A guide to Wadebridge, the friendly market town on the River Camel, as a day trip from Boscastle.
Wadebridge is a friendly market town on the River Camel, at the head of the estuary. It's often thought of as a gateway to Padstow and the Camel Trail, but it's well worth a visit in its own right, with independent shops, cafés, riverside walks and a historic bridge. It's an easy drive from our campsite near Boscastle.
Where is Wadebridge?
Wadebridge lies on the A39 Atlantic Highway, roughly halfway between Camelford and St Columb. From Lower Pennycrocker Farm, it's roughly 20 miles away, via Camelford.
The old bridge
Wadebridge takes its name from the old bridge across the River Camel. The medieval bridge is one of the longest of its age in Cornwall. Legend says its foundations were laid on bales of wool, which is why it's sometimes called "the Bridge on Wool". Whether or not the story is true, it's a lovely bridge to walk across.
The Camel Trail
Wadebridge sits right on the Camel Trail, the traffic-free cycle and walking route along the former railway. From the town, you can cycle west along the estuary to Padstow, or east up the wooded valley towards Bodmin. Bike hire is available in town. Read our Camel Trail guide.
Shopping
Wadebridge has a good mix of independent shops, including clothes, gifts, galleries, bookshops and outdoor shops. It's a pleasant place to browse, and a handy place to stock up on supplies for the campsite, with supermarkets on the edge of town.
Food and drink
There are cafés, pubs, bakeries and restaurants in the town centre. You'll find pasties, cream teas and local produce. Opening times vary through the season.
The John Betjeman Centre
The poet Sir John Betjeman loved this part of Cornwall. The town's old railway station building is home to the John Betjeman Centre. Check opening times before you visit. Betjeman is buried at St Enodoc Church near Daymer Bay; see our Polzeath and Rock guide.
The Royal Cornwall Show
Wadebridge is home to the Royal Cornwall Showground, where the Royal Cornwall Show takes place each June. It's one of the biggest events in the Cornish calendar, celebrating farming, food and countryside life. Check dates and tickets before you go. See our Cornwall events by month guide.
Riverside walks
Walk along the River Camel from the town centre, or follow the Camel Trail for as long as you like. The estuary is great for birdwatching, with herons, egrets and wading birds.
Wet-weather option
Wadebridge is a good choice for a rainy day, with indoor shops and cafés. See our rainy day ideas.
Parking
There are several car parks in the town centre. Charges may apply. In summer, arrive early, especially on market days.
Combine with nearby places
- Padstow: via the Camel Trail or by road. See our Padstow day trip guide.
- Rock and Polzeath: a short drive across the bridge and north.
- Camel Valley vineyard: off the trail between Wadebridge and Bodmin.
- Bodmin and Lanhydrock: see our Lanhydrock guide.
A day plan
- Drive to Wadebridge in the morning.
- Hire bikes and cycle the Camel Trail to Padstow and back.
- Have a late lunch in town.
- Browse the shops and walk across the old bridge.
- Stock up on supplies before heading back to the campsite.
With kids
Families will enjoy cycling the trail, watching the river and stopping for ice cream. There are parks and riverside spaces for children to let off steam.
With dogs
Dogs are welcome on the Camel Trail and along the river, on a lead or under close control. Some cafés welcome dogs too.
Getting there
From our campsite, drive to Camelford and follow the A39 south-west to Wadebridge. The A39 is a good main road, suitable for motorhomes. See our Cornish lanes guide for tips on the minor roads.
Best time to visit
Wadebridge is pleasant all year. In summer, the Camel Trail is busiest; go early for a quieter ride. Spring and autumn are lovely for walking and birdwatching along the estuary.
What to bring
- A waterproof jacket, as the weather can change quickly.
- Comfortable shoes for riverside walks.
- A bag for shopping and supplies.
- Bike locks if you bring your own bikes.
- Cash or card for parking.
Why visit from Boscastle?
Boscastle's coast is wild and dramatic, while Wadebridge offers a gentler river landscape, easy cycling and a wider range of shops. It's a good contrast for a day, especially if you need to stock up on supplies or want an easy, flat outing with children.
Staying nearby
Our farm campsite near Boscastle is a quiet base for exploring Wadebridge and the Camel estuary. Adults are £10 per night and children 5 and over are £5. See our North Cornwall day trips guide.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Wadebridge from Boscastle?
Roughly 20 miles from our campsite by road.
Can I hire bikes in Wadebridge?
Yes. Bike hire for the Camel Trail is available in town.
When is the Royal Cornwall Show?
Each June at the Royal Cornwall Showground in Wadebridge. Check dates before you go.
Is Wadebridge good on a rainy day?
Yes, with indoor shops and cafés.
Prefer to leave the car behind? See car-free days out from Boscastle by bus.
Stay near Boscastle
Lower Pennycrocker Farm is a quiet, family-run campsite at St Juliot, about two miles from Boscastle (PL35 0BY). We welcome tents, touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans from 1 April to 31 October. Adults are £10 a night, children aged 5 and over £5, electric hook-up £7 and dogs £2 each (maximum two). Showers are free and you park beside your pitch. Check availability and book direct, or see pitches and prices.
