Beaches in Padstow

Turquoise waters, white-gold sand and oodles of space at low tide, the beaches around Padstow wouldn’t look out of place on the shores of the Med… and we have them right here in Cornwall!

St George’s Cove – A short half-mile stroll from Padstow lies the peaceful inlet of St George’s Cove. With views out across the estuary towards Rock beach and Daymer Bay and a balmy sheltered aspect, this beach is a little slice of paradise within the rugged north coast.

Harbour Cove – At low tide, Harbour Cove and neighbouring Hawkers Cove join forces to create an epic expanse of sand that provides enough space for every kind of beachgoer. Dog-friendly all year round and enjoying shelter from Stepper Point, this beach is ideal for those wanting a snooze under the sun or a run on the sand.

Hawkers Cove – High tide might bring the space, but low tide creates a beautifully unspoiled beach that somehow rarely feels crowded. The surrounding waters are famous for the cursed Doom Bar, which has caused many a shipwreck in its time, and for the well-known story of the mermaid of Padstow, which is thought to have begun on this very beach.

Things to do in Padstow

The South West Coast Path, Camel Trail, and glittering estuary combine to make Padstow a true epicentre for outdoor pursuits.

Camel Trail

Following a disused railway line between Padstow and Bodmin and passing through Wadebridge, this famous cycle route boasts stunning views of the Cornish countryside and Camel Estuary as it passes the Camel Valley Vineyard and Bodmin Steam Railway. For the more adventurous, you can stray off the beaten track to discover local villages, or venture past Bodmin onto the wilds of Bodmin Moor. 

Boat & Fishing Trips

Situated on the banks of the River Camel, Padstow is only 2 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, making it the perfect place for exploring both river and sea. Head out on a sea safari with Wavehunters or Padstow Sealife Safaris, or set sail on the Emma Kate for some guided sea fishing. You can also make the most of the Black Tor ferry, which runs daily between Padstow and Rock, providing you with easy access to some of North Cornwall’s best beaches.

Cruises

Nothing says holiday quite like an easy-going cruise around Cornish waters. The Jubilee Queen runs one-hour cruises from Padstow Harbour throughout the main season, and Padstow Sealife Safaris runs 1 and 2-hour trips around the local coastline. It’s the ultimate way to tour North Cornwall’s epic coast.

Shopping

If you’re looking to partake in a bit of retail therapy, the sunny streets of Padstow are ideal, with a whole host of shops ready to fill your bags. Update your wardrobe at Fusion, Flotsam & Jetson, or Saltrock, or pop into one of the many gift shops for a traditional holiday memento, from seashells to a stick of rock.

Art Galleries

Padstow is home to a fantastic collection of art galleries, whether your tastes lie in contemporary or something a little more classic. Driftwood Contemporary offers viewers the chance to see works by phenomenal emerging artists, Padstow Gallery boasts a stunning collection of ‘land meets sky’ works, and Quay Art holds a stunning mix of mediums, from atmospheric paintings to beautiful sculptures.  

Filming Locations

When visiting Padstow, you’re perfectly placed to explore some of North Cornwall’s most well-known filming locations. Port Isaac is the home of TV’s Doc Martin, while Prideaux Place has been the setting for many adaptations of the works of Rosamunde Pilcher alongside Twelfth Night and ITV's Wycliffe. Rick Stein has also filmed in and around Padstow while shooting his many shows.

Walking

With the South West Coast Path right on your doorstep, Padstow is an ideal base for those wanting to stretch their legs along the Cornish coast. Enjoy the pretty stretch of sandy beaches as you walk past St Georges beach and along to Hawkers Cove and Steppers Point, or pop over the estuary and explore the winding paths around Rock and Daymer Bay. A beautiful 6-mile trek will take you to Bedruthan Steps, one of Cornwall’s most iconic scenes.

Dining out in Padstow

With such a picturesque working harbour, it’s hard to resist the call of the ocean when dining out in Padstow. Luckily, there are some incredible seafood restaurants to deliver the goods.

Seafood Restaurant

Opening in 1975, the Seafood Restaurant is Rick Stein’s flagship eatery – and you can see why it sparked such a monumental foodie movement. Here at the restaurant that began it all, you can celebrate Cornish produce, with fresh fish and shellfish stealing the show.

Paul Ainsworth at No6

One of Cornwall’s Michelin-star restaurants, a meal at No6 is something of an experience. With a real focus on locally sourced produce, you can expect seasonal dishes that make the most of the surrounding land and sea, all served in a beautiful Georgian townhouse in the centre of town.

Cherry Trees

From breakfast baps to burritos, and baguettes to buddha bowls, Cherry Trees is the ultimate place to visit for a hearty meal that feeds the soul alongside the stomach. You can also enjoy a range of freshly baked cakes and sweet treats, as well as one of the best Cornish cream teas in the area.

Dog-friendly Padstow

The South West Coast Path is an epic playground for dogs, with lots of the beaches nearby welcoming your four-legged friends throughout the year. Both Harbour and Hawkers Coves are dog-friendly, alongside Daymer Bay across the estuary. If you fancy a meal out with the pup in tow, Shipwrights, Mussel Box, and Greens of Padstow all welcome dogs and provide buckets of charm and good food.

What's on in Padstow

Obby Oss Festival

Mayday is celebrated in various ways across the county, but there is no celebration quite so unique as ‘Obby ‘Oss. One of the oldest festivals in the UK, Obby Oss welcomes the approach of summer with flags, flowers and greenery decorating the houses as a grand procession makes its way through the town. The horse-like masks are perhaps the most surprising tradition, but it all melts together to create an uber-festive, town-wide party.

Padstow Christmas Festival

Over the years, Padstow has become synonymous with Christmas thanks to the all-out food and frills of the Padstow Christmas Festival. Top names in the culinary arts converge on the festivities to offer inspiring demos while food vendors and local makers join forces to create the ultimate space for a spot of Christmas shopping.

Getting around

For those looking at enjoying a car-free holiday in Cornwall, a ferry runs daily between Padstow and Rock, giving you access to both stretches of the North Cornwall coast. You can also use the Camel Trail and nearby bikes to explore the surrounding area on two wheels, or you can simply pull on your walking boots and head out on foot. You can catch the train to Bodmin Parkway, from where buses run throughout the day, allowing complete freedom from your car. Of course, if you want to drive in, you'll find plenty of car parks around the town.