Reasons to Visit Padstow in Winter

No longer a place only associated with buckets, spades and balmy sunny days, the Cornish seaside has become an enviable year-round destination. And, quite frankly, winter is one of the best time to experience its magic.

Wrap up and explore empty beaches, stomp along the wild coastline, feel the briny air whip a glow to your cheeks, then feast in cosy harbour-side restaurants and warm your cockles by the fire in a stylish holiday home.

Here are just a few of the reasons that winter is a great time to book a break to Padstow…

Wild Coastal Walks

Stand on Stepper Point and watch storms scud over the Atlantic Ocean, peer out to the Doom Bar where countless ships have foundered – and experience the wild drama of the coastal landscape in all its winter beauty. A wild winter walk along the North Cornish coast will bring a rosy glow to your cheeks, while you lap up the eye-popping scenery, step foot on deserted beaches and go beach-combing for treasures washed in by the winter storms. Afterwards, retreat to the cosy creature comforts of your holiday cottage in or near Padstow and sleep to the ever-present sound of the seaside. 

More Tables for Michelin-starred Meals

What with Ainsworth in town, The Pig at Harlyn, Prawn on the Lawn and Stein’s eateries, it’s no secret that Padstow lures gastronomers from far and wide to sample its Michelin-starred delights. Which makes it difficult to book a table in peak season. However, with an abundance of seasonal ingredients still at their fingertips, the cohort of Michelin-starred chefs are still conjuring up delectable winter menus, served in less-crowded restaurants where it’s much easier to find a table on a chilly winter’s eve. 

Browsing Boutiques 

The cobbled streets of Padstow and neighbouring Wadebridge are lined with unique boutiques, galleries crammed with arty goods, and independent clothing stores flaunting coastal attire and accessories. In the busy months, the stores can be shoulder-to-shoulder with shoppers seeking saltwater style, but in winter there’s room to browse the shelves, meet the makers and find that something a little bit different to bring some coastal flair to your wardrobe or interior. Check out the best places in Padstow for a little retail therapy for your winter shopping trip to this pretty harbour town. 

Cruising the Camel Trail

Although it’s one of Cornwall’s longest traffic-free cycle routes, throughout the warmer months the Camel Trail gets congested with cyclists, walkers and runners. Yet in the midst of winter fewer leisure-seekers hit the 18 miles of stunning track winding along the estuary into the rolling woodland and hills of Bodmin Moor. Which makes it our favourite time to pack up a flask of hot chocolate and freewheel along the disused railway between Padstow, Wadebridge and Bodmin. Bikes can be hired year-round from Padstow Cycle Hire or Trail Bike Hire. 

World Class All Weather Attractions

What with Tarquins Gin School, the National Lobster Hatchery and Stein’s Cookery School in town, there’s plenty to do in Padstow on the coldest and wettest of winter days. And once you’ve distilled the perfect tipple, adopted a lobster and whipped up a fine Cornish feast, there are still plenty of things to do nearby in all weather. It’s only 35 minutes’ drive to the tropical biomes of the world-famous Eden Project, or 40 minutes to Newquay’s Blue Reef aquarium – so you can experience the local marine life even if the winter storms write off beach days. You’ll often find seasonal discounts to local attractions, too. 

Great Value Seaside Cottages with More Availability

Come winter, you’ll find a much wider range of holiday cottages available in North Cornwall – and at a snip of the price than during the peak summer season. Which makes a winter staycation a sensible option for the pocket. For example, in January you can bag a contemporary apartment for two right beside Padstow harbour for just £602 per week. Whereas in summer, this perfectly positioned pad would set you back £1,022 per week. 

Staycations are the Best Option for a Winter Break

Better for your pocket and for the planet, a trip to the Cornish seaside ticks all the boxes for a great winter break. Without the hassle of overseas travel, and the option to bring your dog to many of our holiday cottages in and around Padstow, it’s an affordable and alluring option for a winter holiday. And what with the cost of overseas flights and the rise in household bills, there’s never been a better time to explore Cornwall’s breathtaking coastal scenery, tuck into the region’s foodie delights and dive into its world-class attractions. 

Find the Perfect Place to Stay for a Winter Break to Padstow

Need any more reasons to take a winter break to Padstow? We could wax lyrical all day about the empty beaches, gourmet food, arty haunts and the coast and countryside hugging this pretty harbour town.

Browse our collection of holiday cottages in and around Padstow and discover the magic of a winter break to Cornwall.