About Padstow

A Delightful Harbour Town

One of Cornwall’s most famous harbour towns, Padstow is probably best known for its wonderful seafood. Together with a number of wonderful shops to explore, it is also home to the National Lobster Hatchery, which provides visitors a fascinating insight into the hard work required to keep up a sustainable lobster population in Cornwall (and the baby losters are utterly delightful!).

Padstow has an interesting history and there is a museum in the town that will reveal all about the local traditions and customs. May 1st is always a big deal in Padstow as it's the day the 'Obby 'Osses come out. If you haven't seen this before then we assure you a trip to witness it will be worthwhile!

There are 7 fantastic beaches on our doorstep with golden sands, glorious backdrops and plenty of little rock pools ready to be explored. Many provide lifeguards and facilities and some are secreted coves where you can feel like you are on your own private beach. Additionally, some of the best beaches in Europe for surfing, such as Fistral in Newquay, are within easy driving distance.

The Camel Trail, which links Padstow to Wadebridge, is wonderful to walk and even better to cycle. It follows the line of the estuary and is a haven for birdlife so it's always a good idea to have binoculars to hand if you love to nature spot. Golfers can treat themselves to a round of golf at a number of championship golf courses (including the famous Trevose Golf & Country Club) dotted around the local area. There’s plenty for kids too, with Dairyland Farmworld and Newquay Zoo not far away.

For garden and heritage lovers, there is a wide choice from Padstow’s very own Prideaux Place to the Eden Project, Lost Gardens of Heligan, Restormel Castle and Lanhydrock House, slightly further afield. Wine lovers will be delighted to find the Camel Valley Vineyard a few miles down the road. It produces some really good wines and its Sparkling Brut has won international gold awards – seeing off all the French and New World competition! Trust us, it is a tipple well worth sampling and the winery does a good tour with a taster at the end.

Whatever you choose to do, The Metropole is the ideal base from where to plan your adventures!