Beach Guide
We are spoilt for choice when it comes to walks and beaches here in Padstow. Situated on a spectacular section of the South West Coast path, the start of The Saints Way from North to South Coast and also the famous Camel Trail, Padstow really is a walker’s paradise. Gary has walked the entire South West coastal path over the past few years so is a fountain of knowledge on walks in the area.
Padstow Beaches
A short, very scenic walk from the harbour, Padstow has two lovely beaches. The first, St George’s Well is a sheltered, sandy cove with lovely views across the estuary to Rock.
If you venture a little further along the coast path, you come to Tregirls; a beautiful wide sandy bay which is usually pretty quiet, even in the height of summer. No cafe or WC facilities here but sacrificing the conveniences for the beauty & tranquillity of this beach is definitely worthwhile.
Rock & Beyond
Catch the ferry from Padstow harbour (or the beach at low tide) across the Estuary to Rock to enjoy the expanse of sand that stretches to Daymer Bay. Plenty of facilities on hand, including the Mariners Pub and Blue Tomato Cafe, which serves good food although it is a bit pricey.
The walk from Rock beach across the sand dunes and Golf Course to St Enedoc Church where poet Sir John Betjeman is buried offers breath taking views. The quaint Church, tucked away in the sand dunes, is a wonderful place to visit. For the enthusiastic walker, you can continue round to Polzeath and even Port Issac taking in a beautiful stretch of the coast path.
If you do walk on to Polzeath, be sure to visit The Cracking Crab which sits on the coast path just before you reach the beach. They serve the best crab sandwiches we have ever tried!
Trevone Bay
A short drive from Padstow, or 2 - 3 hour walk along the coastal path, Trevone Bay is in a sheltered cove. WC facilities and beach front car park with good cafe and shop, a great pit stop if you have made the journey on foot. The blow hole, a massive void in the cliff just above the bay, is pretty awe inspiring.
Harlyn Bay
A couple of miles on along the coast from Trevone, Harlyn is a safe beach for swimming and surfing and home to Harlyn Surf School, which we would highly recommend for lessons. Beach front car park. If you are walking it is possible to catch the bus back to Padstow from here.
Constantine Bay
A truly beautiful beach with a wide expanse of sand and dunes. WC, parking and ice creams available. Constantine and adjoining Booby’s Bay is renowned for its surf, with Trevose Head lighthouse on the peninsula beyond offering spectacular panoramic views. To the left of Constantine is a lovely coastal walk to Treyarnon Bay and onwards along the coastal path past some incredible coves. There is a youth hostel here with a great garden overlooking the sea, where there is often live music at weekends.
