Padstow day trip from Boscastle

Padstow is a busy harbour town on the Camel estuary, famous for its seafood. It's a longer drive than Boscastle or Tintagel, about 25 miles, but makes a great day out from Lower Pennycrocker Farm.

Things to do in Padstow

• Walk around the harbour and watch the boats.
• Take the foot ferry across the estuary to Rock.
• Hire bikes for the Camel Trail, a mostly flat, traffic-free route along the old railway towards Wadebridge.
• Visit the National Lobster Hatchery.
• Walk out to Stepper Point on the coast path.

Eating out

Padstow is known for fish and chips and seafood restaurants. Eat on the harbour wall, but watch out for the gulls.

Tips

Padstow is very busy in July and August. Arrive early to park, or visit on a weekday. Combine your trip with Port Isaac, or see more on our guides hub.

When to visit Padstow

Padstow is busy year-round, but especially during school holidays and bank holidays. Early mornings are calm, with fishing boats unloading and the harbour quiet. Weekdays in spring and autumn are the most relaxed time to visit. In poor weather, the shops, galleries and cafés around the harbour make Padstow a good choice for a wet day.

Padstow with children

Children enjoy the boat trips, crabbing from the harbour wall and the flat, traffic-free Camel Trail. Bring a crabbing line and bucket, and always put crabs back where you found them.

Padstow with dogs

Many shops and cafés in Padstow welcome dogs, but beach rules vary through the year. Check signs before letting a dog off the lead.

Why stay near Boscastle rather than Padstow

Staying on our farm above Boscastle means quieter nights, bigger pitches and lower prices than many sites in busier resorts. Adults are £10 a night and children 5+ £5, with free showers and free awnings and pup tents. You can enjoy a big day in Padstow and come home to a peaceful field and a sunset over the sea. Read our camping in Cornwall guide for more.