A Week in Padstow
Wondering what to do when staying in Padstow? Here’s a seven-day itinerary for your next holiday in this beautiful North Cornwall harbour town, with an activity for each day followed by a restaurant for dinner.
Welcome to Padstow, the foodie hub of North Cornwall where the aroma of coffee and fresh-out-the-oven pastries greets you at every turn. Here, Michelin star eateries fit in perfectly next door to traditional pubs, seafood caught that morning is served for dinner, and pasties are available no matter the weather. But beyond its taste sensations, Padstow offers a huge array of activities both on the coast, in the water and inland.
From sea safaris to cycling, visiting the many nearby beaches to soaking up the harbourside atmosphere, there’s so much to do in Padstow it’s hard to know how to fit it all in. Therefore, we’ve come up with a guide of how to spend seven days in Padstow, with an activity for each day and a restaurant pairing for dinner.
So, dive into the vibrant shoreside scene of this coastal town with our recommended itinerary.
See our retreats in the heart of Padstow, or browse all of our North Cornwall retreats for plenty more accommodation nearby.
Day 1:
Explore what’s on your doorstep
Begin your trip by familiarising yourself with the beautiful and buzzy harbour, the heart of Padstow where there’s always something going on, from water taxis and boats docking up to sea birds landing on the harbour walls.
Head deeper into the village and wander the charming streets where you’ll discover a treasure trove of independent shops, boutiques, and artisanal galleries. From handcrafted jewellery to locally made ceramics, shop for a souvenir before grabbing a coffee from one of the many delis and cafés.
In the afternoon, take the scenic walk along the estuary past St Saviours Point up to Hawker’s Cove. Here you’ll pass plenty of little coves making perfect swim spots, and you can walk as far as you like or simply sit back on the grass and soak up the views.
Dinner: For your first night, start your foodie journey at Rick Stein’s café, his relaxed, family friendly and Asian inspired eatery nestled in the winding village streets. Here you can tuck into Rick Stein classics, such as his famous curries, noodles, Nasi Goreng and salt and pepper prawns.
Day 2:
Catch the ferry to Rock
On your second day, head to the harbour and catch a ferry or water taxi across the Camel Estuary to the gorgeous shoreside town of Rock. Feel the sea breeze on your face as you soak up the views. Upon arrival to Rock, try your hand at watersports or a sailing lesson, explore the powdery sand dunes, or sunbathe on the beach.
Dinner: Head to The Mariners for lunch or dinner, a Paul Ainsworth eatery famous for its fine-dining twist on pub classics such as the scotch egg and shepherd’s pie, and an excellent range of fresh seafood.
Day 3:
Go on a Sealife Safari boat tour
Head to the harbour and book onto a Sealife Safari boat tour, where you’ll discover the diverse marine life that inhabits the waters off the coast of Padstow. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll have the opportunity to spot seals, dolphins, and a variety of seabirds in their natural habitat. You’ll learn about the importance of conservation efforts in the area, whilst also enjoying a highly scenic tour of the coastline.
Dinner: Enjoy a cocktail at Paul Ainsworth’s Ci Ci’s bar (pre-booking advised) before heading downstairs for a delicious Michelin star dinner at Paul Ainsworth At No. 6.
Day 4:
Cycle the Camel Trail
Set off on a cycle adventure along the Camel Trail from Padstow to Bodmin. This beautiful route traces the path of a former railway line. Stretching over 12 miles and mostly level, it’s perfect for families and those new to cycling. The Camel Trail treats visitors to breathtaking vistas of moors, forests, and estuaries, catering to walkers, runners, cyclists, and horse-riders alike. The trail passes through a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
Along the Camel Trail, you may spot otters, bats, dormice, kingfishers, little egrets, as well as the vibrant blooms of marsh orchids and marsh marigolds.
Dinner: After a day of activity, refuel with a hearty pub dinner in the Old Custom House, one of Padstow’s cosiest pubs with a great selection of drinks and harbourside views.
Day 5:
Explore the Seven Bays
On day 5, take a day trip to the famous ‘seven bays’ stretch of coastline just next door to Padstow. The beaches of Porthcothan, Treyarnon, Constantine, Harlyn, Trevone, Booby’s Bay and Mother Ivey’s Bay each offer their own unique charm.
Set up camp on the sandy shores of Harlyn Bay, where you can try a surfing lesson, or head to a quieter spot by the rugged cliffs of Trevone Bay, where you can dip in the tidal pool. Pack a picnic and spend the day hopping from one bay to the next, discovering hidden coves and breathtaking views along the way.
Dinner: For dinner, head back to Padstow and dine at Prawn on the Lawn, a fun and vibrant little spot tucked away in the village side streets serving small seafood plates with big flavours.
Day 6:
Visit a Vineyard
Feel like you’re in the south of France with a visit to Trevibban Mill Vineyard & Orchards, where award-winning wines and gorgeous vineyard views await. Take a guided tour of the vineyard and learn about the winemaking process from grape to glass. Sample a selection of their finest wines in the sun and truly relax.
Dinner: Once you’re home, head to Paul Ainsworth’s Caffe Rojano for small plates, pasta and pizza- the perfect dinner after an afternoon of wine sampling.
Day 7:
Lobster Hatchery or Stein’s Cookery School
For your final day in Padstow, visit the The National Lobster Hatchery, where you can see the adorable lobster hatchlings and learn about the important marine conservation work that this charity do. Or, book in for a one day cooking course at Rick Stein’s Cookery School and learn a delicious recipe to take home with you. Then, relax with an aperitif in your retreat before dinner.
Dinner: No visit to Padstow would be complete without a meal at The Seafood Restaurant, the flagship Rick Stein restaurant with a reputation for serving the very best of Cornish fish.
Find your Padstow retreat and enjoy a week long stay full of adventure, activity and good food.
