11 Amazing Things to Do in Padstow, Cornwall
Last Updated on May 22, 2026 by Lauren Allen
Are you looking for the very best things to do in Padstow, Cornwall? Then you’ve come to the right place! This post will talk you through everything you can’t miss whilst you explore this popular Cornish town.
Located on the north coast, Padstow has become one of the most visited spots in Cornwall. Boasting great restaurants, a photogenic harbour and some fabulous shops, it isn’t hard to understand why. Here’s how you can spend a few hours (or longer) checking out Padstow.
Amazing things to do in Padstow, Cornwall:
1. Check out Padstow Harbour
The harbour is one of the most photogenic in Cornwall. It’s also one of the first things you will spot as you arrive in Padstow. Situated in front of many restaurants, shops and galleries, this is the busiest spot in town. Due to this, it’s a great place to do some people-watching.
2. Go on a boat ride
Like many of the must-see places in Cornwall, Padstow offers the opportunity to go on a boat ride. If you fancy a bit of an adventure, these boat trips can take you out to admire local wildlife and sea life.
For example, many tourists opt for the seal safari boat trip run by Padstow Sealife Safaris. This particular trip offers the opportunity to spot adorable seals as well as other sea creatures.
With many options on offer, there are tours that cater to all types of travellers, including solo travellers, families and photographers. Some of the most highly-rated companies to book boat trips with include:
Padstow Sealife Safaris
Offering some super fun outdoor activities, Padstow Sealife Safaris has become one of the top tour agencies in town. Recent travellers rate their boat trips highly, with many saying their guides are super knowledgeable and friendly. Check out their website to book your chosen tour.
Wavehunters Padstow
Wavehunters are another favourite when it comes to booking boat trips. They offer sea safaris to places like Rock and Port Isaac, but you can also book private charters to explore further afield.
Aside from the boat trips, Wavehunters also offer surf lessons, fitness classes and much more. I highly recommend checking out their website to book some fun pastimes and activities.
The Jubilee Queen
Rides on the Jubilee Queen are dubbed “value for money” with many explorers enjoying sightings of dolphins, puffins and seals. For lovers of sea life, their tours are well worth booking.
Top tip: Boat rides are one of the top things to do in Cornwall. If you are visiting for longer than a day or two, I recommend fitting one in at some point.
3. Attend a cookery class at the Rick Stein Cookery School
World-famous chef Rick Stein opened his cookery school in Padstow in 1975. Since then, attending one of the classes has become one of the best things to do in Padstow.
Not only will you improve your skills in cooking, but you will also get to enjoy a delicious meal. If you’re travelling alone, this can also be a great way to meet people and like-minded travel lovers.
The cooking classes vary greatly in terms of meals cooked, duration and difficulty. As such, you will need to consider which class is best for you. For more information, check out the school’s website.
4. Dine at one of the best restaurants in Padstow
If you’d prefer not to cook (you are on holiday after all), you can check out one of the best places to eat in Padstow. Despite only being a small town, you can choose from several highly-rated spots.
Some of the most popular eateries include Barnaby’s, Paul Ainsworth at Number 6 and Caffè Rojano by Paul Ainsworth. To make sure you don’t miss out, book your table as soon as possible.
5. Wander around Prideaux Place
Just a 10-minute walk from Padstow Harbour, Prideaux Place is a stunning grade one listed building and manor house. Visited by thousands of tourists each year, the home has been owned by the Prideaux family for many years and boasts an incredible exterior, garden and deer park.
The house itself is extremely impressive with beautiful decor and a great selection of art on the walls.
6. National Lobster Hatchery
One of the most unusual things to do in Padstow is visit the National Lobster Hatchery. This charitable organisation is working hard on marine conservation and protecting the lobster population. If this is something that interests you, you will be putting your money towards a great cause.
7. Stop for some ice cream
Summer in Cornwall can get incredibly hot. Especially if you are walking around all day. Take a break from exploring by stopping for some ice cream. In Padstow, the tastiest ice cream is from Roskilly’s. Just watch out for the seagulls…
8. Enjoy an hour or two of shopping
This well-loved town is a fab location for a spot of retail therapy. As well as some of the top Cornish stores, such as Whistlefish or Seasalt, Padstow is also home to several independent stores and boutiques.
Here you can buy new clothes, stationery, home decor and much more. Some of the best places to go shopping in Padstow are Aloft, Stein’s Gift Shop and Joules.
9. Padstow Museum
History buffs may want to consider a visit to Padstow Museum. Here, you can learn more about the past of this beloved Cornish town. Visiting this informative museum is one of the best things to do in Padstow in the rain.
Although it’s small, you can spend around an hour here learning about the local history and chatting to the friendly volunteers. Hopefully, once you’re done, it’ll be sunny again…
10. Jump on the ferry to Rock
Located less than a 10-minute ferry ride from Padstow, the coastal village of Rock can easily be added to your itinerary. Whilst there, relax with a picnic on Rock Beach, a dog-friendly beach overlooking views of the Camel Estuary.
11. Walk the Camel Trail
Walking the Camel Trail is a great way to kill some time in Cornwall. The 18-mile stretch runs through Padstow, Wadebridge and Bodmin, making it a fab way to explore a number of charming locations in one day. Additionally, you will also be treated to some of the most amazing views in Cornwall. What’s not to love?
Top tip: If you’re travelling on a hot day, I’d recommend hitting the trail early and stopping for lunch in the shade when it gets hot. Also, don’t forget to use suncream and carry enough water. You’ll need both!
Where is the best place to park in Padstow?
Padstow’s most convenient car park is the harbour car park. This is where we parked during both of our visits due to its short walk into the centre of town. However, if this car park is full, there are also other options nearby. I recommend getting down to Padstow early to secure a spot in the harbour car park. This way, you shouldn’t have any parking issues.
When is the best time to visit Padstow?
Cornwall is one of the most visited counties in England. Even more so during the summer months of June, July and August. Travellers and tourists tend to visit during these months for the best possible weather. However, if you want to beat the crowds, this may not be the best time for you.
To avoid the tourist influx, you could visit Padstow and the rest of Cornwall in April, May or September. There are fewer tourists during these months as well as a high probability of nice weather. In fact, I personally prefer to explore England during these months as walking around all day in hot weather is not for me (but that’s my personal preference).
Is Padstow worth visiting?
The popularity of Padstow proves that this well-loved town is, in fact, well worth visiting. Each year, up to half a million tourists head to town to shop for goodies, check out the harbour and hit up Padstow’s most visited tourist attractions. If you’re on a road trip through Cornwall, Padstow should definitely be on your bucket list!
How to get to Padstow, Cornwall?
As already stated in other Cornwall blog posts, the best way to get around the region is to drive. Due to timetables on public transport, this is, without a doubt, the fastest way to travel in the area. However, Padstow has better transport links than places such as Boscastle.
To get to Padstow via public transport, this will depend on where you are travelling from. However, as a general rule, you can jump on the train to Bodmin Parkway. From there, you can take the 11A bus to New Street in Padstow. The harbour is just a short walk from the bus stop.
Places to visit near Padstow, Cornwall:
Wadebridge
Stopping in Wadebridge is well worth doing if you’re walking the Camel Trail from Padstow. The walk will take between two and three hours, depending on your pace, so you will likely be after a well-earned rest.
Luckily for you, Wadebridge is home to several highly-rated restaurants such as The Lookout and Bridge Bistro. That means you can treat yourself to a nice meal and a cheeky drink before continuing your walk up to Bodmin (if you’re going that far).
Bodmin
Compared to Wadebridge, there is a lot more to do in Bodmin. Famous for its jail, this unique town is full of beauty and history. Home to several popular tourist attractions, it’s a great place to stop on your Cornish road trip.
In addition to checking out the jail, Lanhydrock House and Garden is a beautiful place to explore. Furthermore, you can also visit Bodmin Town Museum or wander around Restormel Castle. The choice is yours!
Bodmin Moor
Dubbed an area of outstanding beauty, Bodmin Moor is situated just a short 20-minute drive from town. The area boasts some of the most impressive views in the whole of England, making it a must-see for artists and photographers. Aside from that, there are lots of things to d,o including chasing waterfalls, perfecting your photography skills or grabbing a pint at Jamaica Inn.
What are your favourite things to do in Padstow? Let me know in the comments below!
