Padstow - Charming Fishing Port with Famous chefs

This fantastic holiday destination is popular with foodies and walkers alike. The bustling working harbour is surrounded by gift shops, galleries and a whole host of restaurants.

History

When the ancient Cornish settled in the area many centuries ago they chose the site for Padstow with great care and foresight.  Nestling in a narrow gulley on the western side of the River Camel estuary, the town is sheltered from the prevailing winds and the air is generally soft and balmy.  Moving down the hill the buildings huddle closer together until they crowd around the harbour.

There you’ll find a great mixture of houses, quays, boat slips, inns, cafés, restaurants, gift shops, a fishmonger and the like. None of this was planned; it just evolved as the years moved on. No architect could have designed the magic of Padstow. It is just the result of years of adaptation to change, of getting the best out of local materials and then using the buildings and the surrounding environment to meet the needs of a working and friendly harbour town.

Historic Harbour

The harbour is undoubtedly the strongest attraction in the town and visitors find themselves drawn to it like a magnet. Fishing and pleasure craft rock side-by-side on their moorings, children fish for crabs from the harbour wall, quayside inns and cafes overlook the calm water. There are seats all around the harbour and because there’s always something going on and it’s such a restful and interesting place it’s a favourite spot for both locals and visitors. While you’re here please try to set aside some time to share in our heritage. Our museum may not be large but it does contain many of our historic treasures and artefacts. The church too reflects the life, past and present, of our seafaring town; a warm welcome awaits you at its services, as does the town’s Methodist Chapel and Catholic Church.

But the town and its harbour is just the first step in getting to know the area. Walk or cycle the Camel Trail toward Wadebridge, Bodmin and beyond or take a stroll along the Southwest Coast Path towards one of several sandy beaches or take the ferry across the river to Rock. There’s something for everyone in Padstow and the surrounding area; we hope you enjoy your stay and that you will come back again soon. Just remember to slow down!

Oss Oss Wee Oss

The natural beauty of the area – its rugged coastline, sweeping sandy beaches, quiet coves and fabulous walks, is probably its main attraction. But there is much more to do and see. At the centre of all activity is the harbour. Brass band concerts are held regularly, visiting entertainers often perform on the quayside, fishing and pleasure trips depart from there and much social activity is conducted from the harbourside cafes, restaurants and pubs. Treat yourself to a fishing trip, a high powered speedboat trip or more leisurely cruise aboard the Jubilee Queen for a trip along the fabulous coastline.

And if dry land is more your scene there’s the National Lobster Hatchery where you can discover the fascinating world of lobsters and their environment. Then there’s the Padstow Town Museum where you can step back in time and discover the history of Padstow through its Obby Oss, Railway and Lifeboat displays. The Museum is open from Easter to the end of October and is run by volunteers.

Things to Do & See

Come rain or shine and no matter what age or ability, a holiday in St Merryn offers something for everyone. 

surfing

Surfing

Each of the Seven Bays offers a variety of differing surf breaks. Only 20 minutes away from the ‘Surf City’ of Newquay, the bays surrounding Trevose Head span nearly 250degrees of the compass and offer an entirely different experience.

dogriendly

Dog Friendly

The area around St Merryn has some fabulous places to visit and many your dog will enjoy too. The Padstow area along with the Newquay area have some of the best dog friendly beaches in Cornwall.

food

Local Food

Within walking distance of Cowries, St Merryn has two pubs, restaurants and award winning takeaways. Padstow is home to Michelin starred and family restaurants, cafes and bistros. Not to mention vibrant tapas bars, cosy tearooms and welcoming Cornish pubs.

golf

Golf & Leisure

There are plenty of golf courses and driving ranges within a short distance of St Merryn, but why travel when there is a championship 18 hole course plus 2 short courses on your doorstep. The Trevose Golf and Country Club is just down the road in Constantine Bay.

Connect With Us

You can contact us by phone, email, enquiry form or social media messages. These are available during office hours or you can leave a message and we’ll get back to you.

    Contact Us

    Address
    Cowries, 19 Fairfield, St Merryn,
    Padstow, Cornwall PL28 8FQ

    Phone: 07770 965575
    Email: contact@cowriesstmerryn.co.uk

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