the UK’s most sought-after locations, with collections to suit different holiday and corporate needs handpicked...
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THE PIG - at Harlyn Bay
Just a short stroll from Harlyn beach and Constantine Bay beaches, THE PIG-at Harlyn Bay is only a 10-minute drive to the picturesque port of Padstow (where THE PIG’s good friends the Restaurateurs an...
See accommodationThings to do in Padstow
The National Lobster Hatchery
If you are looking for something a bit different to do, why not come along to our award-winning Visitor Centre in Padstow.
PadstowRead more
Harlyn Surf School
Harlyn Surf School is Cornwall’s premier surf school and watersports centre offering a choice of fantastic activities for all the family.
PadstowRead more
Camel Creek Family Adventure Park
Reopening 23rd March 2024 with three new attractions! Camel Creek Theme Park is a vibrant and welcoming visitor destination, delivering great adventures and days out for the whole family.
Padstow, WadebridgeRead more
Padstow Sealife Safaris
Padstow Sealife Safaris offer wildlife watching boat trips incorporating a mix of exhilaration and sensitive wildlife watching around the North Cornish coastline.
PadstowRead more
Rick Steins The Seafood Restaurant
Opened by Rick Stein and Jill Stein in 1975, the Seafood Restaurant is where it all began. Boasting an international reputation for serving the freshest fish and shellfish
PadstowRead more
Padstow Distilling
A growing distillery in the heart of Cornwall’s culinary capital, Padstow Distilling has been crafting small-batch spirits since 2019.
PadstowRead morePlan your trip
Everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip to Padstow
From the M5 follow the A30 to Bodmin, Turn off here and head through the town taking the A389 towards Wadebridge. Here you will join the A39 passing over the river and past the Royal Cornwall Showground.
Shortly after this take a right turn onto the A389 again and follow signs to Padstow. (Please note this route is not suitable for HGV's or large caravans/motorhomes)
In the main season there is a large carpark on the edge of Padstow, which is approx a 10 minute walk into town. There are other carparks, including down on the quayside, but these fill up early in the season.
Padstow is served by local bus services from Newquay, Wadebridge and Bodmin.
The nearest National Express stop is at Bodmin.
There hasn't been a train stop at Padstow since 1967. The route of the railway is now the popular Camel Trail.
The nearest mainline railway station is Bodmin Parkway from where you can get a bus to Padstow.
Newquay Airport is only 12 miles away from Padstow and the Newquay bus stops there on route.
FAQs Title
View allFor Visit Cornwall we class North Cornwall as the coast running down from the Devon border to Perranporth. This includes, Bude, Boscastle, Tintagel, Port Isaac, Polzeath, Padstow, Newquay plus loads of smaller places in between. Inland, we go down to Launceston, across the top of Bodmin Moor and continue past Wadebridge keeping north of the A30.
Some would say eating! And if you have the budget, you probably could, there are that many great places to eat! Or you could spend the day learning to cook with Rick Stein, though he probably won't be there.
Away from the gastro indulgences, Padstow is a nice place to just amble around, look in a few shops, take a walk out along the coastal path, or hire a bike and go up the Camel Trail?
You can learn all about lobsters, visit Prideaux House or St Petroc's Church, even catch a ferry across to Rock...
It's best known these days as the place where Rick Stein has all his restaurants, but prior to Mr Stein turning up, it was probably best known for its May Day celebrations and the Obby Oss, which dances through the busy streets from morning to night.
You could, but you would have to follow the Camel Trail inland to Wadebridge and then make your way back out along the other side of the estuary to Rock. It's much easier to catch the ferry across from Padstow!!
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