Padstow

Padstow combines a centrally located harbour with paths, historic places and a vibrant tradition. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the different options: the Camel Trail is a surfaced multi-use trail between several towns, while the walk to Harlyn Bay starts at the harbour. History and landscape reveal other sides of this coastal town.

Paths around Padstow

The Camel Trail is 18 miles long and runs between Wenfordbridge, Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow. Most of the route is traffic-free, surfaced and almost level. It is suitable for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users. The trail is therefore designed for different ways of getting around; the details about its surface and route describe one specific trail, not every path in the area.

If you would like to explore the Camel Trail by bike, you can hire bicycles in Padstow. Check the services offered by licensed providers before your trip. Another option is the walk from Padstow to Harlyn Bay, which starts at Padstow Harbour. When planning, you can therefore consider different types of route: the multi-use trail linking the four towns mentioned and a walk that starts at the harbour.

Padstow Harbour is at the heart of the coastal town. You can also consider getting there by public transport as part of your trip planning: Padstow is accessible via the mainline from London to Bodmin Parkway, followed by a bus journey. Check current connections and timetables before travelling.

Gardens, architecture and church history

Prideaux Walled Garden is a historic walled garden in the heart of Padstow. It opened for the first time in 30 years in July 2023. The history of Prideaux Place goes back further: the family who built the estate have lived there since 1592. Prideaux Place brings together Elizabethan, Strawberry Hill Gothic and Georgian styles. The grounds offer views across the old Deer Park and the Camel Estuary to Rock and Bodmin Moor.

The history of St Petroc’s Church can also be seen as a sequence of building periods. Three churches have stood on its site over the course of more than fourteen centuries. The present church replaced the second church on this site around 1425. Those interested in historic places will find here another story, distinct from the architecture of Prideaux Place: the long succession of churches on the same site.

Traditions and landscape

The Padstow May Day celebrations have retained a distinctive character that sets them apart. Friendly rivalry between two dedicated groups helps preserve the tradition for the future. The specific events may vary from year to year; if you would like to plan your trip around the celebrations, check the dates.

The Old ‘Oss Party procession starts at the Golden Lion Inn and ends in the early hours in the upper town. This set starting point and the area described as its destination give the procession its own geographic setting. The celebrations and the procession are distinct aspects of local life; the relevant dates and arrangements matter when making specific plans to visit.

The Camel Estuary stretches from Padstow and Rock to Wadebridge. It is one of only two inland sections of the National Landscape in Cornwall. The views from the grounds of Prideaux Place make these landscape connections especially vivid: from there, the view extends across the old Deer Park and the estuary to Rock and Bodmin Moor.

Marine conservation and boat trips

The National Lobster Hatchery carries out marine conservation work aimed at strengthening wild lobster stocks in the seas. Padstow Sealife Safaris offers boat trips and wildlife-watching tours on the water. If a tour like this fits your plans, check the provider’s latest information before your trip, as its offerings may change.

This gives you a way to explore Padstow according to your interests: the Camel Trail offers a surfaced, almost level multi-use route; the path to Harlyn Bay starts at the harbour. Historic architecture, May Day traditions and the landscape of the Camel Estuary add further perspectives on the town.

Discover more destinations: Looe, Portloe, Maxworthy, Illogan, Gwennap, Torpoint, Portreath, Falmouth

For the main travel overview: Cornwall.