The small, coastal harbour town of Padstow is one of the most luxurious destinations in Cornwall and the southwest of England. With world class seafood restaurants galore and suitably quaint family-run cafes and bistros to match, it is safe to say you will not go hungry in Padstow. This is just as well because, with so many beaches, hiking trails and family orientated tourist attractions in the area, you will certainly earn your dinner.
Within easy reach of the Cornish capital of Truro, as well as other picturesque Cornish seaside towns like Newquay and Falmouth, Padstow is ideally located and has the perfect pace of life to match your holiday mood. We have found the best things to do in Padstow, from beaches to harbours, from lobster hatcheries to historic buildings and gorgeous gardens, Padstow has an activity for the rainy days, the sunny days, the lazy days and the days designed for exploring!
Read on to find out about the best things to do in Padstow, UK:
1. Padstow Harbour
Situated on the River Camel, Padstow Harbour is possibly the most picturesque harbour in England. The harbour is home to permanently moored yachts and boats that add to the rustic charm of the waterside dock. Of an afternoon, it is not uncommon to see fishing boats heading back to land, with their fresh catch, ready to sell on to local restaurants to be featured on that evening’s specials boards. When you read ‘Fresh Fish Specials’ in Padstow, you can trust that the dish will be as fresh as can be!
Padstow Harbour is home to a great many independent local handicrafts and art vendors. From handmade glass vases to intricate seaside watercolours, from homemade jams and pickles to upcycled hand bags and purses, you are sure to find the perfect quirky and authentic souvenir from your time in Padstow, at Padstow Harbour.
If you’re an early riser, take a walk down to the harbour before breakfast to see the sun rise over the water, before taking a leisurely stroll back to your guesthouse for an undoubtedly hearty full English breakfast.
Padstow Harbour
Address: Harbour Office, W Quay, Padstow PL28 8AQ, UK
Website: Padstow Harbour
2. Constantine Bay Beach
It is easy to see why Constantine Bay Beach is protected as an “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”. With a proud reputation for being one of the best surfing beaches in Cornwall, Constantine Bay Beach provides great surf for beginners and experts alike. The west-facing bay features a swooping, curved beach and creamy pale sands.
The sand dunes make for great entertainment for children and dogs alike. With wide, open plains of sand, Constantine Bay Beach is a popular spot for dog walkers and is one of the many dog-friendly beaches around Padstow. During summer time the beach has lifeguards on duty, which provides great peace of mind when entering the cool blue sea!
Constantine Bay Beach
Address: Constantine Bay Beach, Padstow, North Cornwall
Website: Constantine Bay Beach
3. The Camel Trail
Abundant and overflowing with wildlife and spectacular scenery, the Camel Trail is a fun and exciting way to explore Cornwall’s lush and bright terrain. The Camel Trail runs the length of a now disused and abandoned railway line, that follows the course of the Camel estuary. The Camel Trail is best explored by bicycle and if don’t fancy hauling your own bike down the motorway, there are plenty of places around Padstow from which to hire bicycles on a daily or weekly basis.
Aside from the fantastic landscape, the Camel Trail offers plenty of great stop-off points, perfect for an English breakfast tea and of course a Cornish pasty - the best possible lunchtime snack for fuelling your explorations. The trail takes you through Wadebridge, Bodmin and, of course, Padstow. You can choose to tackle the full-length of the trail or drop in and out of the trail, where you see fit.
The Camel Trail Cycle Hire
Address: Padstow Cycle Hire, South Quay, Padstow, PL28 8B
Website: The Camel Trail
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Prideaux Place
Prideaux Place is a beautiful Elizabethan manor house, built in 1952, and it opens its doors to visitors, welcoming them to come and experience the charming historic decor and immaculately kept gardens. Did you know that Prideaux Place is featured on the Cornish Edition Monopoly board? Did you know Cornwall even had its own edition of Monopoly? Well, it does!
The Prideaux Place grounds overlook a deer park and from the gardens, you can watch as the stags and does prance through the fields. The house even has a quaint tea room, perfect for a light refreshment. They proudly serve traditional Cornish cream teas and they also have a bar that features locally produced Tarquin’s Gin and Padstow Brewing Company’s Real Ales.
Prideaux Place
Address: Prideaux Place, Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8RP
Website: Prideaux Place
5. Padstow Brewing Company
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
You might not be able to see in at the moment but that’s just because our first Tasting Room is getting a little update. We want to keep it a surprise but we think you’ll like it...
Posted by Padstow Tasting Room on Sunday, March 28, 2021
Talking of Padstow Brewing Company - set in Padstow’s industrial park, Padstow Brewing Company believes that their brews capture the essence of Padstow, in a pint. Whether you’re looking for an IPA, a Pilsner or a punchy 6.8% Sundowner Ultra Pale Ale, Padstow Brewing Company has a pint for everyone.
The brewery opens their doors to beer enthusiasts on set days of the year and guides visitors through the complete brewing process, culminating in an exciting taste test experience. A great day out for the boys…and the girls if you’re into your ale, be sure to time your visit with an open day!
Padstow Brewing Company
Address: 4a, Trecerus Industrial Estate, Padstow PL28 8RW
Website: Padstow Brewing Company
6. Whale watching safari
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Believe it or not, from the humble shores of Padstow and out into the Atlantic Ocean, you can find whales, sharks, seals and dolphins! The waters surrounding the Cornish coast are brimming with exciting sea life to experience and a trip to Padstow is not complete without getting out onto the water, donning your orange life jacket and finding your sea legs, all with the aim of sighting some spectacular marine life.
Aside from life in the ocean, from the safety of your boat, you will undoubtedly see some fantastic birdlife too - puffins, peregrine falcons and oyster catchers, to name but a few. A whale-watching safari from Padstow will open your eyes to the great variety of wildlife the southwest of England has on offer.
Whale Watching Safari
Address: Padstow Harbour, Cornwall, PL28 8BP
Website: Whale Watching Safari
7. Retallack Aqua Park (from USD 79)
Surely the most fun you can have in Padstow is at Retallack Aqua Park. With a ‘Total Wipeout’ style bouncy water assault course, the Aqua Park provides hilarity and frivolity for visitors of all ages. Featuring slippy slides, bouncy walkways and inflatable climbing walls, the Retallack Aqua Park is not only good fun but an excellent workout!
The Retallack Aqua Park has been created on a large scale for up to 100 people at a time - no doubt you’ll make some new friends while attempting to cross the stepping stones! The highlight of any visit to Retallack Aqua Park is surely the giant water trampoline! Bounce high in the sky before plummeting back into the water! Get your splash proof camera at the ready to catch all the action!
Retallack Aqua Park
Address: Retallack Aqua Park, Winnards Perch, Saint Columb TR9 6DE
Website: Retallack Aqua Park
Retallack Resort & Spa
Address: Winnards Perch St Columb Major
8.74 km (5.5 mi) from National Trust - Carnewas at Bedruthan
8. Horseback riding with Tina's Riding Stables
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
For those with a love of the great outdoors and a love of animals, a lovely way to explore the countryside surrounding Padstow is on horseback. Tina’s Riding Stables takes care of their ponies with the utmost respect and professionalism and offer guided walks along the beach and through the bridleways that feed out from Padstow town.
Fear not if you have never ridden before, for Tina’s Riding Stables have experienced instructors who will teach you the basics with their charismatic, but reliable ponies, who are sympathetic to new riders. With hour-long, half-day and full day treks available, as well as lessons to help you find your seat, Tina’s Riding Stables is a fun and friendly environment to visit, in Padstow.
Tina's Riding Stables
Address: Tina’s Riding Stables, Old Trewithen, St Merryn, Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8JZ
Website: Tina’s Riding Stables
9. National Lobster Hatchery
The National Lobster Hatchery has found its home in Padstow and since its establishment in 2000, has pioneered marine conservation in the south of England. They aim to educate and conserve Lobster populations because in doing so, they can preserve not only the vulnerable lobster population but the fragile marine ecosystems.
The impressive visitors centre offers tours of the complex, with National Lobster Hatchery experts who will take time to explain the breeding programme, as well as the re-introduction process. The visitors centre also has an interactive section that is great for young children.
National Lobster Hatchery
Address: The National Lobster Hatchery, South Quay, Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8BL
Website: National Lobster Hatchery
10. Padstow Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
For those interested in the history of Padstow, all the information you could wish for and more can be found at Padstow Museum, founded in 1971 by a group of local, passionate residents, who have dedicated their time to presenting interesting artefacts from Padstow’s rich history. Featuring artefacts from Padstow’s marine history and tin-mine reliant past life, the Padstow Museum is a great way to spend an afternoon if you find yourself saturated with sandy beaches and gift shops!
Padstow Museum
Address: Market Place, Padstow, PL28 8AH
Website: Padstow Museum
Perfectly Padstow
Many people visit Padstow for just a short getaway but as you can see there is so much to do, you will certainly find yourself begging for more time in this quaint Cornish harbour side town!
Beaches and coves are just the tip of the iceberg for fun and memorable ways to spend your time in Padstow and we’re sure whatever you decide to do you will have a wonderful and exciting time in the jewel of Cornwall.
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