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Home / Locations / North Cornwall / The Camel Estuary
At Wadebridge, the Camel is still a small freshwater river but it soon opens to form a broad, flat estuary, a vista unlike any other in the county.
At low tide, mud and sandbanks are exposed and the reed-beds and salt-marsh flats teem with wading birds. One of the UK’s rarest and most protected mammals, the otter, also frequents the Camel.
There are several sandy beaches located here too. On the western bank lies Tregirls beach while on the eastern bank moving upstream there is Polzeath beach, Daymer Bay and Rock.
One of the great ways to explore this part of Cornwall is by bike – the Camel Trail follows the estuary all the way and is hugely popular with families, couples and dogs. The flat trail makes for easy biking the whole way. If you get tired there is a half way stop off point, where light refreshments are available. There are plenty of places to hire bikes along the river so don’t worry if you can’t bring your own with you.
Padstow, at the mouth of the estuary is a quintessential Cornish fishing harbour complete with working boats, art galleries, shops and of course, seafood restaurants.
Self catering holidays in The Camel Estuary are all about walking and cycling, for some retail therapy, beaches, relaxation and spending some quality down time.
Holiday in The Camel Estuary this summer and choose one of our holiday cottages to make your stay perfect.
Browse our last minute availability and special offers for your next beach getaway.
You won’t go hungry during self catering holidays in the Camel Estuary – the Rick Stein effect has fed through the town.
Stein aside, Padstow is full of great independent cafés, restaurants and takeaways. You’ll also find a few traditional Cornish pasty shops, perfect to eat sat on the harbour front.
Yes. Both the bridal path from Padstow to Wadebridge and coastal path are recommended walks for you and your dog.
The beaches along the Estuary are dog friendly but some may impose a seasonal ban. Do check with the council.
There are many car parks throughout the area when visiting the Camel Estuary.
For access to Padstow it’s recommended that you use the Park and Ride service, especially in the height of summer.
Toilet facilities are available.
