Pictures of Padstow

a Picturesque Village in the county of Cornwall

Padstow Pictures Padstow Hotels Nearby Towns Nearby Attractions Padstow Facts Padstow Forum Padstow Map Sponsor Registration Add Pictures Add town to favourites

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 to Padstow?
Please support the Pictures of England website by booking your Padstow hotels & accommodation through this site.

Add town to favourites

History of Padstow

Recommended towns & villages near Padstow

	Rock (1.4 miles, 2.3 km, direction E) Rock is known to have been visited by at least one Royal Prince... Information | Pictures (15) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	New Polzeath (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... Information | Pictures (1) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	Porthcothan (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... Information | Pictures (14) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	St Eval (4.7 miles, 7.6 km, direction SW) .. Information | Pictures (25) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	Port Isaac (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... Information | Pictures (84) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages

Recommended attractions near Padstow

	Prideaux Place (0.4 miles, 0.6 km) This gorgeous historic house, caressed by lush creeping foliage lies in an outstanding position beside the waters of the River..... Information | Pictures (4) | Hotels
	Carnewas & Bedruthan Steps (5.6 miles, 9.0 km, direction SW) Owned by the National Trust, Carnewas & Bedruthan Steps is a stretch of coastline located near St Eval, Cornwall, and is popular..... Information | Pictures (39) | Hotels
	The Shire Hall (10.8 miles, 17.4 km, direction SE) This beautifully preserved building is one of Cornwall's gems from the 19th-century. The Shire Hall was built in 1838 and shows..... Information | Pictures (2) | Hotels
	Bodmin & Wenford Railway (11.0 miles, 17.8 km, direction SE) This railway is Cornwall's only standard gauge railway still operated by steam locomotives and the trains run through some..... Information | Pictures (28) | Hotels
	Trerice (11.5 miles, 18.4 km, direction SW) Elizabethan manor house with fine interiors and delightful garden.. Information | Pictures (31) | Hotels

Hotels & Accommodation in Padstow

Padstow Hotels  Padstow Cottages  Padstow Bed & Breakfast

	The Metropole Padstow, Cornwall, England (0.1 miles, 0.1 km) Offering free parking on Padstow’s busy harbour front, the 4-star Metropole boasts superb views of the town and Camel Estuary. There is a popular restaurant as well as bright, individually styled ro... More info and book online..  Price from £60.00
	The Old Custom House Padstow, Cornwall, England (0.1 miles, 0.2 km) Offering light, elegant bedrooms with luxurious bathrooms, The Old Custom House overlooks Padstow’s medieval harbour. Fresh, local fish and seafood are served in the stylish restaurant.... More info and book online..  Price from £85.00
	Padstow Breaks – Duke House Apartments Padstow, Cornwall, England (0.2 miles, 0.3 km) Dating back to the 17th-century, Duke House has been renovated to offer luxury apartments with traditional Cornish architecture, modern amenities and patios, in the Cornwall coastal town of Padstow.... More info and book online..  Price from £13.00
	Tor View Padstow, Cornwall, England (0.2 miles, 0.3 km) With views of the Camel Estuary, Tor View offers stylish rooms, and full English breakfasts. Free parking is available, and Padstow’s shops and harbour are just 5 minutes’ walk from the B&B.... More info and book online..  Price from £50.00
	Cross House Hotel Padstow, Cornwall, England (0.2 miles, 0.3 km) Situated in the harbour town of Padstow, the family-run Cross House Hotel features a private garden with a patio and sun terrace. Guests can cycle on the famous Camel Trail or walk along the scenic co... More info and book online..  Price from £79.00

Nearby travel help