Postcard-perfect parishes and ancient hamlets. Vibrant villages and bustling town squares. From age-old traditions, to lively festive gatherings (and even the odd brush with fame), there’s more to Cornish village life than meets the eye…
Where? Blisland
How far from Padstow? 40 minutes
What’s the story? Village green, handsome church, Victorian houses and a village inn that’s always packed to the gills. What’s not to love?
Where? Boscastle
How far from Padstow? 45 minutes
What’s the story? A romantic fisherman’s village with a mediaeval soul, here folk tales and magic run deep. Make sure you visit the Museum of Witchcraft and take a stroll down to the Devil’s Blow Hole.
Where? St Mawes
How far from Padstow? 1 hour
What’s the story? A bustling seaside spot with a host of top-notch restaurants and captivating cottages perched on the sea wall. Grab a seat overlooking the lively harbour and watch the ferry come and go with day trippers from nearby Falmouth. There’s even a 16th century castle guarding the headland for you to explore.
Sea perched or valley sheltered, moor swept or flanked by fields – you don’t have to stray far from the heart of Padstow to stumble on one of Cornwall’s idyllic villages.
Head to the parishes of St Issey and Little Petherick, and you’ll find honeysuckle-lined doorways and granite walls framing its winding lanes. But scratch beneath the pretty veneer and these hamlets hold a mischievous side.
In the late 18th century former mill owner Mr. Tregaskis, a member of the Total Abstinence Society, took it upon himself to persuade the people of Padstow to abandon their beloved Obby Oss – a celebration he deemed full of debauchery, drinking and merriment.
He offered the townsfolk an ox to roast for the next seven years if they’d cease the festival. Needless to say he was driven out of the Parish, and the Obby Oss celebrations still thrive. Thank goodness for that.
You may recognise the narrow lanes and wave-beaten coastline of Port Isaac before you even set foot in it. The village plays host to the filming of some familiar BBC dramas, including the much-loved Doc Martin with Martin Clunes. It also now welcomes the cast and crew of the roaringly popular television adaptation of Winston Graham’s Poldark.
If you don’t manage to catch a glimpse of Aidan Turner (Ross), then you’ll be able to find something equally tasty in two Michelin star chef Nathan Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen. This special find serves up fresh, sustainable seafood that pays respect to ‘every fish tail and scale’. Cheers to that.
If you’re seeking to savour authentic village life, then look no further than St Merryn, Penrose and Rumford. Just four miles from Padstow, with farmland stretching out every which way you turn, these countryside enclaves are as far removed from the big smoke as you can imagine, while still being within easy reach of a of a pint of milk come daybreak (and a pint of beer when the sun goes down). And with the Stein family taking up ownership of The Cornish Arms, right in the heart of St Merryn, Cornish village fare just got fancier.
Need Help?
Call - 01841 533402