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Pictures of Padstow

a Picturesque Village in the county of Cornwall

Padstow Quay, Cornwall(May 2005)

About Padstow

Padstow has become a phenomenon of the latter half of the 20th-century when Chef, Rick Stein, together with his endearing little dog, Chalky first burst upon our T.V. screens following the opening of his famous "Seafood Restaurant" which has since become a Mecca for fish and seafood lovers from all over the country and Europe.

The roots of this attractive small fishing port situated on the estuary of the River Camel, stretch far beyond the 20th-century. They extend into the 6th-century when St.Petroc, believed to be the son of a Welsh nobleman, sailed down from Wales to found a monastery here. There is a 15th-century church dedicated to the saint, this stands in a picturesque position looking down over the towns network of narrow alleyways and streets crammed with ancient colour-washed cottages leading down to the harbour. Here, casting a watchful eye over the harbour is the 16th-century Court House, which was home to Sir Walter Raleigh when he was Warden of the Stanneries of Cornwall. Nearby too, is Prideaux Place, a fine Tudor mansion filled with historic treasures of the past 400 years.

Apart from the "Seafood Restaurant" the streets contain a lively mix of quaint craft and antique shops, book-shops, sweet shops with locally made fudge, charming cafe's, inns and other pleasant restaurants serving delicious fruits caught in local seas. The town museum is worth a visit, this celebrates the history and heritage of the town and the local area.

Padstow is highly picturesque, at its famous quayside there is always a jumble of pleasure craft and colourful fishing boats. This is a lovely place to wander, watching a catch or two of lobster and crab being landed and soaking up the genial atmosphere of the town, whilst enjoying the obvious beauty of the coastline.

In May, Padstow puts on its traditional Hobby Oss festival which celebrates the coming of Spring. The celebrations begin at midnight and end the following midnight, when everyone dances round the Maypole! During the day-long celebrations vast crowds follow a huge procession of street dancers and musicians led by the Oss around packed streets to the bang of drums and the strains of other instruments including accordions. When the Oss decides to retire to his stable, everyone goes off to a pub. It is all wildly hilarious and jolly good fun with everyone in a very merry mood.

If you wish to enjoy more than just lazing on Padstow's lovely beach, why not join in a sea fishing trip or try the watersports offered at nearby Harlyn Bay. There are many beautiful coastal walks or, if you're really energetic then why not hire a cycle and ride the famous Camel trail from Padstow to eyrie Bodmin Moor. There is a multitude of things to do in Padstow both on and off dry land. The Jubilee Queens offers the chance to appreciate the extraordinary beauty of the Cornish coast from the sea, this is the best way to view marvellous cliffs and coves that would otherwise remain unseen and can only be reached via the sea.

Pleasant walks take you to the nearby sandy beaches of Harbour Cove and Hawkers Cove where Padstow's lifeboat used to be stored, but the Doom Bar made easy launching difficult at low water so the station was moved to Trevose Head.

With a wonderful friendly atmosphere, so much to do, see and experience including a carnival and regatta in July and a lifeboat day in August, the attractions of nearby tropical gardens and aquarium - Padstow makes an idyllic destination for a perfect family holiday, or an enjoyable resort for a romantic weekend for two!


Planning a visit? Please see below for other recommended towns, attractions and recommended hotels nearby.

Distances and directions below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner

Recommended attractions near Padstow

Prideaux Place(0.4 miles, 0.6 km)Pictures
Trevose Head Lighthouse(4.2 miles, 6.7 km, direction W)Pictures
Carnewas & Bedruthan Steps(5.6 miles, 9.0 km, direction SW)Pictures
Newquay Zoo(10.3 miles, 16.5 km, direction SW)Pictures
Bodmin Jail(10.4 miles, 16.7 km, direction SE)Pictures
Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay(10.7 miles, 17.3 km, direction SW)Pictures
The Shire Hall(10.8 miles, 17.4 km, direction SE)Pictures
Bodmin & Wenford Railway(11.0 miles, 17.8 km, direction SE)Pictures
Tintagel Old Post Office(11.9 miles, 19.1 km, direction NE)Pictures
Merlin's Cave(11.9 miles, 19.1 km, direction NE)Pictures
Tintagel Castle(11.9 miles, 19.2 km, direction NE)Pictures
Lanhydrock House(12.5 miles, 20.1 km, direction SE)Pictures
The Rocky Valley(13.0 miles, 20.9 km, direction NE)Pictures
Restormel Castle(15.0 miles, 24.2 km, direction SE)Pictures
The Eden Project(15.2 miles, 24.4 km, direction SE)Pictures

All attractions in Padstow
All attractions in Cornwall
Complete A to Z of attractions in England

Recommended towns near Padstow

Rock, in the county of Cornwall (1.4 miles, 2.3 km, direction E)
Rock is known to have been visited by at least one Royal Prince.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Polzeath, in the county of Cornwall (2.5 miles, 4.1 km, direction NE)
This is an area of pleasant coves, delightful bays and quaint villages.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

New Polzeath, in the county of Cornwall (2.8 miles, 4.5 km, direction N)
New Polzeath overlooks the extensive sands at Hayles Bay, where westerly winds provide perfect conditions for surfers. Just north of New Polzeath you can find steps leading to a beautiful beach.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Constantine Bay, in the county of Cornwall (3.2 miles, 5.2 km, direction W)
Constantine Bay lies south of Padstow, and just a short distance from Trevose Head. Here visitors will find a marvellous...
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Porthcothan, in the county of Cornwall (4.2 miles, 6.8 km, direction SW)
Wildlife, wild plants, flowers, and winding lanes are typical of this part of Cornwall where Porthcothan beach is backed by an area of low dunes.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Wadebridge, in the county of Cornwall (4.7 miles, 7.5 km, direction SE)
This enchanting place, is close to Padstow and Rock which are now renowed as excellent surfing resorts.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

St Eval, in the county of Cornwall (4.7 miles, 7.6 km, direction SW)
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Port Isaac, a Picturesque Village in the county of Cornwall (6.1 miles, 9.8 km, direction NE)
Port Isaac offers visitors many rich experiences from strolls around its ancient streets and narrow alleys criss-crossing the hillside, to simply standing on the top of a cliff watching the foaming waves of the changing tide.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Port Gaverne, in the county of Cornwall (6.4 miles, 10.2 km, direction NE)
The village itself was especially noted for Pilchards, a fact which caused many fishermen in the 19th-century to make this little place their home.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Mawgan Porth, in the county of Cornwall (6.4 miles, 10.4 km, direction SW)
The glorious, almost white sands of Mawgan Porth, matches the creamy tips of the tumbling waves lapping the shore of this lovely coastal resort.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Newquay, in the county of Cornwall (10.4 miles, 16.8 km, direction SW)
What a rare blessing Newquay has in its mile upon mile of sheltered, golden beaches that offer a safe haven for sun-worshippers and surfers alike.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Bodmin, in the county of Cornwall (11.0 miles, 17.7 km, direction SE)
Historically fascinating and naturally beautiful, this area of North Cornwall has so much to offer. Equidistant from both the...
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Tintagel, in the county of Cornwall (11.9 miles, 19.1 km, direction NE)
Legendry seat of King Arthur, graced with spectacular cliff scenery and the ruins of a castle built for the Earl of Cornwall in...
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Crantock, a Picturesque Village in the county of Cornwall (12.2 miles, 19.7 km, direction SW)
Situated on the River Gannel's estuary, Crantock beach offers low-tide sand backed by a broad expanse of dunes and low cliffs. It...
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Watergate, in the county of Cornwall (13.1 miles, 21.1 km, direction E)
Watergate occupies a lovely location between the picturesque fishing harbour of Padstow and the exciting surfing beaches of Newquay.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

All towns in Cornwall
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Nearby travel help

Newquay (Cornwall) Airport(7.4 miles, 11.9 km, direction SW)
Roche Station(9.6 miles, 15.5 km, direction SE)
St. Columb Road Station(9.7 miles, 15.6 km, direction S)
Plymouth City Airport(37.4 miles, 60.2 km, direction E)
M5 Junction 31(63.4 miles, 102.0 km, direction E)
M5 Junction 30(66.0 miles, 106.2 km, direction E)
Padstow to London(220.2 miles, 354.3 km, direction E)

Hotels & Accommodation in Padstow

Hotel NameApproximate distance from Padstow center
The Metropole(0.1 miles, 0.1 km)
Trehellas House(7.4 miles, 11.9 km, direction E)
Tredethy Country Hotel(9.1 miles, 14.6 km, direction E)
The Windward Hotel(9.4 miles, 15.1 km, direction SW)
Victoria Inn(9.4 miles, 15.2 km, direction SE)
The Metro(9.8 miles, 15.8 km, direction SW)
Pine Lodge(9.9 miles, 15.9 km, direction SW)
The Three Tees Hotel(10.0 miles, 16.1 km, direction SW)
Edgcumbe Hotel(10.2 miles, 16.3 km, direction SW)
Hotel Bristol(10.3 miles, 16.5 km, direction SW)
All hotels in Padstow

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