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P adstow is well-known and well-loved for good reason. It’s the perfect location to get out on the water and explore the stunning surrounding estuary and coastline. With some of Cornwall’s best restaurants and plenty of pasty shops, if you’re a bit of a foodie, you’re certainly in the right place! The Old Custom House sits directly overlooking the hustle and bustle of the working harbour. From spotting dolphins to taking in the outdoors, here’s a list of things to do during your stay in Padstow.
With pastel-coloured houses clinging to the terraces that look down over a quaint and colourful medieval harbour, Padstow is undoubtedly one of the jewels in Cornwall’s coastal crown. The activity of the working harbour is the perfect place to sit with a pasty or takeaway while watching the world go by. Walk around Padstow Harbour and discover a unique array of shops, galleries and cafes.
Experience the rugged coastline from a different perspective and search for seals, basking sharks, puffins and dolphins on a Sea Safari boat trip from Padstow Harbour. They can even pack you a picnic and whisk you off to a hidden cove for a spot of lunch.
There’s a wide variety of adventures to choose from. Take to the ocean on the beaches near Padstow, navigate the intricacies of the estuary, or chart your own course. Skippered boat hire is available on request to venture out to a location of your choosing.
Looking for outdoor activities in Padstow? The epic Camel Trail links Padstow to Wadebridge, Bodmin, and beyond. This 18-mile stretch of level, traffic-free trail runs along a disused railway line and is a haven for walkers, cyclists in Padstow and horse riders.
Spot abundant birdlife along the Camel Estuary, before exploring ancient woodland and North Cornwall’s stunning coastline. Keep going right to the end and you’ll stumble upon an off-grid cafe tucked away in a delightful valley at Wenfordbridge.
Discover this lovely and fascinating church, half-hidden by the surrounding sand dunes. From the 16th to the 19th century, St Enodoc had almost completely disappeared, with the vicar and worshippers having to climb in through the roof for services!
Thanks to the reinforcement of the sand dunes, the church has since been uncovered and now sits proudly surrounded by the St Enodoc Golf Club. It is also the last resting place of poet laureate, Sir John Betjeman.
Catch your own dinner along some of the finest stretches of coastline in Cornwall. The waters surrounding Padstow are a rich fishing ground, where you can expect to catch anything from mackerel to cod and bass.
You may also get to spot some larger marine wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and maybe even a whale! Trips on Emma Kate II represent excellent value and are a fun, adventurous day out for all.
The Rock Ferry runs every 20 minutes and will transport you across the estuary to this gorgeous boating haven. Popular with the rich and famous, Rock is now home to fancy boutiques and upscale restaurants. The headland creates a safe haven for sailing, windsurfing and water skiing. The long, fine-sand beach is also a big draw.
