From quiet fishing village to upscale vacation hotspot
Set on the River Camel, Padstow is a charming fishing village turned vacation hotspot in Cornwall. The harbor itself has become a huge attraction, with plenty of waterfront restaurants, pubs, and shops to occupy your time. For travelers who opt for a Padstow vacation rental as their Cornwall homebase of choice, you'll find yourself hardpressed to actually leave the village to explore the area. But once you do, you'll be rewarded with sandy beaches and stunning views that will make you wonder if you are, in fact, still in England.
Discover tales of pirates and stories of witches
For travelers interested in learning more about the regional history, be sure to visit the Padstow Museum, as well as a number of historic houses throughout the area. Art lovers will also be pleased to find a variety of galleries in the village. Outside of Padstow, kids will adore the Charlestown Shipwreck Centre, while the Museum of Witchcraft is a spookier attraction. Seeing as the village harbor is its biggest draw, your best days will likely be in your Padstow vacation rental, feeling like a true local.
Do British surfers "hang ten" and say "gnarly," too?
In recent years, Padstow has become a bit of a foodie destination, thanks to its combination of fresh, locally produced seafood and celebrity chefs. But if you're not easily impressed by starpower, the town's quaint allure still thrives. Sign up for a class with a local surf school, or rent a speedboat for the day and race down the coast for more stunning views. Bring your bike if you prefer 2 wheels to 4, as the Camel Cycle Trail winds through Padstow and is 1 of the best in the region.
Bring a brolly and a jumper (or an umbrella and a sweater)
Peak season in Padstow lines up with its best weather, so expect peak crowds and high prices in July and August. June and September boast similar weather but slightly smaller crowds, making it an ideal time to visit. In typical English fashion, the weather throughout the year is difficult to predict, with cold and rainy days likely from October through April. Though it rarely snows in the area, expect the sea breezes to bring the chill come winter. Your best bet is to pack accordingly, and don't let a rainy day or gray skies deter you from exploring.
Craggy coastlines, fresh fish, and stunning scenery
Padstow is on the River Camel and nestled into the English county of Cornwall, which is the most southwestern tip of the United Kingdom. Like much of Cornwall, Padstow is known for its rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and quiet coves, as well as its premier hiking and biking trails. Still a working fishing port, travelers visiting Padstow in summer can take a trip on a local fisherman's boat. Book a Padstow vacation rental with sea views, and watch the boats dot the harbor, reeling in fresh seafood to fry up back home.
Transportation to and around Padstow
Fly into Newquay (NQY-Newquay Cornwall), the closest airport, located 7.6 mi (12.3 km) from the city center.
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