It’s time to uncover Padstow’s hidden gems and best-kept secrets. Experience a day in the life of a Padstow local by discovering the must-see sights and activities in the town. Explore the stunning natural beauty of this corner of North Cornwall, including historic landmarks, quaint shops, and exciting outdoor activities. Here are all the things to do in Padstow.
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Heading to Padstow and trying to figure out what to do? Look no further! There’s never a dull moment, from restaurants serving fresh seafood to stunning coastal views. Have a shopping spree, stroll on the beach, explore the charming streets or take a boat ride to Rock Island. Get ready for some Padstow fun. Don’t forget your camera!
Centred around the attractive harbour, the bustling town is an eclectic mix of fisherman’s cottages and merchant’s houses. Whilst fishing and the port’s trade have declined over the centuries, the void has been readily filled with Padstow establishing itself as one of Cornwall’s premier holiday resorts. The success of the town can be attributed to its inherent charms.
Padstow Harbour
The main attraction of Padstow is its harbour, and all roads lead here. Take a seat, people watch, or take in the boats bobbing on the water. There’s a mix of pleasure boats and fishing vessels bringing in their catch of the day.
Padstow Harbour was mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086. The town grew around the port, and The Strand, North Quay and South Quay took shape in the mid-16th Century. Today, you’ll find ice cream parlours, restaurants, shops, tearooms and pubs around the water.
🐾 Dog-friendly
Padstow Beach
While Padstow isn’t regarded as a ‘beach town,’ this isn’t true. A huge expanse of golden sand is along the South West Coast path from the harbour. St George’s Cove, Tregirls and Hawker’s Cove are fantastic family beaches, and if that’s not enough, then there are the beaches of Rock, just a 5-minute ferry ride across the river. There’s also Trevose Head, Treyarnon Bay and Daymer Bay.
Along the path, you’ll find the Padstow War Memorial. There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the excellent views across the Camel Estuary. It is up an incline. However, it is less steep than it looks.
🐾 Dog-friendly
National Lobster Hatchery
Whilst the name is mainly self-explanatory, few people realise how vulnerable lobster populations around the Cornish Coast are. The National Lobster Hatchery aims to educate about the importance of protecting them, as well as breeding programs and educational exhibits.
At the visitor centre, young lobsters are reared, ready for release, along with the resident giant lobster and various crabs. Plus, information on how we can look after the ocean.
🐾 Dog-friendly
The Camel Trail
One of the Padstow things to do is to stroll along The Camel Trail. The 18-mile route follows a disused railway line through the Cornish countryside. There are bike-hire shops near the start if you want to pedal along the trail instead.
Until 1964, Padstow had a direct rail connection to London via the Atlantic Coast Express. The disused line has been turned into a walking and cycling route. There are three sections, so you can decide how far you want to go; Wadebridge, Bodmin, or to Wendfordbridge. Of course, there are many places to stop along the way to enjoy a picnic, admire the Camel River or discover the past, like platforms and railway signs.
🐾 Dog-friendly
Prideaux Place
This refined Elizabethan country house overlooks Padstow, with formal gardens and a deer park. Prideaux Place was built in 1592 and passed down through the generations. The Grade I home is still in the family today.
Take a tour of the manor house, where you can explore the period décor and learn what daily life was like. There is masterful Elizabethan plasterwork in the Great Chamber, a rich porcelain collection, period furniture, and portraits depicting the Prideaux family and royalty. From the house, you step out into the gardens and deer park, where you can see views of Rough Tor and Brown Willy on Bodmin Moor.
🐾 Dogs are welcome in the grounds on a lead
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Padstow Boat Trips
There are boats of all shapes and sizes taking people up and down the coast from Padstow Harbour. Activities range from wildlife spotting, seals, dolphins, puffins and basking sharks, depending on the time of year, with Padstow Sealife Safaris. Whereas the Jubilee Queen is a leisurely cruise around the coastline. Or Emma Kate Fishing Trips offers everything from families and beginners to experienced anglers.
Just across the water from Padstow is the upmarket resort village of Rock. It is a haunt for holidaying royals and the rich and famous. (Gordon Ramsey owns a house here!) The Rock Ferry takes passengers back and forth across the River Camel every 20 minutes. It only costs £3 each way and £1 for dogs.
Learn To Surf
Everyone who visits Cornwall wants to make the most of its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. If you’re visiting, you may want to try water sports or learn to surf. From sea kayaks and stand-up paddle boards to swimming and diving, there’s plenty to get the heart racing.
Harlyn Surf School on Harlyn Bay offers courses or one-off lessons for children, adults, groups, families and even stags and hens. At the same time, Camel Ski School has taught people of all ages how to water ski since 1977. They are the UK’s largest water-ski centre specialising in wakeboarding, wake surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, inflatable rides and water skiing.
Padstow Museum
Situated in the heart of the town, Padstow Museum showcases information about the town’s history. It has an impressive collection of artefacts about the history of Padstow over the past two centuries. With fishing stories and shipwrecks, learn about the ancient Halyn Burial Site and the origins of May Day in Padstow. If the weather isn’t on your side, it’s also one of the things to do in Padstow in the rain. It is free to enter.
🐾 Not dog-friendly
Padstow Restaurants
Embark on a culinary adventure in Padstow by exploring the town’s top restaurants and savouring the flavours of Cornish cuisine. Indulge in the freshest seafood at Padstow’s renowned seafood scene from sea to plate. In all places to eat in Padstow, you can enjoy locally sourced ingredients used to create mouth-watering dishes. Make sure you come hungry!
It’s challenging to visit Padstow and not find the famous chef’s empire. Rick Stein Padstow has four restaurants; The Seafood Restaurant, St Petroc’s Bistro, Rick Stein’s Cafe and Stein’s Fish and Chips. He also owns The Cornish Arms, which serves British pub food at its very best. They are dog-friendly too. There’s also Rick Stein’s Cookery School if food is your thing. But there is more to food in Padstow.
Padstow is home to another celebrity chef, Paul Ainsworth at No.6, has been named among the best fine dining restaurants in the world by TripAdvisor. It is the only Michelin-star restaurant in Padstow. The dining room has a view into the kitchen where you can see the chefs at work or the private Florence Parker room that can seat six guests.
If you’re looking for something lower-key, there are plenty of pubs and cafes. The Rest A While Tea Garden has sandwiches, quiches and cream tea. The Chough Bakery is where to head for a traditional pasty or Chip Ahoy for a chip shop experience.
Get 50% off food
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Shops in Padstow
Padstow has a refreshing absence of seaside tourist tat. Art fans should explore The Padstow Studio and Padstow Gallery for paintings and ceramics created by local artists and inspired by the Cornish coastline. Alternatively, visit the fascinating Museum of Witchcraft and Magic and pick up a spooky souvenir or two. There are a few clothes shops too.
Pop into the cosy wine bar BinTwo. The buzzy space has floor-to-ceiling shelves of attractive bottles, and the tables are often full of merry drinkers until last orders. Beer fans should head to Padstow Brewing Company. By day, it’s a bottle and can shop, and by night a candle-lit taproom serving a small selection of the best brews. Also, Tarquin’s Gin School, where you learn to distil your own gin in a classic copper pot.
Padstow Events
Padstow is known for its ancient May Day celebrations. Mayday starts at midnight on 30 April by singing to the landlord of the Golden Lion Inn. The singing continues around the town until the early house of the morning. The next day starts early with collecting flowers to display around the town, with tree branches tied to lampposts and drainpipes. The event’s main activities revolve around the Obby Osses (hobby horses) that go on parade. At midnight, there’s one last dance around the Maypole.
Other annual events include St Piran’s Day, the patron saint of Cornwall, celebrated on 5 March. Also, the Royal Cornwall Show showcases the best of Cornish agriculture and the Rock Oyster Festival, where you can have fabulous food and listen to live music, and the Padstow Vintage Rally and Country Fair. Later in the year is The Lobster Lollop and the Padstow Christmas Festival.
Padstow Parking
Padstow has four main car parks. All are pay and display. The nearest to the harbour is the Harbour Car Park. There’s also Railway Car Park and Link Road Car Park. A 10-minute walk to the harbour is Padstow Main Car Park.
Things to do around Padstow
Camel Creek Adventure Park
One of the things to do near Padstow in the rain is Camel Creek Family Theme Park. Nestled in 111 acres of Cornish countryside, there are over 40 rides and attractions, such as the Clown Coaster and Creeky’s Water Rush Log Flume. There’s also a huge indoor play area for kids where they can keep themselves entertained while you grab a coffee and cake.
🐾 Not dog-friendly
Book a Tour
Embarking on a tour with Viator promises an enriching and hassle-free experience that’s hard to beat. You’re not just booking a tour; it’s an expertly crafted itinerary curated by locals and seasoned travellers, ensuring you uncover the hidden gems and must-see attractions. From walking tours to culinary adventures and everything in between, Viator offers an extensive range of options tailored to diverse interests and budgets.
Things to do near Padstow
MacDonald’s Farm
One of the places to visit near Padstow is MacDonald’s Farm. The award-winning family-run farm has incredible views. The peace is only disturbed by the sound of the animals. The onsite café is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner – including pizza nights on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. You can meet the animals at the events or go on pony rides. Some evenings, there’s live music too.
🐾 Dog-friendly
Eden Project
Loved by all ages is the Eden Project, just 20 minutes outside Padstow. Here you can explore the largest greenhouses on earth. The domes display the Rainforest and Mediterranean with lush coffee plants, cocoa beans, herbs vines, olive trees and fruit.
🐾 Dog-friendly, apart from the domes or undercover areas
Camel Valley Vineyard
Wines have been produced in this part of the world since 1989. Camel Valley Vineyard, Cornwall’s oldest and largest vineyard, welcomes people for scheduled tours or wine by the glass on the terrace. From the car park, you get a great view of the vines.
🐾 Not dog-friendly
Cornish Birds of Prey Centre
The Cornish Birds of Prey Centre is a home for mistreated, unwanted, injured and neglected birds. Three aerial displays each day allow you to watch hawks, owls, falcons, vultures and eagles in flight. Plus, you can book a falconry handling session if you want to get up close and personal.
🐾 Not dog-friendly. However, shaded kennels can be used free of charge and a small walking area.
Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm
Cornwall’s first and largest cider maker, Healeys Cyder Farm, is much more than a distillery and brewery. They want the public to understand the importance of tradition and process, with its tours offering a glimpse into their award-winning cyders, spirits, juices and jams. There’s also a vintage car display, a museum, farm animals and a tea room.
🐾 Dogs on leads are welcome. Dogs are not permitted in the production halls or the jam kitchen.
Padstow to Newquay
Newquay has previously been voted one of the nation’s favourite seaside towns. Buses connect the two towns, or the drive takes just over 30 minutes. From sunbathing to a surf lesson or discovering Newquay attractions, you’ll be excited to explore what this Cornwall town offers. The popular seaside resort is family-friendly and dog friendly. Discover all of the things to do in Newquay.
Padstow to Port Isaac
You can walk to Port Isaac from Padstow along the South West Coast Path. The walk is just under 12 miles, and you’ll be rewarded with unspoiled sections of coast and spectacular views. Buses connect the two towns, or you can drive in about 35 minutes. Port Isaac is a small fishing village with narrow winding streets leading to the harbour.
Padstow to Tintagel
Twenty-one miles north of Padstow is Tintagel. It is linked with the legend of King Arthur. It is situated on the clifftops. Because of the rugged coastal landscape, there are a lot of steep slopes and uneven surfaces, which could be a challenge for some visitors. You have to cross a footbridge to the island and leave by climbing 140 steps. You will want to see the brooding figure of Gallos, which means power in Cornish, a life-size bronze sculpture inspired by King Arthur and Tintagel’s royal past.
I visited Tintagel when I stayed in Bude. With beautiful beaches, rolling countryside, and exciting history – there are plenty of things to do around Bude.
Entry is £15.70 per person or £14.10 for seniors and students. Under 5’s are free, and other children are £9.40. Family tickets start from £25.10. English Heritage members are free. There is no free parking on site. Pay and display in the village is about 600 metres away.
🐾 Dogs are welcome, but there are a lot of steps, cliff edges and nesting birds, so keep them safe on a lead.
English Heritage Membership
Even though I live in Cardiff, Wales, I love our English Heritage Membership. It gives us access to over 400 historic places. Plus, free parking. I’ve even taken advantage of some of the member’s rewards, such as discounted accommodation and money off meals. Our joint membership costs £9.53 a month. Family memberships start from £5.33 a month, allowing up to 6 children in with an adult.
Not sure if it is for you? I’ve done the leg work for you in National Trust Vs English Heritage. Also, here’s a list of English Heritage places to visit in Devon.
English Heritage Deals: Get 15% off gift and annual memberships by using the promo code EHAFF25 at the checkout. It is valid until 30 January 2025. Making a single membership £54 per year and a couple’s membership £94.50. Get yours here.
Places to Stay in Padstow
If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book in advance and as soon as possible. Prices rise the closer you get to the travel date. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all budgets.
Cornwall Hideaways
Cornwall Hideaways have a massive selection of luxury holiday homes to make your next staycation perfect. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a family holiday, there’s plenty to choose from. You’ll be able to find properties with the things on your tick list, including dog-friendly, sea views, walking routes or even a log fire. There are barn conversions, cottages, lofts and manor houses.
🐾 Dog friendly
Sykes Cottages
Sykes Cottages has over 17,500-holiday cottages to rent across the UK, including in Cornwall and the surrounding areas. There are pet-friendly cottages, large holiday homes and even houses with hot tubs. They’ve been operating for over 30 years, so you know you’re booking is in good hands.
🐾 Dog friendly
National Trust Holidays
You can stay in cottages, converted farmhouses and campsites in Cornwall with National Trust Holidays. With countryside views, you’ll have all the facilities and home comforts to hand, including patio areas or gardens and BBQs to enjoy in warmer weather.
National Trust Holiday Promo Code
Get 15% off selected cottages for bookings made and taken by 31 May 2024. Use discount code NTAF.
Plan a Trip with Expedia
Booking a hotel via Expedia is a seamless experience that offers convenience and choice at your fingertips. With just a few clicks, you can browse through a wide array of cosy boutique hotels to luxurious resorts, tailored to your preferences and budget. Compare prices, read reviews from fellow travellers, and explore amenities, ensuring you find the perfect place to stay for your trip.
Create your Itinerary
Using TripAdvisor when booking a hotel allows you to access a wealth of reviews and ratings from fellow travellers, helping you make an informed decision on where to stay, while also providing recommendations and insights on planning things to do during your trip.
Last Minute Deals
You can also plan with LastMinute.com. Stay at great hotels at a fraction of the price. When booking a hotel, utilising LastMinute enables you to secure fantastic deals on accommodations, ensuring a budget-friendly and spontaneous travel experience.
Places to Visit in Cornwall
Polperro
It’s no secret, but I feel like Polperro in Cornwall is my second home. I usually hate revisiting the same places again and again. Especially as there is so much more I’d love to explore. However, I try to get to the tiny fishing village at least once a year. Each trip is different as there are plenty of things to do in Polperro.
Looe
Looe is a small seaside town in South East Cornwall. It is split into two, East Looe and West Looe, with the river Looe running through the centre. The beauty spot has a rich history, fun attractions, activities, beaches and wonderful places to eat. There are plenty of things to do in Looe that will keep you entertained.
Fowey
If you’re looking for sea air, coastal walks and fascinating history, Fowey in Cornwall should be on your staycation bucket list. It is a popular spot with holidaymakers, many tourist attractions, charming narrow lanes, food, drink and nearby beaches.
Bude
The small seaside resort of Bude in North Cornwall is often compared to Newquay. I prefer it! It is smaller, not too commercial and is quiet in comparison – a plus if you want to escape the crowds. With beautiful beaches, rolling countryside and exciting history, there are plenty of things to do in Bude.
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