Padstow

Just north of Treyarnon Bay it takes about 10 minutes to drive to Padstow.  There is parking at the top of the hill (recycling as well) and a pretty walk down past the Church, or drive down to the busy harbour car-park to be where it is all at. The views are spectacular and Padstow has loads of charm and interest for everyone, even if it is just sitting on the quayside watching the boats come and go!

Walk on past the harbour and you will reach the ferry to Rock and Polzeath.

Check Padstow Tourist Information Centre 01841 533449 / padstowtic@btconnect.com for information on ferry timetables, What's on, fishing expeditions, local walks, coastal cruises, tickets for the Eden project and other facilities.

Restaurants, pubs and cafes are plentiful, the quality is good and the sea-food is superb.  Rick Stein has several eating places which are very popular - booking has to be well in advance!  Other good restaurants are well worth exploring, we have often enjoyed pot luck but have to book ahead for Margots Bistro 01841 533441.

Bikes can be hired on the right side of the harbour, a really great day can be had cycling the off-road 17 mile Camel Trail down to Wadebridge and onto Bodmin.  The Camel estuary alonside the Camel Estuary is beautiful and an excellent source of bird and other wild life.

There are an abundance of walks to take advantage of the spectacular north Cornwall coast.  The South west Coast path goes through Padstow from it's most westerly point at Land's End to Hartland Point lying to the north.

The Saint's Way, opened in 1986 follows the route of the early Christians from Padstow to Fowey 28 miles to the south and starts at Padstow Parish Church.  A true hike for one day, the route is peppered with pubs and hotels if you need to give in!

A more manageable walk is the Padstow Circular walk (approximately 7 miles) details of which can be found at the Padstow Tourist Information Centre. 

A favourite visit for for the whole family on a rainy day is The National Lobster Hatchery 01841 533877 www.nationallobsterhatchery.co.uk at the right of the harbourside.  We have visited many times ( it doesn't last too long!) and still find it really interesting!

There are banks, a post office, a chemist and small provision stores in the town itself.  There are also some really useful "find everything" hardware shops but the main supermarket is at the top of the hill. There is a good wine shop on the South Quay with lots of buzz and atmosphere at BinTwo 01841 532022 and for local produce go to Padstow Farm Shop at Trethillick Farm 01841 533060.