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Town in Cornwall, England
Photo: Olaf Tausch, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Padstow (Cornish: Lannwedhenek) is small historic fishing village on the north coast of North Cornwall, famous (and perhaps spoilt) for being the residence of TV celebrity chef Rick Stein. The town has expanded greatly, become very up market and expensive, and lost its old-fashioned fishing village character, due the crowds who come because of the fame it has gained by featuring on television. Do not let this put you off, it is still a beautiful town to visit (although many now describe it as Cornish London).
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Located on the south quay, the national lobster hatchery rear lobsters to return back to the sea to relieve the strain from modern pressures.
An old house at the top of Padstow.
The station is just outside of Padstow at Trevose Head. The lifeboat station is open during the day to the public.
A small museum with local artefacts and documents related to Padstow itself and its docks.
This cycle path along a disused railway line links Padstow with Wadebridge and Bodmin. There are a couple of cycle hire places near the trail start, who also hire trailers for small kids. There are beautiful views of the Camel Estuary between Padstow and Wadebridge, whilst the section to Bodmin is mostly within a wooded valley with a gentle climb. The section in Wadebridge itself is on-road - less confident cyclists may prefer to walk this bit. Cafés and pasty shops in Wadebridge or stop for a cream tea at the Camel Trail Tea Garden.
"Darkie Day" as it is sometimes known, is an ancient Cornish midwinter celebration that occurs every year on Boxing Day and New Year's Day in Padstow. Now considered somewhat "un-PC" as people will paint themselves black.
Held annually on May Day (1 May), with large marching bands and traditional music. Attracts large crowds, so show up early.
A popular and much more informal alternative to the main restaurant for those who want a taste of Stein but who have less money to burn!
Small restaurant and popular takeaway - expect long queues at popular times of year.
Stein's most famous and pricey restaurant. Book weeks if not months in advance at peak times. They also have 16 rooms, B&B double from £180.
Italian restaurant specialising in Cornish produce.
Hotel, bar and restaurant
Bijou upscale B&B, richly decorated. You eat dinner at No 6 or Rojanos. No children under 16 or dogs.
By plane
The nearest airport is Newquay Airport (NQY), which has daily flights to London Stansted, London Gatwick and London Luton.
By train
Take a train to Bodmin Parkway (you may have to change trains at Plymouth), there are several of these a day. There are bus connections from Bodmin to Padstow.
All places in Padstow are within walking distance. The South West Coast Path also runs through part of the town.
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Newquay · Regional · NQY
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