is the North Cornwall harbour town that food-lovers flock to, a working fishing port turned culinary destination thanks to Rick Stein and a clutch of celebrated restaurants. Wrapped around a sheltered quay on the Camel Estuary, it pairs fresh seafood and quayside bustle with sandy beaches and the famous Camel Trail.
Harbour guide
A simple guide to the feel of the place, how to arrive, and what to keep in mind before you go.
Padstow has the kind of harbour character we love: practical, weathered, and full of small details that reward a slower look.
Harbour strolls, seafood, families, boat watching and coastal photos.
Read straight through, or use the planning notes above to shape an easier coastal day.
Padstow is a working fishing port and a haven for yachts as it is an easily navigable harbour sheltered by the Camel Estuary. Padstow has become well known in recent times due to the TV chef Rick Stein who has a restaurant and several other businesses in the town.
The National Lobster Hatchery is situated in Padstow.
Boobys Bay
Arrive early in peak season where possible, and leave time for parking, slopes and narrow streets.
A good family read before a visit: talk about boats, tides, old buildings and how harbour life works.
Check tides, parking and opening times if you are visiting for food, boat trips or a family wander.
Boobys Bay is a wide sandy beach with lots of rock pools. At high tide the beach is completely covered.
Hawkers Cove
Hawkers Cove is only 2 miles from Padstow and used to house the Padstow lifeboat until the late 60s when it was relocated to Trevose Head. The old boathouse and slipway still remain.
Sea Fishing in Padstow area
This whole area is good for bass and all species of flatfish if fishing off the beaches. The headlands are good fishing places for pollack, mackerel and the odd whiting or cod.
Padstow RNLI
The Lifeboat
Spirit of Padstow – Tamar Class Lifeboat
The Lifeboat Station
The new lifeboat station at Padstow was completed in July 2006 and the new Tamar Lifeboat Spirit of Padstow was placed on service shortly after. The station was officially opened by RNLI Chairman, Sir Jock Slater in September 2006.
Support Padstow Lifeboat...
With thanks to the RNLI for allowing us to use their images and information
Padstow RNLI
The Lifeboat
Spirit of Padstow – Tamar Class Lifeboat
The Lifeboat Station
The new lifeboat station at Padstow was completed in July 2006 and the new Tamar Lifeboat Spirit of Padstow was placed on service shortly after. The station was officially opened by RNLI Chairman, Sir Jock Slater in September 2006.
Support Padstow Lifeboat...
With thanks to the RNLI for allowing us to use their images and information
A few useful Down The Cove picks connected to this read.
