| #ffffff;" /> | | | | into the evening between the two villages. Rock also |
| Padstow is a small fishing town nestled around a | | | | boasts a superb 18-hole golf course at St Enodoc |
| bustling harbour on the North Cornwall coast, just a | | | | with some of the finest views across the estuary |
| few miles from Newquay. After a period of decline | | | | and out to sea. |
| during the 1960’s, Padstow has emerged as | | | | Padstow enjoys a mild climate, as it is protected |
| one of the most popular locations on the North | | | | from the worst of the Atlantic gales by its position |
| Cornwall coast, offering a wide range of attractions, | | | | on the west side of the Camel estuary. During the |
| accommodation and stunning coastal and country | | | | summer this part of Cornwall has some of the |
| scenery that make a visit to this part of the south | | | | highest number of ‘sunshine hours’, |
| west one to be remembered. But if you’re | | | | making it comparable to any Southern European |
| still unsure, take a quick look at our Padstow Holiday | | | | destination. During the off-season months, the climate |
| Guide for a little taste of this remarkable village. | | | | is still very clement and it is rare for Padstow to |
| Padstow is situated on the west side of the Camel | | | | suffer snow or frost during the winter months. The |
| estuary and is designated as an area of outstanding | | | | surrounding countryside is perfect for walking and |
| natural beauty. The town itself has an ancient and | | | | hiking, with the South West Coastal Path giving easy |
| colourful history, filled with smugglers, saints and | | | | access to some of the best views on the North |
| pagan rituals. Old crooked streets run down to the | | | | Cornwall coast. |
| harbour, lined with many fine, Medieval buildings, | | | | The ‘Obby ‘Oss festival is probably |
| secret passageways and cobbled streets. The town | | | | the best known of Padstow’s annual events. |
| is still a working fishing port, and this accessibility to | | | | Held on May Day, this is an ancient celebration and |
| fresh fish has meant that some of the finest fish | | | | one of the oldest May Day traditions in Europe. The |
| restaurants in the country are situated on its | | | | celebration starts at midnight with singing around the |
| quayside streets. The Michelin-starred chef Rick Stein | | | | town and during the day accordions and drums |
| has five restaurants here, and his presence has made | | | | accompany the 'Old Oss’ and ‘Blue |
| Padstow a gourmet’s paradise. Not only are | | | | Ribbon’ around the town. The whole event |
| Rick’s restaurants guaranteed to serve you | | | | continues until the following midnight and is a truly |
| the finest in Cornish cuisine, they offer more exotic | | | | memorable experience. |
| dishes such as Mexican fish tacos or stir-fried salt and | | | | Other attractions in the region include the |
| pepper squid. | | | | award-winning Eden Project, which is only a short |
| Accommodation in Padstow ranges from friendly, | | | | drive from Padstow, and Prideaux Place, a grand |
| family-run bed and breakfast accommodation to | | | | manor house surrounded by the oldest deer park in |
| luxury apartments overlooking the sea. Across the | | | | Britain. Along the coast are caves once used by |
| bay is the town of Rock; a town popular with | | | | smugglers and further down the coast is the surfing |
| celebrities and very crowded during the summer | | | | capital of the UK, Newquay’s Fistral Beach. |
| months. However, out of season Rock is a peaceful | | | | There is plenty to see and do in this part of the |
| village and accommodation is easily available. It has a | | | | world and a brief Padstow Holiday Guide cannot really |
| long, sandy beach, is accessible from Padstow by | | | | do this remarkable location full justice. |
| ferry and there are additional water taxis that run | | | | |