The Camel Estuary is home to some of Cornwall’s most popular coastal towns and beaches.

Padstow is a colourful working harbour which has become one of the top places to visit in Cornwall. Pretty medieval houses line the harbour and there is an eclectic mix of galleries, shops and restaurants to suit all tastes. Most famous is the family of Rick Stein businesses which include The Seafood Restaurant, St Petroc’s Bistro, Stein’s café, Stein’s Patisserie and deli and a fish and chip shop.

Foodies will be in heaven with the funky English diner Custard, swanky dining at No 6 Restaurant as well as great range of local bakeries selling the traditional pasties and cafes where you can enjoy a Cornish cream tea while you watch the action round the harbour. Padstow is also great for shopping with independent shops as well as leading brands such as White Stuff and Seasalt. Bin Two wine merchants have an outstanding range of wines, champagnes and spirits and handily located in the centre of town.

Hire a bike and enjoy the gentle Camel Trail cycle path through Wadebridge and across to Bodmin which is 17 miles in total but you can cheat and just do a short return trip to Wadebrige along the beautiful Camel Estuary. Take a ferry trip across to Rock for watersports and culture in the form of the burial place of Sir John Betjemen at St Enodoc church. Golfers will love the courses at nearby Trevose, St Enodoc at Rock which both have great coastal views from the green.

There are plenty of little places to explore around the Camel Estuary including the pretty villages of Little Petherick and St Issey who boast three pubs each serving great local food, antique shops, a willow workshop in the old mill and a trout farm between them. Tucked away in a valley where the river flows out into the Camel Estuary, these villages are great for walkers who can follow the Saints Way, an ancient footpath linking Padstow on the north coast of Cornwall to Fowey on the south coast. 

Padstow is surrounded by some great sandy beaches – all within a few minutes drive including Daymer Bay which is dog friendly all year round, as well as Trevone, and Hawkers Cove. The town itself is just 45 minutes drive from the Eden Project and 15 minutes by car from the bustling market town of Wadebridge.

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