Top 5 things to do in Padstow

The beautiful harbour town of Padstow attracts millions of visitors every year. You can dine in world class restaurants, visit stunning beaches and walk the breathtaking south west coast path. Here are our top 5 things to do in Padstow:

1. Get the ferry to Rock

With long sandy beaches along the Camel Estuary, Rock is a great place to explore. The Padstow to Rock ferry runs between 8am and 6pm during the summer months from Padstow harbour at high tide and the beach at low tide. It’s a lovely walk along the beach and through the sand dunes round to Daymer Bay. Here you will find the once buried St Endoc church where the famous poet John Betjamin is buried. The Mariners in Rock is a great place for lunch with fantastic views and delicious food, another addition to Paul Ainsworth’s portfolio.

 

2. Cycle the Camel Trail

Hire bikes from Padstow and cycle to Wadebridge taking in the wildlife and scenic views of the Camel Estuary. Stop for homemade treats at the Atlantic Coast Express halfway between Padstow and Wadebridge. If you are feeling fit go all the way to Bodmin through ancient woodland and alongside the river Camel. Bike hire available at the start of the Trail in Padstow. For the complete guide to the Camel Trail see our blogpost The Treverbyn guide to the Camel Trail.

 

3. Walk to Tregirls beach

A lovely walk through Padstow and up past the war memorial. Take in the views across the Estuary as you pass by St Georges Well and onto Tregirls beach. A beautiful sandy bay with crystal clear water perfect for swimming. You can continue round to Hawkers Cove where the old lifeboat station once way, at low tide its possible to walk round from Tregirls, otherwise take the coastal path. Rest a while tea garden is open in the summer months serving light lunches and cream teas.

 

4. Enjoy a glass of wine

Bin Two is a favourite of ours to enjoy a chilled glass of wine (or champagne) as you watch the world go by. A great little wineshop and bar with a fantastic selection  and friendly knowledgeable staff. They serve delicious lobster rolls during the summer.

 

5. Shopping and Coffee

Padstow has some great independent shops and art galleries and is the perfect place to while away a morning mooching round the shops. Be sure to check out The Drang Gallery for top quality and unusual artwork. Padstow Bookseller is a lovely traditional bookshop with a focus on local books. Rick Steins gift shop is great for gifts. Padstow boasts a range of good quality coffee including the Mussel Box overlooking Padstow harbour and Greens with fantastic views from their terrace over the Camel Estuary.

 

Padstow has something for everyone. For those wanting to experience something a little more adventurous there are many activities, including boat trips, surfing, waterskiing and stand up paddle boarding to name just a few. For foodies we have restaurants and pubs in abundance, and famous chefs calling Padstow and the surrounding area home. Once you have visited Padstow you are sure to want to return!