Cornwall’s Hidden Gems: An Insider’s Guide to Little Petherick

Just two miles from the bustling harbour town of Padstow sits an unspoilt Cornish creekside village bursting with heart and soul. The little-known gem of Little Petherick is dotted with picture-perfect stone cottages and flanked by a patchwork of rolling countryside with a beautiful ancient church providing the centrepiece. Quiet and tranquil yet just a short jaunt to Padstow, Little Petherick provides the perfect antidote to the buzz of the North Cornish coast. Those in-the-know come here to celebrate a slower pace of life where thumbing through the papers with a freshly brewed coffee surmises a day well spent.

Little Petherick Creek

Little Petherick creek (an inlet of the Camel Estuary) wends its way gently through the quaint village of Little Petherick. From here you can access the creek path and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shores of the river Camel North to Padstow. Keep your eyes peeled for wading birds such as curlews and egrets, spot wildflowers hidden in the woodland alongside the creek and savour the joyous display of snowdrops which emerge each Springtime. For those who enjoy life on the ocean waves, paddleboarding or canoeing is a great way to take in the sights and sounds from a unique perspective atop the water. A popular route for the more experienced paddlers is to head along Little Petherick Creek to Padstow and arrive in the harbour in true style. Just be sure to check tide times and ensure that you’re going the right way at the right time!

Seven Bays for Seven Days

This corner of Cornwall is very special in that it has seven beautiful golden bays all within a short drive of each other (or a brisk coastal walk if your legs need a stretch!). If you’re staying in Little Petherick you will have a choice of bay for every day of the week less than 3 miles away, with nearby Trevone, Harlyn Bay, Mother Ivey’s Bay, Constantine Bay, Booby’s Bay, Treyarnon and Porthcothan Bay all offering golden sands and a hearty dose of vitamin ‘sea’. Besides the glorious seven bays, there are many rural and coastal walks to enjoy along the beaches and through the fields right from your doorstep, making Little Petherick the perfect dog-friendly location for your Cornish holiday.

The Saint’s Way

Starting in Padstow, The Saints’ Way is a 27 mile footpath that passes through Little Petherick and follows river valleys and glorious countryside, cutting right across Cornwall to Fowey in the south. The Saint’s Way follows the probable route of early Christian pilgrims making their way from Ireland and Wales to Brittany or Santiago de Compostella in Galicia, Spain. You can pick up parts of it, or the more adventurous among you may try to do the whole thing, but it generally takes 2-3 days with stops along the way. All along the footpath you can witness historic remains, ancient footbridges, old tracks and fascinating churches which allude to the route’s religious past and which gives it its name.

Places to Eat and Drink Near Little Petherick

This tranquil spot is perfect for those who are looking for a quieter pace of life, yet with easy access to all the usual hotspots. The bustling towns of Padstow and Wadebridge with their tantalising restaurants, cafes, pubs, galleries and shops are all within reach and there is a bus service running right through Little Petherick giving easy access to both.

• Little Petherick has its own family-run bistro (The Old Mill) which offers a delicious selection of the finest local produce, locally-caught seafood and the best meat and game Cornwall has to offer. Those with four-legged friends can choose to dine outside during warmer months alongside the waterwheel (no dogs allowed inside). Due to its small stature, booking is highly advised (especially in high season!).

• Less than a mile away in the adjoining parish of St Issey is a traditional C17th Cornish pub (The Ring O’Bells) serving good quality home-cooked pub grub and a good selection of local ales. This friendly inn welcomes dogs and has a good kids’ menu too.

• For keen walkers or cyclists, you can access the Camel Trail via footpaths alongside Little Petherick creek and make your way along the trail to Penquean Quarry where you’ll find a beautifully-converted vintage train carriage called the Atlantic Coast Express. From this picturesque stopping spot midway between Padstow and Wadebridge, you can enjoy coffee, crepes, ice creams and more with the stunning Padstow estuary as your backdrop. Keep your eyes peeled for their highly-anticipated Supper Club nights throughout the summer with chef David Sharland (who has worked at the likes of The Savoy and Harvey Nichols before becoming Rick Stein’s executive chef) providing his culinary expertise. Booking highly recommended!

• For a special treat, and to retain that feeling of calm you get from staying in Little Petherick, we highly recommend enjoying a lunch or a wine tasting tour of the Trevibban Mill Vineyard and Orchard which is just a short drive away.

Staying in Little Petherick

Little Petherick is a growing community that is passionate about preserving the natural beauty, rich culture and history within the village. We have many charming cottages just waiting to be the backdrop to your Cornish escape.

 

• Perched along the creek, aptly named Creek Cottage is a rural idyll. Boasting wooden clad and rustic stone walls and a balcony overlooking the water (perfect for a morning cuppa) this dog-friendly bolthole is primed for slice of Cornish countryside living.
• Creek View Cottage is a little slice of restful heaven nestled on the banks of Camel Creek in Little Petherick. This charming self-catering property is the perfect spot from which to explore the delights of North Cornwall and enjoy the ever-changing tides of Little Petherick Creek from your private verandah. Just don’t tell everyone, let’s keep this hidden gem just between us…
• Introducing Samphire. Push back the window and hear the gentle sound of the creek trickling through the garden, set the log fire roaring and hunker down with a glass of red or pack up the car for a fun filled day at the nearby beach. Samphire is a home from home just waiting to welcome you.
• Think picnics by the creek’s edge, endless dog walks in the countryside and lunches. 1 Rock Cottages, is a traditional cottage with open fireplaces, white-washed walls and modern interiors throughout. You’ll need two things when you stay here, good wine and good company.
• Balconies made for brunching and a living space that’s made for all to gather, Timbers is a holiday home like no other. A genuine Canadian log cabin that’s hidden in the quiet of the countryside where each room is timber clad making this the ideal Cornish hideaway. Perfectly suited for slow weekends and long lazy weeks away.