The beaches →
Seven coves around Trevose Head plus two walk-in beaches you'll have largely to yourself. Parking, lifeguards, dog rules, when to go.
Padstow & the coast
Step out the door into Padstow. The Cornish coast is yours.
A working harbour at the bottom of the lane, and beaches and cliff walks in every direction beyond. A few of our favourite things, in walking-and-driving order.
Local guides
Three proper guides we keep up to date
Deep, opinionated, and written by people who actually live here. Worth dipping into before you arrive — and again on a wet Wednesday.
Where to eat →
Padstow's destination kitchens, the easier-to-book casual rooms, the pubs worth a drive, and the beach kiosks worth a queue.
When it rains →
A working wet-weather plan — indoor spots in town, day-trips out of the cloud, walks that are actually better in foul weather, and the case for staying put.
Padstow
The harbour town at the end of the lane
A working fishing port wrapped around a tidal harbour. Slate-roofed lanes, fishing boats unloading at dawn, and arguably the best seafood in the country.
The harbour
Watch the boats land lobster and crab, then walk the harbour wall as the tide turns. Five minutes on foot.
5 min walkThe Camel Trail
An old railway line turned cycle path, running from Padstow to Wadebridge along the estuary. Bike hire by the harbour.
5 min walk to startThe Rock ferry
A small black-and-white passenger ferry hops across the Camel to Rock — a fine excuse for a pint at the other side.
5 min walk
Around Trevose Head
A run of coves on the headland
Three of our favourites below — for the full picture, parking, dog rules and tide notes, read the beaches guide.
Trevone Bay
The closest beach — sand at all tides, a rounded blowhole, and a kiosk for crab sandwiches. Lifeguarded in summer.
[X] min driveTreyarnon Bay
A natural plunge pool at the southern end and a wide crescent of sand — the first place we'd send a family with small children.
[X] min driveConstantine Bay
The surfer's favourite — long left-handers, consistent rollers, and the widest sand of all the bays at low tide.
[X] min drive
On foot
Three walks worth setting off for
Padstow to St George's Cove
Out the door, along the harbour wall, and up the coast path to a sandy cove most visitors miss. An easy morning.
2 miles · easyTrevose Head loop
Drive to Harlyn, then a clifftop loop around the lighthouse, past the lifeboat slipway, with kittiwakes overhead. Pack a flask.
3.8 miles · moderateCamel Trail to Wadebridge
The old railway line east along the estuary — flat, traffic-free, and best by bike. Hire from the yard near the harbour.
5.5 miles · flat
Activities
Other ways to fill an afternoon
Surf lessons
Harlyn Surf School, just down the road — gear included.
Coasteering
Cliff jumps and sea caves with a local guide.
Sailing
Day-charters out of Padstow harbour.
Galleries
St Ives is two hours but unmissable; Newlyn closer still.