Padstow

This historic fishing town is as it was years ago with mediaeval white washed cottages, a busy quay, narrow streets and that quaint Cornish atmosphere.  The town is located on the beautiful and rugged North Cornwall coast with its towering cliffs, wide sandy beaches, hidden coves and surrounded by peaceful countryside.

There are many restaurants and pubs serving excellent food and nearby there's a choice of 7 beautiful beaches - one for each day of the week ! If you like music, why not sample the atmosphere of the Summer Concerts at Padstow Harbour.

There are so many things to do in Padstow and for all ages !  Obviously, the harbour is central to everything that goes on and it is great to sit and watch the fishermen ply their trade throughout the day.

Attractions

Prideaux Place is one of the very brightest (and oldest) jewels in Cornwall's crown and proudly sits above the busy harbour of Padstow with spectacular views over the Camel Estuary to Rock and Bodmin Moor beyond. 

The Victorian Formal Garden has been restored, the Woodland Walks retraced for the first time in 60 years and after all of that, a visit to the tearoom is a must ! 

For the younger members of the family, then Crealy Cornwall near Wadebridge is a good place to burn off some energy; the complex boasts a variety of theme park rides as well as a selection of indoor and outdoor activities to suit all ages.

In addition, there are numerous surf schools in St Merryn (near our holiday parks) and in Padstow itself.  Whilst on holiday, it’s the ideal time for everyone to learn a few surf moves on some of the best surfing waters in the country.

The Padstow Obby Oss is reputed to be the oldest dance festival in the country and takes place in May; the day celebrates the Celtic spring festival believed to encourage crop growth.

The festivities start at 10am with the 'Blue' Oss making its first appearance from its stable, followed at 11am by the appearance of the 'Red' Oss from its home. Celebrations go on all day until the Oss' finally go to bed after 10pm.

Out & About

Newquay is just 20 minutes away and has 11 superb beaches and breathtaking coastal walks and scenery.  Of course, the town is best known for being a surfing paradise but there is also the opportunity to explore the rock pools or play in the dunes. 

You'll love the shops (or tea rooms when you need a break !), and if you still have energy to burn then there is plenty of nightlife. 

The Zoo is well worth a visit as is the Sea Life Centre and if you need to cool off, then Newquay Waterworld is the ideal place (in all weathers !) with two pools, water flumes, the water cannon and much more.

Wadebridge is just 6 miles away and is nestled on the Camel Estuary and is linked to Padstow via the Camel Trail which is generally flat.  You can walk or hire a bike to make the journey and savour the breathtaking views along the way.

The town has a wide range of craft, clothes and shoe shops for that something different and there are plenty of sports activities such as tennis, bowls and cricket which makes this civilised and peaceful town well worth a visit.

Bodmin is just a bit further along the Camel Trail and (as Cornwall’s ancient capital) you’ll find the last Cornish County Jail which closed in 1927.  In addition, Bodmin has a vast array of gardens including the superb gardens and house at Lanhydrock which is just a few miles on.

If you need retail therapy then there is a good selection of shops from many of the high street’s best known names ensuring that Bodmin has something for everyone.  The town of Bodmin, known in Cornish as Bosvenegh, was once the county town of Cornwall.

The name is said to derive from the Cornish Bodminachau, meaning 'the town of the monks'.