Living in Cornwall, very near the Devon/Cornwall border, we are very spoilt for choice of where to go on our days off. We have miles of coastline around Devon and Cornwall, two moorland areas within easy travelling distance, plus many picture-postcard towns and villages. Along with hundreds of attractions, castles, mansions, and stately homes. it’s sometimes bewildering to choose. How lucky are we!
We wanted somewhere to visit for the afternoon, so after a few ideas and suggestions, my wife and I settled on a day trip to Padstow. It’s about a 50-minute drive.
In and Around Padstow Town
We parked up and walked into Padstow or, Padstein, as many around here call it, due to the number of Rick Stein shops and restaurants in the town. In the Cornish language, it is called Lannwedhenek.
We arrived at mid-day and, because the COVID lockdown policies and practices were still in place, we made an eatery a top priority to try and beat any queues. Luckily it wasn’t too difficult to find a pub with a table for two. The Shipwrights served up a lovely meal. I think it’s great to see how businesses like this manage during such turbulent times with COVID and the economy. Some businesses find ingenious ways to keep going. Hats off to them.
Lunch over, off we went. First, we wandered around the town, in and out of any interesting shops – masks on, sanitise hands, follow the arrows – it has to be done, but it’s tedious!
Padstow is such a wonderful Cornish fishing harbour town on the north Cornish coast. The River Camel flows out past Padstow with the village of Rock on its opposite shores. It’s also an old town, being recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
The heart of the town and around the harbour has many shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs. It’s very popular with tourists, which can inflate the population of around 3,000 to double that figure in the tourist season. For a day trip, Padstow has so much to offer its visitors.
For those who want to stay longer than a day trip, Padstow has many hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, hostels, as well as nearby holiday parks.
Take a look at these books, maps and walking guides for Padstow and around.
Padstow SW Coast Path Walks
We headed back through the town, past the north of the harbour and up and out to the coast path. The skies were dramatic and the lighting was fantastic.
As we rose up higher along the path, the views across the estuary, with Rock and the countryside beyond, were stunning. The lower tides had revealed the many sand bars, which can prove quite a challenge for sailors. Indeed, if you’ve ever had a pint of Doom Bar and wondered about the name, it’s made at Sharpe’s Brewery in Rock. The Doom Bar is a sand bar that spans the estuary opening.
At the top of the rise, as the path levels, there is a monument. A huge cross, St Saviours Point. We walked on to St George’s Cove, a sandy bay on the shores of the estuary.
It was getting late in the day and so we decided to stroll back the way we had come, and back to the car.
What a great Sunday that was!
Visit Padstow
Padstow and its delights can be incorporated into a longer walk that I might try someday. The South West Coast Path runs on both sides of the Camel Estuary. The Black Tor Ferry runs between Rock and Padstow. For public transport, there is a bus service from Newquay, Bodmin Parkway rail station and Plymouth.
Padstow is a great base to visit Cornwall. Aside from what I’ve mentioned, there are fantastic beaches nearby. There is also the Camel Trail, so hire a bike and venture out. Of course, there are many other attractions nearby.
Take a look at these hotels and holiday properties in and around Padstow.
If you want to get into walking, read my article, A Beginner’s Guide to Hiking and Walks.
