Padstow |
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Padstow nestles on the west side of the Camel Estuary and is a working port but also a top holiday destination. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty with picturesque coves, rugged headlands and beautiful sandy beaches. Old narrow streets slope down to the colourful bustling harbour which is surrounded by pastel-washed medieval houses and quaint little craft shops. Today Padstow remains a fishing port whose produce has been made famous by Rick Stein’s television series and acclaimed seafood restaurant. Take time away to explore the ports rich heritage with the hidden curiosities of the Town Trail, the maritime displays in Padstow Museum, and the grounds and lavish interiors of Prideaux Place, the beautiful Elizabethan Mansion. On the North Quay you can visit the National Lobster Hatchery where you’ll see females carrying eggs and baby lobsters growing into juveniles prior to their release. From Padstow harbour you’ll be able to find beaches within walking distance or a short drive along the coast will take to you some of the finest beaches in Cornwall. To the north of the town and accessible by the coast path is a super stretch of sand from St Georges Cove to Harbour Cove and Hawkers Cove. The walk from Padstow to St Georges Cove takes about 20 minutes. There are great views across the estuary. Follow the coast path to Stepper Point or take the ferry across the water and explore the sandy beaches of Rock, Daymer Bay and Polzeath (Dog restrictions apply at Harbour Cove & Polzeath) A short walk from Daymer Bay is the beautiful St Enodoc Church, burial place of Sir John Betjeman Finding places to eat in Padstow is definitely no hardship as it is now considered to be a ‘foodies’ paradise. Rick Stein’s famous Seafood Restaurant is only one of the many eateries and with a mix of cafés, bistros, high quality restaurants and takeaways then you’ll find something to suit everyone’s taste. Padstow is the start/finish of the Camel Trail, an old railway line, is now a cycle and footpath and winds for 18 miles along the River Camel. Cycle hire is readily available for those who wish to see the surrounding area at a leisurely pace. For a great family day out Crealy Great Adventure Park is less than 30 minutes drive. The Park holds the title of the Cornish Tourist Board’s ‘Top Tourist Attraction’, with fantastic rides, slides, animals, fun and adventures within six great big Realms – more like six parks rolled into one! On May Day, Padstow dances to a different tune when the pagan ‘Obby Oss’ is unleashed and the narrow streets throb to the ceaseless drumbeat and wild cavorting of this age-old fertility celebration |
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