Luxury Holiday Homes in Padstow

Family-friendly Padstow is Cornwall’s most iconic harbour town, and for good reason. Its combination of sandy beaches, coastal walks, boutique shops and incredible restaurants make it a firm favourite for holidays in North Cornwall. 

With plenty of bike hire options in both Padstow and nearby Wadebridge, cycling the Camel Trail is a must. The 18 mile long stretch is flat the whole way, making it easy for buggies, tagalongs and dogs to enjoy together. Starting from Wenford Bridge, the trail passes a number of stop-off points along the way, including Snail’s Pace Cafe and the Old Custom House pub.

On good weather days, marvel at Padstow from the water and join Padstow Sealife Safaris on a wildlife watching boat trip. From seals and puffins to the occasional dolphin, it’s a great way for families to explore Cornwall’s Camel Estuary and soak up views across Rock, Daymer Bay and Polzeath.

Positioned between Padstow Harbour and the Camel Trail, The National Lobster Hatchery promises a fun and educational day out for children, and comes high on the list of what to do in Cornwall when it rains. The award-winning visitor center encourages young marine enthusiasts to adopt their own lobster and track their release back into the wild.

Padstow is Cornwall’s foodie mecca, so it won’t be long before you find traditional pubs, off-the-boat seafood and superb fine dining options. 

Some of our favourite Padstow restaurants include Paul Ainsworth’s Caffe Rojano and No 6, Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant and the family-friendly Green’s. Set just above the harbour, it’s complete with an outdoor mini golf course that children will love.

Other notable recommendations include Rick Stein’s St Petroc’s Bistro with its dog-friendly garden, Pucelli’s by the harbour for authentic Italian dishes, and the award-winning Prawn on the Lawn for small plates like Porthilly mussels and Padstow brown crab.

The closest beach to Padstow is Harbour Cove. Dog-friendly year-round, this golden expanse is popular with families and is an easy 30 minute walk from the harbour. Enjoy spectacular sea views across to Rock, pass the war memorial at St Saviour’s Point, and find this secluded beach at the end of the coast path. For a longer route, cross the sand and head to Rest A While Tea Garden for al fresco refreshment. Open from Easter to October, this local gem serves ice cream and Cornish cream tea to fuel walkers on the stint back to Padstow.

Other nearby beaches like Rock Beach and Daymer Bay are best reached via the water taxi. Board from Padstow’s slipway to cross the Camel Estuary and infamous Doom Bar, where soft golden sands, marram-topped dunes and shallow rockpools await on both beaches. 

For dog-friendly holidays, we recommend the walk from Rock to Daymer Bay via Brea Hill, where you’ll be rewarded with views over Stepper Point and St Enodoc Church and golf course. 

Or, if you’re hopping in the car towards Cornwall’s Seven Bays, gentle waters and beachside cafes await at Porthcothan, Harlyn and Constantine.

Padstow loves a celebration and its annual events attract thousands of visitors each year. 

Join the locals as the May Day or “Obby Oss” procession brings the streets alive with singing, dancing and decorations on the first of the month. 

Or, for winter breaks, don’t miss a chance to visit Padstow’s Christmas Festival. Enjoy live chef demonstrations from the likes of Rick Stein, Tom Kerridge, Paul Ainsworth and Nathan Outlaw, or pick up foodie Christmas gifts from Cornwall’s best local producers. Sample the likes of Da Bara Bakery, Cornish Cheese Co and Freda’s Peanut Butter, before watching Padstow’s firework display light up the night sky above the harbour.

A little further out in Wadebridge, the Royal Cornwall Show is a huge event in the county’s calendar each June, and the three-day festival goes hand in hand with summertime stays in Padstow.