Harbour Holidays

Why Come to Padstow This December Now the Christmas Festival has been Cancelled

The Padstow Christmas Festival is one of the biggest annual events for the town. It regularly attracts thousands of visitors each December for festive fun on the Cornish coast. But this year’s event, scheduled for 3rd-6th December, has been cancelled due to regulations on group gatherings in the ongoing battle against Coronavirus.

This has left a big hole in the town’s calendar and stripped out one of the main draws for people choosing to stay in Padstow in the run up to Christmas.

But just because the Christmas Festival is no longer on this year, does not mean you should not holiday in Padstow this December. These are some of the top reasons why you should consider a festive trip to this North Cornwall gem this Christmas.

1. It Will be Less Busy

Sure, the Padstow Christmas Festival is excellent fun but it is busy. If you like the slightly quieter side of Padstow, this December may be a good time to visit. It will be easier to book restaurants, less hassle to travel around and you’ll get to enjoy the streets, coast path and peaceful, sandy beaches without the crowds.

2. It’s a Beautiful Place to Visit, Whatever the Weather

Don’t let the prospect of wild winter weather put you off. Padstow and the north Cornish coast is an exceptionally beautiful place to visit at any time of the year. Cold, wet or stormy weather simply adds a different dimension to this stunning location famous for its dramatic coastline, sandy coves and beaches, and tranquil waterways. It’s a great time of year to watch winter waves crash over rocky shores. And remember, there’ll be a warm and cosy holiday home waiting for you after exploring the spectacular local scenery.

3. There’ll be a Bigger Choice of Properties

Most of the holiday properties in Padstow get booked up in advance for the week of the Padstow festival. It’s so popular that the whole town can be completely booked for the first week of December. But this year will be different. We currently have plenty of availability in early December and the run up to Christmas. These include harbourside cottages, stunning town houses and holiday homes by the beach.

4. You Might Even Get a Table at a Top Notch Restaurant

When the festival is on, it’s difficult to get a meal at many of the town’s top restaurants. Many of the best establishments, such as Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant and Paul Ainsowrth at Number 6, are booked months in advance for this special week. Normally you would have to make do with seeing famous local chefs cooking for audiences in the festival marquee. But this December you may be lucky enough to get a table and have your meal prepared by one of them. 

Constantine-Bay-near-Padstow-in-Cornwall

5. Cornwall’s World Class Attractions Will Still be Open

Many of Cornwall’s fantastic attractions remain open for visitors all year-round, or at least until the Christmas holidays. Despite Coronavirus restrictions, groups of six people or less are allowed to gather in separate ‘bubbles’, so a day trip will still be on the cards for festive visitors this year. Although these attractions will no doubt be quieter this season, bigger venues like the Eden Project, Cornwall’s Maritime Museum and Tate St Ives art gallery will welcome visitors with a festive spirit.

6. It Will Still be Festive

Who needs a big old festival to feel festive anyway? Padstow will still be decorated with Christmas lights and the illuminated sea monster will make its return to the waters of the harbour. There will, no doubt, be carol singing around the quay, mince pies from the local bakeries and festive cheer in all the pubs. So a visit to Padstow may be just the ticket to get you in the festive mood while enjoying a well-earned break.

Celebrating Christmas

Still not sure? Why don’t we tempt you with just a few of the properties currently available for the week no longer occupied by the Padstow Christmas Festival?

Sandys Flat, Padstow


Sleeps 2 – Smart apartment right on the harbour
Available for 7 nights from Tues 1st Dec – £479
See: https://harbourholidays.co.uk/properties/sandys-flat/

Sea Meadows, Padstow


Sleeps 4 – Spacious hilltop property
Available for 7 nights from Tues 1st Dec – £420
See: https://harbourholidays.co.uk/properties/sea-meadows/

1 Ruthys Lane, Padstow


Sleeps 4 – Quaint cottage in the old town
Available for 7 nights from Tues 1st Dec – £490
See: https://harbourholidays.co.uk/properties/1-ruthys-lane/

Daymer, Padstow

Cottage in centre of Padstow
Sleeps 4 – Stunning townhouse close to the centre
Available for 7 nights from Wed 2nd Dec – £434
See: https://harbourholidays.co.uk/properties/daymer/

28 Althea Cottage, Padstow


Sleeps 4 – Modernised historic school house
Available for 7 nights from Mon 30th Nov – £490
See: https://harbourholidays.co.uk/properties/28-althea-cottage/

2 Oak Terrace, Padstow


Sleeps 7 – Grand house in the heart of town
Available for 7 nights from Mon 30th Nov – £574
See: https://harbourholidays.co.uk/properties/2-oak-terrace/

Start your search for holiday homes for this December on our properties page or call us on 01841 533402 for assistance.

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