Padstow is one of the most loved towns in Cornwall: a working fishing harbour on the Camel Estuary, lined with seafood restaurants, independent shops and boats bobbing on the tide. Whether you are here for the food, the beaches or the cycling, this guide covers the best things to do in Padstow, plus nearby beaches, places to eat and tips for planning your visit. For ideas across the whole county, see our 52 things to do in Cornwall.

Top things to do in Padstow

1. Explore Padstow Harbour

The harbour is the heart of Padstow. Watch the fishing boats come and go, grab an ice cream or a crab sandwich, and browse the galleries and gift shops in the narrow streets behind the quay. In summer, boat trips leave from the harbour for the Camel Estuary and the open sea, where you may spot seals and dolphins. See our guide to wildlife in Cornwall.

2. Eat your way around town

Padstow is famous for food. Rick Stein’s restaurants, including The Seafood Restaurant and Stein’s Fish & Chips, have made the town a destination for seafood lovers, and Paul Ainsworth at No. 6 is one of the most celebrated restaurants in Cornwall. There are also plenty of pasty shops, bakeries and harbourside cafes for a quicker bite. Read our guide to the best restaurants in Cornwall for more.

3. Cycle the Camel Trail

The Camel Trail is a mostly flat, traffic-free path that follows an old railway line from Padstow along the Camel Estuary to Wadebridge and on towards Bodmin. It is one of the most popular cycle routes in the country and perfect for families. You can hire bikes in Padstow and stop for lunch in Wadebridge before heading back.

4. Take the ferry to Rock

The Black Tor Ferry crosses the estuary from Padstow to Rock, home to golden sands, sailing and Daymer Bay. From Rock you can walk along the coast to Polzeath, a favourite with surfers and families.

5. Visit the National Lobster Hatchery

On Padstow’s South Quay, the National Lobster Hatchery is a marine conservation charity where you can see baby lobsters being reared before they are released into the sea. It is a great rainy day option for kids.

6. Discover Prideaux Place

Overlooking the town, Prideaux Place is an Elizabethan manor house with a deer park and gardens, and has been used as a filming location for TV and film.

7. Walk to Stepper Point

Follow the South West Coast Path north from the harbour, past St George’s Cove, to Stepper Point at the mouth of the estuary. The views back over the Camel and out to sea are spectacular. Find more routes in our guide to the best walks in Cornwall.

Best beaches near Padstow

Some of Cornwall’s best beaches are a short drive from Padstow. Check our full guide to the best beaches in Cornwall and dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall.

• Harlyn Bay: a wide, sheltered sandy beach that is ideal for families and learning to surf. Harlyn Surf School runs lessons here.
• Trevone Bay: a pretty beach with rock pools and a natural tidal pool.
• Constantine Bay: a beautiful sweep of sand backed by dunes, popular with surfers.
• Treyarnon Bay: great for rock pooling at low tide.
• St George’s Cove: a small sandy cove you can walk to from town along the estuary.

Things to do in Padstow when it rains

If the weather turns, there is still plenty to do: from the lobster hatchery and cosy pubs to cookery and shopping. See our full guide to things to do in Padstow in the rain.

Events in Padstow

• May Day (‘Obby ’Oss): Padstow’s ancient May Day celebration fills the streets with music, dancing and two ‘Osses on 1 May.
• Padstow Christmas Festival: a popular food festival held in the town each December, with chef demonstrations, a market and festive lights.

Where to stay in Padstow

Padstow has everything from harbourside hotels and B&Bs to holiday cottages in the surrounding villages. Browse places to stay and visit in Padstow or read our guide to where to stay in Cornwall.

Getting to Padstow

Padstow is on the north Cornwall coast, around 30 minutes’ drive from Newquay Airport and a short drive from Wadebridge and the A39. Parking in town gets busy in summer, so arrive early. For more ideas nearby, see things to do in Newquay.

Frequently asked questions

Is Padstow worth visiting?

Yes. Padstow is one of Cornwall’s most popular towns, with a lively harbour, some of the best restaurants in Cornwall, the Camel Trail and beautiful beaches nearby.

What is Padstow famous for?

Padstow is famous for its fishing harbour, seafood restaurants including Rick Stein’s, the Camel Trail cycle path and its May Day ‘Obby ’Oss festival.

How long should you spend in Padstow?

A day is enough to see the harbour, eat well and walk or cycle part of the Camel Trail, but staying two or three days lets you explore the beaches between Harlyn and Constantine Bay.

Can you walk from Padstow to the beach?

Yes. St George’s Cove is a short walk along the estuary from the harbour, and you can continue on the coast path towards Hawker’s Cove and Stepper Point.