Oh what joy... I returned from down there last night, friggin' lovely it was too. We stayed near Wadebridge about 15-20 minutes away. Yes Padstow is busy but it's still easy to park. Do ignore the Rick Stein knockers, with out him it would be like any other chips-pastie-kitsch seaside town on the harbour. I saw plenty of places to rent on notice boards in shops down there. One thing, IF you do want to eat at his chippy get there early as there is a loooooooong wait otherwise ( pre 11-30am is best ) Also his deli does very the decent take-out seafood in pots as well ?7.50 for 3 crab claws 6 large prawns a handful of mussels and a home made pot of mayo. Very tasty. I'd definitely recommend a trip to Fowey ( the prettiest town on the coast ). The "Other Plaice" restaurant does fantastic local line caught fish, like Guarnard, Pollock etc. It's owned by a local family who make everything pretty well spot on, home made tartare, coleslaws and the likes, perfect thinly battered fish with home cut chips. We had lunch there yesterday for 3 of us for ? 36 overlooking the harbour. Oh and I'm just about to tuck into a Cornish crab (?2.90) for tea. Yummmmy. NETTE:) I'd also recommend the beach at Porthcothan