PADSTOW HARBOUR
Padstow is situated on the unique North Cornish Coast. Relax, unwind and take a fabulous break beside the seaside. Enjoy the buzz of harbour life, breathtaking scenery and stunning coastline. Explore Padstow's pretty harbour surrounded by lovely shops, art galleries, pubs and restaurants. For that continental feel of outside dining try the Basement Cafe which offers a good selection of freshly cooked dishes. The Basement is situated on the harbour along with Bin 2 wine store where you can enjoy a glass or two of fine quality wine. (Please see our eating out section for more details on restaurants).
THE BEACHES
The beaches are just amazing, located a short walk from the harbour. St Georges Well is a dog free beach (Easter - September). Here you will find a lovely sheltered Cove with a soft sandy beach and stunning views across the Estuary to Rock and Daymer Bay. Just a short walk along the Coastal path is the beautiful beach of Tregirls backed by sand dunes - which is completely unspoiled with exceptional views out towards the mouth of the Estuary.
The Black Tor foot ferry operates from the harbour (or Lower Beach at low tide) daily across the Estuary to Rock which offers another beautiful sandy beach. Here you will find good pub food at the Rock Inn or The Blue Tomato Cafe. Daymer Bay is a short walk along the coastline from Rock where the Poet Lauret John Bejeman is buried at St Enodoc Church. Sailing, fishing and water skiing are all available at Rock.
WALKING
There are lots of coastal walks to choose from on both sides of the Estuary, which run from easy to strenuous, all ability levels are catered for and includes stunning coastal scenery, beach, cliff tops and Estuary walks. The Saints Way Walk runs coast to coast from Padstow to Fowey which is approx 28 miles in total. This walk passes through all sorts of terrine including countryside, valleys, Cornish villages and coastal. The local bus services most areas if you wish to combine public transport with your walk. www.westerngreyhound.co.uk. Walking maps and leaflets may be purchased from the Tourist Information Centre. We also have a selection of circular walks, coastal walks and ordnances survey maps at Cally Croft for your perusal.
THE CAMEL TRIAL
The Camel Trail is a cycling and walking trail, just a short stroll from Cally Croft. It runs along the side of the River Camel and winds its way up river to Wadebridge, Bodmin and Poley's Bridge. The route covers both Estuary and riverside views which are outstanding. There are two cycle hire shops in Padstow and both located in The Railway Car Park which is the start of the Camel Trail. www.padstowcyclehire.co.uk or www.trailbikes.co.uk. Both shops offer a wide selection of cycles to choose from.
BOAT TRIPS
The cruiser Jubilee Queen runs daily sightseeing trips from the Harbour or Lower Beach at low tide. The coastline is beautiful with an abundance of wild life such as seals, dolphins and all sorts of bird life including the magical little Puffin which adorns our shores from May until July.
Four high speed tripping boats operate from daily from the harbour taking exhilarating trips around the Bay. Also fishing tripping boats depart daily from the harbour offering wreck, reef, all day charter or mackerel fishing. www.padstowboattrips.com
PLACES TO VISIT
Prideaux Place a charming Elizabethan House in a grand location with gardens and a deer park. Treat yourself to a Cornish cream tea served in the tea rooms. www.prideauxplace.co.uk (seasonal opening). The Parish Church of St Petroc's is a also worth a visit and is open daily. The Local Museum is full of Padstow 's history and is opened most days www.padstowmuseum.co.uk. Also the Lobster Hatchery which promotes conservation of our sea life and is opened all year around www.thenationallobsterhatchery.co.uk.
Our Local Cinema is open during the holiday season. It's small with one screen and dates back to the 1930's well worth a visit with an excellent selection of films. www.twcinemas.co.uk.
Close by are fabulous gardens most are opened all year around and many are owned by the National Trust. Just a 35 minute drive from Padstow is the world famous Eden Project, a dramatic global garden set in the midst of a disused clay pit - a must to see when visiting Cornwall. www.theedenproject.co.uk Eden celebrates the value of plants to humankind and is both educational and fascinating. Approx 45 minutes drive from Padstow are the Lost Gardens of Heligan. This was owned by the Tremayne family and is one of the most mysterious estates in England - a truly lovely experience. www.heligan.com.
Take advantage of the usually mild climate, enjoy the beautiful spring flowers, relaxed summers or crispy autumns. Padstow is ideal for a break anytime of the year, so why not choose Cally Croft and enjoy exploring this special part of Cornwall - we have a lot offer.
ANNUAL DATES TO LOOK OUT FOR
May Day on May 1st a celebration of Summer
The Royal Cornwall Show, Wadebridge - June
Padstow Lifeboat Day - July or August
Padstow Carnival - July/August
Sea Sunday - July
Late Night shopping and Christmas lights (early December)