Padstow Tourist Information

Padstow Guide

Padstow is a historic harbour town on the Camel Estuary on Cornwall’s north coast. The working harbour, narrow streets, independent shops and galleries, excellent food and easy access to the coast make it one of the best-known places to visit in this part of Cornwall.

Built into the hillside, the town has grown around an intricate maze of streets and colourwashed cottages leading down towards the water. The harbour is still very much at the centre of Padstow life, while the surrounding estuary and coastline offer walking, cycling, beaches, boat trips and plenty of wildlife.

Looking for ideas for your visit? We have also put together a more detailed guide to things to do in Padstow on The Cornwall Blog, including the harbour, beaches, Camel Trail, ferry to Rock, places to eat and days out nearby.

Padstow Harbour

Padstow’s town life still revolves around its harbour, where fishing boats, yachts and pleasure craft share the water. It is a lovely place simply to wander, particularly early in the day before the town becomes busy.

The passenger ferry crosses the Camel Estuary between Padstow and Rock throughout the year. At low tide the boarding point moves outside the inner harbour, so it is worth checking the current ferry timetable and crossing information before travelling.

Padstow Events

There are currently no events listed for this area. If you are planning an event, please let us know and we will add it.

Padstow Accommodation

Padstow has a wide choice of places to stay, from hotels and guest houses in the town to self-catering cottages, campsites and holiday parks in the surrounding countryside and coastal villages.

Staying in the town itself puts the harbour, restaurants, shops, Camel Trail and coast path within easy reach on foot. There are also plenty of options in nearby villages such as St Merryn, St Issey and along the coast towards Harlyn and Trevone.

Things to Do in Padstow

There is plenty to do without travelling far from the harbour. The National Lobster Hatchery on South Quay is a family-friendly marine conservation visitor centre, while Prideaux Place, overlooking the town, is a historic Elizabethan house with gardens and a deer park.

Boat trips leave from Padstow for coastal cruises, fishing and wildlife watching, while the South West Coast Path leads out of town towards St George’s Cove, Harbour Cove, Hawker’s Cove and Stepper Point.

The Camel Trail

Padstow sits at the western end of the Camel Trail, an 18-mile, largely traffic-free trail following a former railway line between Padstow, Wadebridge, Bodmin and Wenfordbridge. The Padstow to Wadebridge section is about 5.5 miles and follows the Camel Estuary, making it particularly popular with families, walkers and cyclists. Bike hire is available in Padstow.

Eating and Drinking in Padstow

Padstow has become particularly well known for food, with seafood restaurants, pubs, cafes, bakeries, delis and fish and chip shops clustered around the harbour and surrounding streets. There is plenty of choice for anything from a quick lunch on the quay to a special evening meal.

The town can be extremely busy in the main holiday season, so booking ahead is sensible for restaurants you particularly want to visit.

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Shopping in Padstow

The streets around the harbour contain a good mix of independent shops, galleries, food shops and places selling gifts, clothing and locally made products. The smaller lanes are worth exploring as some of the most interesting shops and galleries are tucked away from the main harbour.

Padstow Webcams

See the latest view across Padstow Harbour. Camera provided by Padstow Harbour Commissioners.
View the Padstow webcam

Padstow Beaches and Coast

You do not have to drive far from Padstow to find sand. St George’s Cove, Harbour Cove and Hawker’s Cove can all be reached on foot from the town along the coast path. Further around the coast are Harlyn Bay, Trevone, Constantine Bay, Treyarnon Bay and Porthcothan Bay.

The beaches vary considerably in character and surf conditions, so check tide times, lifeguard information and local conditions before setting out, particularly if you are planning to swim or surf.

Travel Information

Padstow has no railway station, but bus services connect the town with Wadebridge and other parts of Cornwall. By road, Padstow is reached from the A39 via the A389.

The passenger ferry provides a quick way to cross to Rock without driving around the estuary and runs throughout the year, with the crossing point changing at low tide. If you are travelling at a particular time, check the latest ferry information before setting out.