Things to See and Do in Padstow

Adventures on the water, in the water, or beside the water. Have it your way. 

Image courtesy of Harlyn Surf School

Try surfing (or belly boarding)

You can’t come to Cornwall without at least trying the sport that’s been synonymous with the county for 100 years. We’re lucky to have some world-class surfing beaches close to Padstow – including Harlyn, Constantine and Mawgan Porth – where you can slip out of bed and into the waves. If this is your first time, make sure you book in some lessons (try Harlyn Surf School or KingSurf), or why not hit the waves on a traditional wooden bellyboard to get to grips with surfing without having to stand up?

Go waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing

Photo courtesy of Hayley Lawrence

Prefer flat water to wave riding? There are lots of flatwater activities you can enjoy on the glassy Camel Estuary. So, what’ll it be – waterskiing, wakeboarding, or even wake surfing on a wave created by the wake of the boat? Whatever you choose, Camel Ski School offers lessons for beginners and intermediates, and they even do pick-ups from Padstow.

Camel Ski also offers the opportunity for you to charter your own boat, taking up to five passengers on a water-bound adventure to explore the estuary and beyond, and see the North Cornish coast from a whole new perspective.

Find your balance on a paddleboard

Why not explore Padstow’s pearly coves, sheltered nooks and winding estuary by stand-up paddle board? It’s a relatively easy ocean sport to master, inviting people of all ages and fitness levels to hop aboard for a water-bound adventure while toning their core muscles. Learn the basics with Camel Ski School (Paddle and Prosecco evening anyone?), or Trevone Bay Adventures, and make sure you check the wind and tides before setting out on any self-guided adventures. 

Cycle the Camel Trail

Cycle the Camel Trail

Freewheeling alongside the Camel Estuary and into the rolling Bodmin Moors is a sublime way to spend a few hours – or a day if you choose to take on the entire 18 miles each way. Hire a bike from Padstow or Wadebridge and hit this scenic, traffic-free trail that winds from riverside, to woodland, to moorland. It’s not too demanding until you reach the hilly section at Bodmin, but the 5.5 mile stretch from Padstow to Wadebridge and back will be enough for most families.

Castaway on a kayaking or coasteering adventure 

Nearby Trevone Bay is a hub for all sorts of exciting coastal adventures. In the hands of Trevone Bay Adventures you can explore the nooks and crannies of the coastline by kayak, or brace yourself for wild swimming, climbing and rock jumping, as you work your way around the border of land and sea on a coasteering challenge.

Get high on the climbing wall

When the weather sends you scurrying indoors the adventures in Padstow don’t have to stop. A short hop out of town you’ll find Tide Climbing Centre – an excellent indoor climbing complex where you can learn to climb using ropes, or test your skill on bouldering walls. All levels are catered for, and taster sessions are available.

As Ratty said in Wind in the Willows, “there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” And in our opinion, there’s nowhere better to go boating, than Padstow. 

Image courtesy of Padstow Sealife Safaris

Hop onboard a Sea Safari

Strap in for a full-throttle adventure that brings you face-to-face with Cornwall’s incredible sea life and shows you the stunning coastline from the water. On a Sealife Safari from Padstow harbour you might see seals, dolphins, whales, puffins and porpoises as you power along in a state-of-the-art speed boat, with an expert skipper at the helm.

Ferry to Rock

Cross the River Camel from Padstow to Rock aboard the Black Tor Ferry. It’s a short and scenic hop from the pier in Padstow (or from Lower Beach at low tide) to reach the shores of Rock. Cyclists and dogs are welcome, and it’s wheelchair and pram accessible. Once you’re in Rock it’s up to you whether you while away the afternoon in a waterside eatery or stroll along the South West Coast Path to Daymer Bay and Polzeath. Ferries run every 20 minutes or so.

Cross the Camel Estuary on the Black Tor Ferry

Have a blast on a speedboat

Feel the need for speed? How about a high-speed adventure that promises to transport you for six miles across the water in just 15 minutes? If fast is your type of fun, experience the thrill of a speedboat ride around the mouth of the Camel Estuary – with the occasional stop to admire the coastal scenery.

Go fishing

Hop aboard a sea-fishing trip and head out to sea with an experienced skipper to see what you can snare for dinner – will it be pollock, conger, whiting or mackerel? Choose a 2-8 hour excursion from Padstow harbour, fishing over reefs and wrecks off the rugged Cornish coast. Fishing equipment is provided or bring your own if you’re an aficionado.

Cruise the North Cornwall coastline

Looking to explore the coastline aboard a more luxurious liner? Cruise in style on the 25-metre long Jubilee Queen – a true lady of the sea that was built in Wadebridge and has been taking passengers along the North Cornish coastline for 40 years. Young pirates and four-legged friends are welcome for the 1.5-hour spin, or you can max out on luxury with a private charter.

In Padstow there’s so much to see beyond the coastal scenery. 

Image courtesy of Prideaux Place

Prideaux Place

Take a stroll around this 16^th century Elizabethan manor overlooking ancient deer park. More like a castle than a family home, Prideaux Place is a majestic sight, with its period architecture and immaculate gardens overlooking the estuary. Just the spot for afternoon tea on the terrace.

Padstow Museum

Delve deeper into Padstow’s maritime and cultural history at this small museum filled with artefacts and information spanning the last two centuries. Staffed by local volunteers offers plenty of insight into everything from the history of the port to the roots of the area’s cultural celebrations.

Obby Oss Festival

One of Cornwall’s most famous festivals, Mayday’s Obby Oss is steeped in Celtic tradition. The day unfolds with flowers, flags, drums and singing, and a procession winds around Padstow with ribboned effigies that prance through the streets entertaining the crowds.