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All you need to know
Whether you're a foodie, family or couple, a holiday in the bustling harbour town of Padstow is one you'll never forget.
Best known for its fabulous food, golden sandy beaches and charming atmosphere, holidays in Padstow are some of north Cornwall’s finest. From its dreamy location on the Camel estuary, this beautiful old harbour town doesn’t disappoint.
A great place to start is down at the harbour, where fishing boats come and go. Fishing remains at the heart of life in Padstow: watch as the fishermen go about their day, learn about the old fishing village’s past at Padstow Museum and find out about its future at the National Lobster Hatchery. And it’s not famous for its fish for nothing. Known as one of Cornwall’s great foodie destinations, you can enjoy freshly caught seafood at a range of cafes, bars and restaurants, including celebrity chef Rick Stein’s six eateries.
Get moving after indulging by heading to the beach and trying out some of the many watersports and boat trips on offer. Padstow has a range of family and dog friendly beaches to explore, from St George’s Cove, Harbour Cove and Hawkers Cove for rockpooling and building sandcastles, to the gorgeous bays of Harlyn, Constantine and Booby’s, all famed for their great surfing. On a calm day at Booby’s, the snorkelling is also amazing. Out on the water, take in the incredible wildlife on a Padstow Sea Life Safari, where you can catch a glimpse of grey seals, porpoises and huge basking sharks.
For the best sea views, walking is where it’s at. Follow the coastline from Padstow harbour, past Tregirls beach and Hawkers Cove and around Stepper Point to Trevone. Stop for lunch in the beachside café before heading further down the coast to Harlyn.
The Cornish countryside around Padstow is just as beguiling as its coastline. The best way to see it is by bike, along the famous Camel Trail. Hire some bikes in Padstow and cycle all the way along a disused railway line along the river up to Wadebridge or Bodmin, taking in wildlife as you go. After a long day in the saddle, relax by taking the ferry across to Rock for some celebrity spotting before a meal at the Rock Inn or the Mariners, then take the water taxi back to Padstow at the end of the day.
Padstow is situated in a fascinating part of Cornwall. Try the Lost Gardens of Heligan, the Eden Project and Lanhydrock to learn more about Cornish culture and heritage.
Whether you are searching for the perfect plate of fish and chips, a cultural break or action-packed family getaway, a holiday in Padstow has everything and more.
The National Lobster Hatchery is a unique organisation whose work in conservation, research and education separates them because they work specifically with a commercial species. A charity based in Padstow, their work helps to make lobster sustainable in the UK, as the species alone is worth an estimated £30m a year. Both the Scandinavian and Mediterranean stocks have completely collapsed, so the hatchery aims to ensure global food security for future generations by facilitating the survival rate of eggs in the wild. When you visit you can learn all about their work and support conservation. They are open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10.15am, but opening times are seasonal so keep an eye on the website. Prices are £12 for adults or £6 for children.
Located on the beautiful Camel Estuary in Rock. Camel Ski offers a range of activities for all ages from inflatable rides, wake boarding, paddle boarding, wake surfing, kayaking and water skiing. They offer lessons for all ages to learn to water-ski or wake board. Male and female changing facilities are available with access to hot showers, along with all the equipment you will need provided. There is also a small après Ski café on site.
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Ranked 99th best course in the world by Golf Digest magazine, and 15th in England by Golf World, St Enodoc Golf Club has a reputation as one of the finest links golf courses in the South West of England, with its undulating fairways, firm greens, some blind shots and the added bonus of beautiful sea and estuary views. The club sits on the North Cornwall coast overlooking the Camel Estuary with Padstow on the far side, and it has two courses; the Church Championship course, and the shorter Holywell course which is ideal for those wanting slightly less of a challenge but which still features some typical links terrain. The club has a bar, lounge and dining room available, and green fees start at £45 for the Church course and £25 for the Holywell course in the low season.
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For the thrill-seekers and the calm-seekers, the adrenalin junkies and the nature lovers, and those who just want to take a moment out of the daily grind: Wavehunters will have an ocean adventure for you. From surf lessons to sea boat safaris, they offer a wide range of activities guaranteed to provide fun for all the family, make sure you get on board!
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We booked the 2hr sea safari, saw dolphins and tuna and our skipper was very knowledgable about the local area and coves, in between dolphin sightings and cove visits we moved at speed which was very exhilarating. Well worth the price.
September 2021
Perfectly located on the harbour’s edge in the bustling town of Padstow, Cherry Trees is a small, independently owned cafe offering a marvellous selection of homemade cakes, delicious hot and cold lunch options and mouth-watering afternoon teas. They also offer a take away option for those who would rather have their sumptuous lunch on the beach. The café is dog friendly (subject to available tables).
Cherry Trees Cafe, West Quay, Padstow,PL28 8AQ (T: 01841 532934)
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Opened by Rick Stein and Jill Stein in 1975, The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow is famous for establishing an international reputation for the very freshest fish and shellfish, often landed on our doorstep. Head chef, Stephane Delourme and his team create simple seafood dishes with classic flavours using Rick’s recipes.
The Seafood Restaurant Riverside, Padstow PL28 8BY (T: 01841 532700)
We went as a treat for our anniversary which they acknowledged in chocolate with our dessert which was nice. We have the fruits de mer seafood platter which was piled high, delicious and messy. The ambiance was smart casual, not at all stuffy. And the price was less than expected!
July 2023
Finally got a table for an evening meal in July after booking a year in advance! What a special treat. Wonderful food, fairly simple but perfectly cooked and presented. Portion sizes just right to leave you replete but not stuffed. Knowledgable and attentive staff, all very professional. Good atmosphere. Well worth the money.
July 2022
A wonderful treat when visiting Cornwall. Delicious food and excellent service. Highly recommend.
August 2019
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Take in the fantastic views of the Camel Estuary from the comfort of the Harbour Kitchen restaurant. Serving a casual, all-day dining experience with light, seasonal and locally sourced food all with stunning Padstow harbour views. The menu features many of the Harbour hotels signature dishes including Harbour fish pie and a homemade sea food burger. They also offer a fantastic afternoon tea with vegan and gluten free options available. There is also a generous Sunday Lunch menu to enjoy on a cool winters day.
Harbour Kitchen, Padstow, PL28 8DB , (T: 01841 532486)
We had a gorgeous afternoon tea at the harbour hotel. It was reasonably priced, a lot of food and tasted delicious. It’s definitely my favourite afternoon tea I’ve had and I’ve had a few.
November 2023
Ideally situated on the edge of the Camel Estuary, The Rock Inn provides great locally sourced food as well as stunning panoramic views across the River Camel. Sit back on the open balcony and enjoy a glass of wine (or two), while you watch the boats pass by and the sun set on another glorious day in Cornwall. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and a great selection of local beers, lagers, ciders and much more.
The Rock Inn, Rock, PL27 6FD (T: 01208 864598)
Four Boys Cafe is the newest arrival in Rock, an all day licensed cafe. Serving breakfast and lunch, walk-ins only. Brother to Fee's eateries in Rock & Port Isaac.
Rock, Cornwall.
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Rock beach is a beautiful long white sand beach located on the mouth of the Camel Estuary. This Area of Outstanding natural beauty is a haven for wading birds and the prefect spot for a swim in the clear blue waters or a picnic admiring the fantastic views. The beach is backed by sand dunes, please try to avoid walking on the dunes and keep to the footpaths where provided as there has been a huge amount of erosion in recent years. Dogs are welcome on the beach all year round and there is easy access to shops and all facilities including public toilets. Parking can be found in the car park just behind and access is via a ferry slipway or steps.
What a fabulous beach, dog friendly all year, when the tide is out the beach is huge, our dogs had a brilliant time. The car park is reasonable priced and toilets were clean.
September 2021
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Located on the East side of the River Camel. Sand and dunes. Dog friendly.
Let's tackle the two downsides first. The narrow single track lane descending to the car park ican be challenging at busy times. The other one - the sheltered position means no waves for boarding. Great sandy beach, safe for kids with a good size car park and easy access down to the sands. Great views over the Doom Bar. Easy to walk down to Rock Beach and St Enodoc's church is worth a visit.
July 2022
Situated at the mouth of the Camel estuary near Padstow lies Hawkers Cove Beach. This wide expanse of white sand beach stretches almost 1.5 miles. Despite its beautiful location and crystal clear waters it’s a fairly uncrowded beach, this is largely due to the limited parking and fairly convoluted access. You can walk from the beach along the coast path to Padstow and take in the breath taking views of the Camel Estuary. There is also a beautiful Tea Garden just up from the beach serving Cream Teas and light bites in the summer months. There is a car park a few minutes’ walk away, just follow signs for Hawkers Cove from the B3276.
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Visit one of Cornwall’s most famous surfing hubs. Polzeath Beach near Wadebridge is the perfect spot for all you wet-suited surfers, whether novice or pro. Take a lesson in surfing or catch some waves on a body board before heading to browse the local shops and visit the cafes and restaurants along the sea front. For those walkers amongst you, enjoy an easy coastal walk to nearby Daymer Bay and Rock found on the mouth of the Camel Estuary. Parking is plentiful and dogs are welcome on the beach except between Easter Sunday and 30 September when a seasonal dog ban is in place.
Lovely sandy beach that is patrolled by life guards. Though busy there are several large car parks and plenty of room on the beach for all even when the tide is in. Lots of eateries and a surf school.
June 2022
One of the few beaches that isn’t dog friendly so we didn’t stop, but it looked nice from the car park
September 2021