On the banks of the River Camel, on the north coast of Cornwall, sits the town of Padstow. A fishing village, Padstow is now perfect for yachting, and Rick Stein – the town’s famous chef – has his world-renowned seafood restaurant facing the water. A self-catered cottage in this beautiful, characteristic town gives you the freedom to truly experience its rich heritage and warm locals. Spend an afternoon rambling through charming shops, and then stop by The Shipwrights for a cool, award-winning pint in a traditional atmosphere. Go for a walk along the coastal path from St George’s Cove to locally-named Tregirls – a stunning, seaside-panoramic walk that the kids are sure to love. Padstow’s enthralling history is ancient. Originally named Petrock’s Place (‘Petroc-stow’), after Saint Petroc, who arrived in Cornwall in approximately AD 500. The annual ‘Obby ‘Oss festival – an event truly unique to Padstow – celebrates this diverse Cornish culture, sure to bring a smile to all ages. Furthermore, Padstow is only ten miles away from the intriguing Bodmin, which also holds its own when it comes to a fascinating past. Take the kids for a walk along Bodmin moor and visit the Bodmin and Wenford Railway, where you can hop on an old-fashioned locomotive and enjoy the passing green views in style. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, there’s also Bodmin jail, built in the 1700s and now hub to many thrill-seekers (and if you’d rather sit that one out, they have a wonderful bar and restaurant, too).
A spacious, modern villa just four miles from Padstow with private parking and an enclosed garden. Sleeping six, it's a fantastic choice as a family holiday home for anyone looking to enjoy some of the best beaches and attractions in North Cornwall.
- Sleeps 4
- Bedrooms 2
- Bathrooms 1
- Agency Cottages
- Child Friendly Cottages
- Coastal Cottages
- Countryside Cottages
- Small Cottages
A spacious, modern, pet-friendly villa just two miles from the village of St Merryn and within easy reach of Padstow. Open-plan living and two large bedrooms provide ample room for families or friends looking to explore the towns and beaches along this fabulous stretch of North Cornwall coastline.
A bijou bolt hole for two in the centre of the pretty harbour town of Padstow, this cottage is beautifully presented and offers features like a wood burning stove, hand made king size bed and underfloor heating.
- Sleeps 2
- Bedrooms 1
- Bathrooms 1
- Agency Cottages
- Coastal Cottages
- Quirky Cottages
- Romantic Cottages
- Small Cottages
Towns nearby
Padstow
- Advent
- Bodmin
- Boscastle
- Bude
- Calstock
- Camborne
- Camelford
- Canworthy Water
- Carbis Bay
- Cawsand
- Charlestown
- Crackington Haven
- Crantock
- Dobwalls
- Downderry
- Duporth
- Falmouth
- Flushing
- Fowey
- Harlyn Bay
- Hayle
- Helston
- Lamorna Cove
- Launceston
- Liskeard
- Looe
- Lostwithiel
- Marazion
- Mawgan Porth
- Mevagissey
- Millbrook
- Mousehole
- Newquay
- Penzance
- Perranporth
- Polperro
- Porthowan
- Portreath
- Portwrinkle
- Praa Sands
- Rock
- Saltash
- St Agnes
- St Austell
- St Columb Major
- St. Ives
- St. Just
- St. Mawgan
- Tintagel
- Torpoint
- Truro
- Wadebridge
With its stretching coastal walks and peaceful estuary, Padstow is perfect for those looking for a romantic escape or outdoor holiday. Within easy reach of other exquisite towns, Padstow is in a perfect spot – that is, of course, if the bustling, year-round attraction of the town doesn’t keep you there for your whole visit, instead!
Hire a boat for the day and make your own way down the River Camel in anything from a little local row boat or a stylish catamaran. Alternatively, hire a bike and follow the Camel Estuary along the old railway line to Wadebridge and thence along the river up to Bodmin. Go exploring along the dramatic Atlantic coastline and explore the patchwork of golden beaches to be found. One of the most popular is named Watergate Bay, perhaps for its sheer size or back drop of dramatic cliffs – whatever the reason it’s clear this stretch of sand is certainly perfect for a day out with friends and family. Activities and action packed days are also rife in Padstow and Watergate; test your sea-legs on a surf board or wake board and throw yourself into the North Cornish swell providing fantastic surf for the diehard fanatics.
If you are something of a gourmet eater, then the quality and choice of cuisine in Padstow will most certainly appeal, from Rick Stein’s eateries to tiny cafes, you’ll find menus to appeal to all tastes offering delicious fresh local produce.
Out of the water there are a many attractions, such as The Eden Project, home thousands of plants found only in this enormous domed green house. Or visit one of the many cathedrals and museums dotted round the area with displays ranging from historical times to the popular past time of surfing, Cornwall offers museums in all fields. Padstow is one of a kind and not to be missed.
