Pictures of Padstow
About Padstow
Padstow has become a phenomenon of the latter half of the 20th-century when Chef, Rick Stein, together with his endearing little dog, Chalky first burst upon our T.V. screens following the opening of his famous "Seafood Restaurant" which has since become a Mecca for fish and seafood lovers from all over the country and Europe.
The roots of this attractive small fishing port situated on the estuary of the River Camel, stretch far beyond the 20th-century. They extend into the 6th-century when St.Petroc, believed to be the son of a Welsh nobleman, sailed down from Wales to found a monastery here. There is a 15th-century church dedicated to the saint, this stands in a picturesque position looking down over the towns network of narrow alleyways and streets crammed with ancient colour-washed cottages leading down to the harbour. Here, casting a watchful eye over the harbour is the 16th-century Court House, which was home to Sir Walter Raleigh when he was Warden of the Stanneries of Cornwall. Nearby too, is Prideaux Place, a fine Tudor mansion filled with historic treasures of the past 400 years.
Apart from the "Seafood Restaurant" the streets contain a lively mix of quaint craft and antique shops, book-shops, sweet shops with locally made fudge, charming cafe's, inns and other pleasant restaurants serving delicious fruits caught in local seas. The town museum is worth a visit, this celebrates the history and heritage of the town and the local area.
Padstow is highly picturesque, at its famous quayside there is always a jumble of pleasure craft and colourful fishing boats. This is a lovely place to wander, watching a catch or two of lobster and crab being landed and soaking up the genial atmosphere of the town, whilst enjoying the obvious beauty of the coastline.
In May, Padstow puts on its traditional Hobby Oss festival which celebrates the coming of Spring. The celebrations begin at midnight and end the following midnight, when everyone dances round the Maypole! During the day-long celebrations vast crowds follow a huge procession of street dancers and musicians led by the Oss around packed streets to the bang of drums and the strains of other instruments including accordions. When the Oss decides to retire to his stable, everyone goes off to a pub. It is all wildly hilarious and jolly good fun with everyone in a very merry mood.
If you wish to enjoy more than just lazing on Padstow's lovely beach, why not join in a sea fishing trip or try the watersports offered at nearby Harlyn Bay. There are many beautiful coastal walks or, if you're really energetic then why not hire a cycle and ride the famous Camel trail from Padstow to eyrie Bodmin Moor. There is a multitude of things to do in Padstow both on and off dry land. The Jubilee Queens offers the chance to appreciate the extraordinary beauty of the Cornish coast from the sea, this is the best way to view marvellous cliffs and coves that would otherwise remain unseen and can only be reached via the sea.
Pleasant walks take you to the nearby sandy beaches of Harbour Cove and Hawkers Cove where Padstow's lifeboat used to be stored, but the Doom Bar made easy launching difficult at low water so the station was moved to Trevose Head.
With a wonderful friendly atmosphere, so much to do, see and experience including a carnival and regatta in July and a lifeboat day in August, the attractions of nearby tropical gardens and aquarium - Padstow makes an idyllic destination for a perfect family holiday, or an enjoyable resort for a romantic weekend for two!
