Padstow is a popular fishing port centred around the attractive working harbour where boats come and go with their daily catches.
Commanding the best views of the town is Prideux Place, an Elizabethan Manor House set in gardens and a deer park. The house is open from Easter through to October. It is also best known for being the setting for some of the TV adaptations of Rosamunde Pilcher’s novels.
Plenty of walks surround the town; best known is ‘The Camel Trail’ linking Padstow to Wadebridge and then Bodmin via an old railway track set along the Camel Estuary. Best explored by bike, but great to walk and run too.
Padstow is surrounded by beaches and a seven-mile circular walk is a popular way to enjoy them. Across to the opposite side of the Camel Estuary is the town of Rock which can be reached easily via the passenger ferry which runs regularly between the two towns.
If food is your thing then famous British chefs Rick Stein and Paul Ainsworth have restaurants here, but booking ahead is essential.
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- Carpark (Charges apply)
- Public Toilets
- Cafés (Open all year)
- Shops
- Restaurants
- Hazard: Tides (Rising / Falling)
- Hazard: Strong currents
- Lifeguards not available
- Dogs allowed (All year)
- 5 minute walk from carpark
History of Padstow
The town has a rich history dating back to the medieval period, with the town’s name believed to derive from the Cornish word ‘Porth an Ast’, meaning ‘port of the estuary’.
In the 16th century, Padstow was an important trading port, with ships arriving from as far away as Spain, Portugal, and the Mediterranean. The town was also known for its fishing industry, with locals using traditional methods to catch fish, including pilchards and herring.
During the 19th century, Padstow underwent a period of significant change, with the arrival of the railway in 1899 leading to an influx of visitors. The town’s popularity as a tourist destination continued to grow throughout the 20th century, with many visitors drawn to the town’s picturesque harbor, stunning coastline, and traditional Cornish charm.
Today, Padstow is a thriving tourist destination, with a range of attractions and amenities for visitors to enjoy. The town is known for its excellent seafood, with many restaurants and cafes serving fresh fish caught locally. Visitors can also explore the town’s historic streets and buildings, including the 15th-century St Petroc’s Church, and take a boat trip along the picturesque Camel Estuary.
Travel / Parking information for Padstow
Directions to Padstow
Traveling from the A30 to Padstow, you'll start by following the A30 towards Bodmin. Once there, you'll head through the town taking the A389 towards Wadebridge. As you continue, you'll join the A39, passing over the river and past the Royal Cornwall Showground. After this point, you'll make a right turn back onto the A389 and follow the signs directing you to Padstow. Another approach is to bypass Wadebridge and turn onto the A39, then turn right following the A389 towards Padstow. After passing through St Issey and Little Petherick, you'll turn right, taking the B3274 towards Padstow. This path leads you into the outskirts of Padstow, guiding you past a Tesco supermarket on the right as you enter the town.
Parking for Padstow
In Padstow, you have a variety of parking options to consider depending on your location and needs: Main Car Parks: Harbour Car Park: Closest to the harbour, operated by the Padstow Harbour Commissioners. Railway Car Park: Located at the bottom of Station Road (PL28 8DA), provides level access to Padstow Town and the Camel Trail. Managed by Padstow Town Council. The Lawns Car Park: Opposite the Old School on School Hill (PL28 8EB), approximately a 10-minute downhill walk to Padstow Town. Also managed by Padstow Town Council. Link Road Car Park: By the fire station, operated by Cornwall Council. Padstow Main Road Car Park: On the A389 (PL28 8EX), a 10-minute walk to the harbour, open April 4th – October 31st.
Watch an aerial video of Padstow, Cornwall
The North Cornwall fishing port of Padstow has seen its popularity explode over recent years. Centred around the attractive working harbour where boats come and go with the days catches. From gift shops to pasty parlours and some of the finest eateries in Cornwall, there’s plenty to recommend, including the National Lobster Hatchery where marine life conservation can be seen in action.
