About Padstow | Dog Friendly Beaches | The History of Padstow
Seven Bays for Seven Days
There are lots and lots of things to do in the local Padstow area but here are five of the best free things to do ;
1.Just Walk ….. Along The Beach, The Camel Estuary or The South West Coastal Path
Whether a short stroll ( 20 – 30 mins ) up to the Memorial at Chapel Stile Field or to the Railway Bridge along the Camel Trail in the other direction, you are spoilt for choice for picturesque walks in and around Padstow.
The area surrounding Trevose Head, only a couple of miles from the historic fishing port of Padstow, has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and also an Area of Special Scientific Interest, to reflect its diverse and beautiful nature.
See Dog Friendly Beaches for the beaches very close to Padstow and Seven Bays For Seven Days for those slightly further afield.
You can also enjoy incredible views of the coast and countryside by following the South West Coast Path which leads you across vast sandy beaches, rocky shorelines and to some of the best surf in the county.
2. Hang Out On The Harbour
This is where every road leads and everyone goes to, so it will be busy and full of buzz. Take your time and meander around, soaking up the atmosphere as you take in the view of the historic port and the buildings surrounding the harbour while avoiding the sea gulls ( take great care if eating !).
3. Visit The Padstow Museum and Explore the History Of The Town
The Padstow Museum is quite small but displays a number of interesting artifacts and is staffed by friendly volunteers with exceptional knowledge. It is also free and you can spend as long as you like enjoying the stories and history of Padstow and the local area.
The Museum is housed in the annexe of the Padstow Town Council offices adjacent to the large car/coach park at South Quay and near the start of the Camel Trail.
See also the History Of The Padstow for some points of interest while walking around the town.
A short walk from the harbour will allow you to see the 6th century St Petrocs Church and the 16th century Elizabethan Manor House of Prideaux Place.
4. Drive Along the Coast from Padstow to Newquay
Take the scenic route along the breathtakingly beautiful coastal road of the B3276 which connect Padstow and Newquay over around 24 miles.
You will soon discover the infamous Seven Bays beginning with Trevone Bay, Harlyn Bay, Mother Iveys Bay, Booby’s Bay, Constantine Bay, Treyarnon Bay and Porthcothan Bay. See Seven Bays For Seven Days for more information.
This will then lead you to Bedruthan Steps for the infamous sea stacks ; followed by the sandy inlet and small village at the bottom of deep cliffs of Mawgan Porth and the vast sweeping beach at low tide of Watergate Bay. You will then enter the outskirts of Newquay and its seven beaches of which Fistral is perhaps the best known because of its high quality surfing.
5. Cycle The Camel Trail to Wadebridge
The Camel Trail is a hugely popular bicycle way which runs from Padstow to Wadebridge and then on to the foot of Bodmin Moor. Following 17 miles of disused railway line the Camel Trail winds through some of the South-West’s most breath-taking countryside.
and of course, Visit Quay Art !
We are delighted to be located on the harbour in the heart of Padstow and you can find Quay Art in the pink building on North Quay ; next to the 15th century Abbey House, one of the historic highlights of the town.
Expect the Unexpected !
We look forward to you visiting us to see our exceptional range of art from local and national artists which includes original paintings, sculpture, limited editions, glass and ceramics.
Please follow us on Facebook @ArtGalleryPadstow and Twitter @QuayArtPadstow for our regular postings of photos and videos of local sights, beaches and walks we have taken throughout the year.