Padstow: Cornwall’s Harbour Town with Heart

With its bobbing fishing boats, narrow lanes and scent of salt and sea air, Padstow is a Cornish harbour town that effortlessly blends old-world charm with a fresh, modern spirit. Whether you’re here for the food, the coastline, or simply to soak up the atmosphere, Padstow has a way of turning a short visit into a cherished memory.


A Town Built on the Sea

Nestled on the Camel Estuary, Padstow has always had salt in its veins. Once a bustling fishing and trading port, it’s still very much a working harbour today, with boats bringing in fresh seafood daily — much of which finds its way onto the menus of the town’s many excellent restaurants.

Wander the harbour and you’ll see crab pots stacked along the quay, gulls wheeling overhead, and visitors tucking into fish and chips on the sea wall. There’s a rhythm to Padstow life that seems perfectly timed to the tide.


Foodie Favourite

Padstow has long been a culinary destination, thanks in no small part to celebrated chef Rick Stein, whose restaurant empire helped put the town firmly on the foodie map. From his iconic Seafood Restaurant to more casual fish and chip shops, Stein’s influence is ever-present — but it’s far from the only option.

You’ll also find Paul Ainsworth’s No.6, a Michelin-starred gem, cosy pubs serving local fare, independent cafés, and bakeries dishing up pasties and pastries worth queueing for. Whether you’re sipping a chilled glass of Camel Valley wine or tucking into fresh scallops, Padstow is a place to eat well.


Charming Streets and Independent Shops

The heart of Padstow is a maze of narrow, cobbled streets lined with whitewashed cottages, independent boutiques, galleries and gift shops. It’s a delight to simply wander — ducking into bookshops, admiring local art, or picking up a handmade souvenir.

Be sure to visit the Padstow Museum for a glimpse into the town’s seafaring past, or take a peaceful walk along the harbour to St Petroc’s Church, one of the oldest in Cornwall.


Outdoors & Adventure

Padstow is also a brilliant base for getting outdoors. Hire a bike and explore the Camel Trail, a scenic and largely traffic-free cycle path that runs along a former railway line all the way to Wadebridge and Bodmin. It’s ideal for families, with gorgeous estuary views and plenty of picnic stops along the way.

If walking’s more your pace, the South West Coast Path leads you out of town toward rugged headlands, sandy coves and some of Cornwall’s most photogenic scenery. Or take the foot ferry across to Rock and explore the opposite shore, where watersports and wide beaches await.


A Town That Celebrates Its Traditions

Padstow is perhaps most famously known for its Obby Oss festival — a vibrant May Day celebration that blends music, dancing, and ancient custom in a uniquely Cornish spectacle. Even if you’re not here for the event, the town’s sense of tradition and local pride is ever-present.


A Harbour to Return To

Whether you’re catching crabs with the kids on the quayside, watching the sunset with a pint in hand, or savouring a seafood supper by candlelight, Padstow is the kind of place that lingers in the mind long after the tide has turned.

Charming, delicious and full of character — Padstow is a coastal classic for good reason.

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