Cornwall?s perfect village? Find out more in the essential Padstow Holiday Guide
Padstow is a small fishing town nestled around a bustling harbour on the North Cornwall coast, just a few miles from Newquay. After a period of decline during the 1960’s, Padstow has emerged as one of the most popular locations on the North Cornwall coast, offering a wide range of attractions, accommodation and stunning coastal and country scenery that make a visit to this part of the south west one to be remembered. But if you’re still unsure, take a quick look at our Padstow Holiday Guide for a little taste of this remarkable village.
Padstow is situated on the west side of the Camel estuary and is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty. The town itself has an ancient and colourful history, filled with smugglers, saints and pagan rituals. Old crooked streets run down to the harbour, lined with many fine, Medieval buildings, secret passageways and cobbled streets. The town is still a working fishing port, and this accessibility to fresh fish has meant that some of the finest fish restaurants in the country are situated on its quayside streets. The Michelin-starred chef Rick Stein has five restaurants here, and his presence has made Padstow a gourmet’s paradise. Not only are Rick’s restaurants guaranteed to serve you the finest in Cornish cuisine, they offer more exotic dishes such as Mexican fish tacos or stir-fried salt and pepper squid.
Accommodation in Padstow ranges from friendly, family-run bed and breakfast accommodation to luxury apartments overlooking the sea. Across the bay is the town of Rock; a town popular with celebrities and very crowded during the summer months. However, out of season Rock is a peaceful village and accommodation is easily available. It has a