Padstow
Cornwall Beaches > North Cornish Coast > Cornish towns > Padstow
Padstow was already a bustling little port of fishermen and boat-builders in the time of Elizabeth 1st. Nowadays the local fisherman supply the many fish restaurants which have recently become a major feature of the town.
Today, Padstow’s harbour is also filled with pleasure boats of all descriptions. There is a regular ferry across the river to Rock (a.k.a. Little Chelsea!) , a village which has lately been all but taken over by the young and posh from London. Other vessels offer cruises around the bay.
May Day in Padstow means the Hobby Hoss festival. This is an ancient form of the May Day celebrations welcoming the spring. In addition to the dancing hobby horse and his attendants, it also incorporated various old fertility rites.
Part of the Camel Trail is now a cycle track converted from a disused railway track, running for five miles beside the river from Padstow to Wadebridge. This passes Pinkson Creek, an area frequented by curlews, egrets and many other species of birds.
There are many attractive beaches and coves close to Padstow. One of these is Bedruthan Steps, said to be the stepping stones of an ancient giant. Constantine Bay is one of the best surfing beaches in the area, although bathing can be hazardous at times. The sand dunes and rock pools are attractive to young families.
The beaches...
Local links
Padstow | Padstow hotels | Padstow cottages
Atlantic Scuba - Atlantic Scuba is based is central Cornwall. Diving both coasts of Cornwall with a preference of the North coast and the mighty Atlantic Ocean. During calm seas the visibility in the Atlantic Ocean can exceed 25m and can reach over 16 degrees centigrade. With years of Scuba Diving experience in Cornwall from Padstow to Plymouth we can take you to some of the best diving in the U.K. Atlantic Scuba teaches a range of Scuba Diving courses from Scuba Diving International (SDI). We can also offer escorted dives for qualified divers, Discover Local Diving. So come and enjoy the sun and sea around Cornwall with Atlantic Scuba. We currently run an MCA Category 4 coded 6.3m RHIB. It is fitted with two Yamaha 100HP 4 stroke outboards and is available for charter to dive sites or fishing/pleasure/wildlife watching trips for up to 10 passengers.
Beyond The Sea - Padstow - Good selection of (mostly) locally made arts and crafts inspired by the sea. Driftwood cupboards and filing cabinets.
Camel Trail - A seventeen mile long cycle path which follows the River Camel from Padstow, on the north Cornish coast, to Poley�s Bridge, on the edge of Bodmin Moor.
Fluid Juice Surfboards - Custom surfboards made near Padstow since 1978. Range of designs including shortboards, hybrids and longboards
Harlyn Surf School - British Surfing Association (BSA) approved surf school located between Padstow and Newquay
Melanie McDonald - Cornish Artist now based in Brittany - contemporary landscapes and beachscapes of Cornwall's coastline especially Polzeath, Padstow and Rock and Penzance, St Ives and St Michael's Mount. Melanie also paints Surfer Paintings and family walks on the beach.
Padstow Art - An online gallery showcasing the work of Angie Snelling and Mike Bailey. Two traditional watercolour and acrylic artists from North Cornwall.
Padstow Contemporary Art Gallery - A selection of paintings, furniture, sculpture, ceramics and glass, representing established and promising young artists.