Local Attractions

Padstow - The Local Area

Over 4000 years ago, it is thought that travellers used the Fowey and Camel Valley on their journeys from Brittany to Ireland. By using this route, known as "The Saints Way", the traitorous sea passage around Land's End could be avoided.  St. Petroc's arrival on the shores of the River Camel about the 6th Century put the town on the map. St Petroc studied theology and then founded a monastery which became know as Petrocston, and then ultimately Padstow. He died in Wales, c. 594 but was buried around the area.

Prideaux Place overlooks the town and was built in 1585 by Sir Nicholas Prideaux. The house is set within sixty acres of ground which includes twenty-two acres of deer park situated opposite the house. This deer park is thought to be very old with records available back to the year 450. For details visit www.prideauxplace.co.uk.

As time went by the town continued to develop as a fishing and trading port and as a ship building centre. During the 16th century the port gave shelter to Sir John Hawkins as he made his way back from the West Indies and also to Sir Martin Frobisher on his way back from his search for the North West Passage to China in 1577. Most famously of all, Sir Walter Raleigh lived in the town for a time when he was Warden of Cornwall and his Court House on Riverside was the administrative center for the collection of taxes. During the 17th century mining was expanding around Cornwall and copper ore and slates were exported. The heyday of the Port was reached around the 19th century by which time a number of shipbuilding yards had been established and the fishing industry was at its peak.

A Holiday in Padstow

Today, the working fishing fleet can be seen going about its business from the harbour area.  Many of the restaurants  have a daily supply of fresh fish, as a result of such a local fishing fleet. There are many holiday activities available from the harbour area to visitors. These include a high-powered speedboat trip, a more leisurely cruise aboard the ‘Jubilee Queen’, a ferry trip across to Rock (and visit St Enodoc church where Sir John Betjeman is buried), or a family fishing trip around the bay.

The local coastal waters offer excellent fishing. Contact the Padstow Angling Centre on 01841 532762 for details. You could also learn to surf with a British Surfing Association approved surf school, the Harlyn Surf School. For exclusive Private and Group Surfing Lessons suitable for all ages and abilities, contact Harlyn Surf School. 

As well as the passenger ferry which runs regularly to Rock, there is also a water taxi service.

The own used to be the Cornish terminus of the Southern Railway and there was a direct train service from London Waterloo, "The Atlantic Coast Express". The existence of the station came to an end as a result of Dr Beeching's cuts, but all was not quite lost, as the old rail track became the 'Camel Trail', a very popular cycle and pedestrian link to Wadebridge proceeding to Bodmin before moving up to Wenford Bridge near St Breward on the slopes of Bodmin Moor. Bicycle hire is available, for details contact Padstow Cycle Hire.

The town offers an agreeable mix of retail outlets including fashion boutiques, craft and souvenirs, book shops and home furnishings, all nestled amongst its quaint narrow streets. Also on offer is an amazing array of places to eat while you are on holiday, catering for all tastes and pockets! One of the most well known is Rick Stein with his world famous Seafood Restaurant. He now has several other eateries in the town including St Petroc’s Bistro, The Cafe, Seafood Cookery School and his own Fish and Chip shop!

Others include Margot’s Bistro, www.margotspadstow.blogspot.com , Restaurant No 6 www.number6inpadstow.co.uk,  and Rojanos www.rojanos.co.uk. There are also many public houses that offer good pub food as well as locally brewed ales and even fine wine from www.camelvalley.com - the Camel Valley Vineyard.   What better than a glass of Champagne and a view of Padstow harbour?  BinTwo the local wine merchant,  offers a wide selection of wines, visit www.bintwo.com  And don’t forget to sample a Cornish pasty! www.thechoughbakery.co.uk.

During the spring and autumn the town steadies to a more leisurely pace. At the beginning of May Padstow holds its famous 'Obby Oss' Pagan festival celebrating the beginning of summer. This is truly a unique experience that shouldn't be missed! Keep an eye on our special offers for the beginning of May. Outside the main visitor season, the beauty of the area can be easily appreciated.

Even during the winter, the Christmas holiday lights around the quayside, harbour and town have become famous throughout. Mid December is also the time for late night Christmas shopping when local bands, mulled wine and the carollers take to the streets. Why not have a look at our Christmas and New Year holiday accommodation availability?

Padstow's Christmas Festival
4- 6th December 2009 

It’s during December that Padstow is at its most magical, with its festive fair bringing sparkling Christmas lights to the tranquil harbour. Visitors can experience a traditional Christmas market in the idyllic seaside town on Cornwall’s North coast, over a long weekend during the 4th, 5th and 6th of December 2009.

After the resounding success of its first year, Padstow’s Christmas Festival is back, promising an array of seasonal treats with Christmas lights and decorations, fireworks, seasonal food, festive cookery demonstrations and late night shopping. This year’s Christmas market boasts stalls laden with Cornish goodies and at the heart of this years festival will be an outdoor ice rink for all to enjoy.

The ice rink is a new addition for 2009 and will be open all day Saturday and Sunday offering a great way to make the most of a winter’s day. The harbour side will play host to the 3,000 sq ft ice rink and after a session on the ice, visitors will be able to warm up with a hot chocolate and a mince pie in one of Padstow’s many cafés or bistros.

The festival’s food and drink stands will be celebrating all things Cornish; expect wine tastings, seasonal food, mulled wine and festive cookery demonstrations. Sample the best of Cornwall’s produce from the town’s local suppliers or enjoy a celebratory meal in one of Padstow’s renowned restaurants or traditional British pubs.

Many of the town’s eateries will be running special offers throughout the event, including The Basement – a café built within ‘The Drang’, a small shopping area on the Quay – which will be offering a three course evening menu for £22, as well as lunches for under £10, throughout the festival.

The town’s most well known chef, Rick Stein, will also be attending the festival, signing copies of his latest book, Far Eastern Odyssey, for visitors at Stein’s Deli. The Seafood Restaurant will be offering a three course lunch menu for £28.50, St Petroc’s Bistro will offer a three course lunch menu for £17.50 and there will also be a seasonal cookery demonstration at Padstow Seafood School on the evening of Friday 4th December.

With scenic estuary views, an appearance by Father Christmas, carols around the Christmas tree and live music, visitors can soak up the party atmosphere whilst escaping the hustle and bustle of city life. Guests can explore Padstow’s boutique retailers after hours for artisan jewellery, crafts, fashion and homewares for that perfect Christmas gift. The celebration will finally culminate with a special Christmas service and carols at the historic St Petroc’s church in the old town on Sunday 6th.

The full programme of events will be uploaded onto www.padstowlive.com in the lead up to the festival.

Links: http://www.iknow-cornwall.co.uk/north_cornwall_coast/hotels/ :