Our top picks for a family-friendly break in Padstow

Cookery classes, wildlife tours and family bike rides

Famed for its award-winning restaurants, independent shops and picture-perfect harbour, Padstow is understandably one of the most popular spots for a getaway on the North Cornwall coast. But with little ones in tow it can sometimes be hard to know the best places to visit to keep the whole family happy.

With the introduction of our stunning new holiday home in Padstow, Harbour Walk, we wanted to share our favourite family-friendly activities, experiences and dining options in and around this beautiful town.

Take to the waves with a Sealife Safari

Spot seals, dolphins, puffins or even elusive basking sharks with the team from Sealife Safari. Take their two hour tour from Padstow Harbour and you’ll track along the coast to discover grey seals basking in the sunshine, then on to Puffin Island – one of the last remaining nesting spots in Cornwall for these majestic birds.

Tours are led by a skilled skipper and experienced guide, as you stop along the way to view the local wildlife they'll share incredible stories to fasinate even the most well read wildlife enthusiasts. 

Discover the Camel Trail on two wheels

Ideal for families and novice cyclists, the 12-mile Camel Trail is a largely flat route from Padstow to Wadebridge and perfect for a family bike ride on a sunny day. If you don’t have bikes to hand, that’s not a problem. The teams at Padstow Cycle Hire and Trail Bike Hire offer flexible rental options for adults, children and even buggies for your four-legged friends.

Foodie spots for the whole family

Known for its celebrity chef restaurants and buzzing food scene, a trip to Padstow wouldn’t be complete without exploring some of the town’s trendiest restaurants, delis and cafés. Although some restaurants cater for a high-end dining experience, Padstow is full of family-friendly eateries too.

One of our favourites is Caffè Rojano, set up by chef Paul Ainsworth, it’s a relaxed eatery serving everything from wood fired pizzas to crispy arancini. Alternatively, try Burgers & Fish. Just metres from the harbour, this is the perfect spot to relax with a gourmet burger after a busy morning exploring Padstow’s lovely independent shops.

Or if you’re just looking for a quick stop-off to refuel with coffee and cake, don’t miss Stein’s Coffee Shop on Lanadwell Street, a new venture for Rick Stein serving delicious coffee from Origin and the best cinnamon buns from Da Bara Bakery.

Explore The National Lobster Hatchery

The visitor centre at The National Lobster Hatchery is right in the heart of Padstow and the ideal place to learn more about Cornwall’s fascinating marine life. Meet baby lobsters and learn about the incredible conservation work this charity undertakes to enhance the wild lobster population.

Open daily from 10am, child-friendly activities make this attraction a great morning out for children. What’s more, the education doesn’t stop when you leave, adopt a lobster during your visit and track their release into the wild once you get home.

Get the little ones baking

Head to Padstow Farm Shop, just outside town at the beautiful Trethillick Farm, to stock up on local produce and supplies before heading back to your holiday home for a DIY baking session with the children. Cake baking, biscuit decorating and pasta making are always popular options and great to keep little hands busy. Or for something a little more structured, Rick Stein’s Cookery School offer great half day courses for budding chefs, with courses available for children aged between 8 - 12 years and more advanced courses for teenagers.

Start planning your next escape to Cornwall and discover our stunning holiday home in Padstow, Harbour Walk. Perfect for up to eight guests, it’s a dream hideaway just footsteps from the town’s harbourfront. Alternatively, explore our nearby homes, Pentyak and Trelawn in Harlyn Bay.

Image credits: All images are our own or from Visit Cornwall, Unsplash and Wikimedia