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Padstow Tourist Information


Padstow is built on a hillside overlooking the Camel Estuary. Padstow was once considered the ecclesiastical capital of Cornwall, from the time St. Petroc arrived here from Ireland in the 6th century, and founded a monastery, hence the name Petroc-stowe, which developed into Padstow. In the Middle Ages, it was frequently visited by pilgrims from Ireland, on their way to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

The town has a labyrinth of old crooked streets sloping down to the harbour, where many fine medieval buildings can still be seen.

The 15th century Abbey House, on the north quay, was probably built as a meeting place for local merchants. On the south quay the 16th century Court House of Sir Walter Raleigh occupied by Sir Walter when he was Warden of Cornwall.

St. Petroc's Church set on a hill above the town is the starting point of the Saints' Way, one of the oldest walking routes in Cornwall, connecting the ports of Padstow to Fowey. This route originates from the Bronze Age when it was safer to take the inland route than brave the sea journey round Lands End. In later centuries the path continued to be used by Irish and Welsh missionaries making their way to shrines of Cornwall's Celtic culture.

Prideaux Place - This stunning Elizabethan House offers a unique insight into 400 years of Cornish history. The house is still lived in by the Prideaux family the original owners of the house. Now a major film location with something of interest for all ages.

Trvose Lighthouse - Dating from 1847 this is still an operational lighthouse and tours are available.

Padstow is the home of the centuries old Hobby Horse dance festival, held annually on May Day.

 

Directions
Show map of Padstow...

What's near Padstow

Attractions:
  Pencarrow  8 Miles
  Old Mill Herbary  10 Miles
  Newquay Zoo  10 Miles
more attractions near Padstow...
 
Towns:
  Little Petherick  1 Mile
  St. Merryn  2 Miles
  Polzeath  3 Miles
more towns near Padstow...
 
Estate Agents:
  Miller and Company  5 Miles
  John Bray and Partners  6 Miles
  Webbers Property Services Ltd  10 Miles
Hotels:
  The Metropole  <1 Mile
  Trehellas House  7 Miles
  Glendorgal Hotel  9 Miles
more hotels in Padstow area...
 
Bed and Breakfast:
  Silvermead Guest House  1 Mile
more bed and breakfasts near Padstow...
 
Self Catering:
  Hawksland Mill  3 Miles
  Glen Valley Cottage  3 Miles
  The Malthouse  4 Miles
more self catering near Padstow...
 
Campsites:
  Tristram Camping Park  3 Miles
  St Minver Holiday Park  3 Miles
  Little Bodieve Holiday Park  5 Miles

Cinema: Odeon Plymouth  36 Miles

TIC: Padstow Tourist Information Centre     Tel: 01841 533449  <1 Mile


Attractions near Padstow
Pencarrow (8 Miles)*
Pencarrow is a private house still owned and lived in by the Molesworth-St.Aubyn family. The present house was built during the 1760's. The house has a very fine collection of pictures, furniture, porcelain and antique dolls.
Old Mill Herbary (10 Miles)*
The Old Mill Herbary is located in an idyllic valley setting, with about 5 acres of semi-wild terraced gardens on a steep south-facing bank.
Newquay Zoo (10 Miles)*
Make it a day to remember at Newquay Zoo, voted Visitor Attraction of the Year 2006 at the Cornwall Tourism Awards.
more attractions near Padstow ...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Towns near Padstow
Little Petherick Tourist Information (1 Mile)*
St. Merryn Tourist Information (2 Miles)*
Polzeath Tourist Information (3 Miles)*
Polzeath could be called Betjeman country; Polzeath was a favourite place of the poet the late Sir John Betjeman and extolled in his verse. The poet is buried at the Church of St. Enodoc on the sand dunes.
more towns near Padstow...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Hotels near Padstow
The Metropole (< 1 Mile)*
Padstow is a paradise for those who love seafood. The views from the Victorian Metropole are pretty spectacular, overlooking the harbour and Camel Estuary.
Trehellas House (7 Miles)*
Nestled amid the beautiful Cornish countryside, just off the main A389 between Bodmin and Wadebridge, this charming hotel is beautifully set within a Grade II listed building, dating back to the early 18th century.
Glendorgal Hotel (9 Miles)*
Experience the magical atmosphere and breathtaking views of The Glendorgal, Newquay, Cornwall. This 26 bedroom hotel is set in 17 acres of private headland perched on cliffs overlooking the Porth Bay and the beautiful North Coast of Cornwall.
more Padstow hotels (and nearby)...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Self Catering near Padstow
Hawksland Mill (3 Miles)*
Our four cosy, ETC 4 star, well-appointed cottages are set around a peaceful rural courtyard, lovingly converted from 19th century mill buildings, overlooking open picturesque Cornish countryside.
Glen Valley Cottage (3 Miles)*
A Charming, character, self catering, 2 bed roomed Holiday Cottage, offering flexible accommodation for up to 6 guests, ideal for large families. We are situated in St. Minver but close to Polzeath, Padstow.
Your property could be here
Advertising your self catering property or holiday cottage on AboutBritain.com will get you noticed by thousands of potential guests every day.
more self catering near Padstow ...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

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