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.

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