Secret Season: Padstow
This north coast town sits alongside the tranquil Camel Estuary where boats come and go and independent shops and vibrant eateries line the narrow streets. The vast golden sands of Harbour Cove can be reached via a scenic walk along the coast path. Padstow is a beautiful out of season destination to spend time this Secret Season.
Join us for the day as we hop on the ferry at Rock across the water to Padstow, explore the vibrant shops and eateries and stroll along the coast path to Harbour Cove.
Hopping on the Black Tor Ferry at Rock allows for a scenic ride across the estuary, taking in the views and wildlife along the way. Look out for the war memorial standing on top of the headland on the Padstow side.
The ferry runs every 20-minutes in the winter between around 8.00am and 5.00pm. You can check the running times and pick up points which can vary with the tide here.
Adult singles are £3 and dogs are welcome. It took us right into the harbour, the perfect place to start the day’s explorations.
We headed to the nearby Greens of Padstow where you are treated to elevated views across the harbour and estuary. Here, we enjoyed a spot of tea and cake al fresco on the terrace. You can also enjoy a round of mini golf, located next to the restaurant.
Refuelled, we strolled around the harbour, taking in the Christmas lights and decoration dotted in and around the water. Benches along the edge provide the perfect spot to stop and watch the boats come and go and bob on the water.
We then joined the path that takes you up behind Greens, along the grass that rises above the estuary and up to the war memorial at the top. Here, you can enjoy the views across the water towards Rock and Daymer Bay.
The path slopes down towards the golden sands of Harbour Cove (also known as Tregirls). At low tide, you can scramble down the rocks onto the sand or at high tide, head further down the coast path and join the beach through the woodland.
Harbour Cove has tranquil waters and a vast expanse of sand at low tide. It is dog-friendly all year round making it a fantastic place for your canine companion to enjoy a coastal adventure. You can walk all the way along to the smaller beach, Hawkers Cove, home to the old lifeboat station.
After a healthy dose of sea air, we walk back into the town and head to Sabzi Deli for lunch. Colourful interiors, delicious vegetarian food and friendly staff make for a wonderful atmosphere to relax and you can also pick up some unique products from the deli.
After lunch, it’s time for a spot of shopping. Colourful clothing stores, wonderful food and drink shops and art galleries make for an eclectic retail experience. The range of independent shops provide opportunities to pick up some gifts or mementos to take home. Our favourites include Aloft, Padstow Bookseller and Stein’s Deli.
For afternoon activities, head to the National Lobster Hatchery, the Padstow Museum (free entry) or experience a cookery class at Rick Stein’s Cookery School.
You can also hire bikes from Padstow Cycle Hire and head for a cycle on the Camel Trail along to the beautiful town of Wadebridge. Flat all the way, it’s an easy cycle and the trail hugs the estuary, providing beautiful views along the way.
As the sun starts to drop and golden hour commences, catch the ferry back across the water to Rock where you can take in the sunset from the beach as it disappears behind the headland.
Stay here this Secret Season
Choose from vibrant apartments moments from the shore to large beach houses for all the family. Discover places to stay in and around Padstow and experience Cornwall’s secret season for yourself.
