Padstow, Cornwall

[austinc]

Good Afternoon

Im off to Padstow, Cornwall in a few weeks and I'm still looking for somewhere to stay. Can anyone recommend or know of anyone who has a nice cottage, B&B or aparemtnet in close proximity to Padstow.

Any recommendations would be much appreciated.

Thanks

[Dulwich chef]

'Seagulls' in Polzeath is lovely....its quite a long drive to Padstow but very close to Rock where there is a ferry to Padstow which takes about 5-10 mins. Not sure how many people are going but it is a 5 bedroom house - we went for the first time last year and are heading back in October. Hope that helps!

[Salsaboy]

I'm also due to go to Padstein sometime soon and would welcome recommendations too. Just 2 of us going.

[bob]

If you drive your better off staying out side Padstine came back from there 4 weeks ago parking was a no no.

Bob S

[maxxi]

Head for the south coast - Mevagissey, Charlestown - much nicer and less crowded.

[bob]

Agree with maxxi went to both places much better.

Bob S

[Magpie]

Depends on what you want - I prefer North Coast to South Coast as its wilder - but I wouldn't stay in Padstow as its v crowded and touristy - worth a day trip though. If you want quaint fishing village then go South, if you want wild coastal walks and crashing surf then its North for me.

[david_carnell]

Stay away from St Austell. Like East Berlin in the 1980s.

[Alan Medic]

I haven't worked out yet if this thread is for real. I don't think so but I might be wrong.

[Annette Curtain]

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

[Marmora Man]

On the general theme - we lived in Cornwall and still holiday there. Would agree with Nette - don't knock Rick Stein, he made the village successful. Tho' as a family it's always been a destination for us because my wife's mother was stationed there during the war - her ashes are now scattered nearby. Our sons remember with pleasure fishing for crabs in the harbour and a Roskilly ice cream afterwards.

A lot of people recommend Molesworth Manor B&B tho' my own experience didn't match expectations. See if you can find my review on Trip Advisor!

I recommend Watergate Bay for surfing, adventure activity, Jamie Oliver's original 15 restaurant, good rock pools and caves. A late night barbie on that beach with beer / wine cooling in a rock pool and a fresh mackerel grilling is a sublime experience.

Also Port Isaac - a tad touristy following the "Dr something or other" TV programme - but a great evening can be had there in the summer on Thursdays when the St Breward Silver Band plays on the hard by the slipway, the pilot cutters are practicing in the outer harbour and you have a pint of Doom Bar to hand with some fish & chips to eat from the local chippy.

[Annette Curtain]

And...

Have a look at Rock while you're there. It is rather snooty in a nice way.

Call in at the Doom-Bar brewery shop to buy some great ales on the way in.

When in Rock proper, park up the hill in the field on the left for 3 quid all day, catch the ferry to Padstow a 10 minutes boat ride away. Have a mooch and lunch there, then ferry back to Rock & collect your car.

Or if you're feeling two star flush then try Natan Outlaw

Very nice indeed.

Nette(tu)

[will dex]

The Bay hotel , Watergate bay. Pricey (?300/night) for a sea view, but wicked, even for only a night or 2.

Sorry for this sad point but 15 watergate bay was not the original 15. see "shoreditch/clerkenwell".

will

[Marmora Man]

will dex Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> The Bay hotel , Watergate bay. Pricey (?300/night)

> for a sea view, but wicked, even for only a night

> or 2.

>

> Sorry for this sad point but 15 watergate bay was

> not the original 15. see

> "shoreditch/clerkenwell".

>

> will

WD - you're right - I apologise - original 15 in Shoreditch. Agree on Watergate Bay Hotel tho' - a tad overpriced but a great place to stay - even better in winter, in my opinion. When there's a westerly storm brewing and waves crashing on the beach it's just great to get in after a wet and wild walk, shelter behind the secure windows, in the warm with a drink to hand to observe the elements

[tommy]

Hi there, great thread. Can someone tell me where is the nearest child friendly beach with car park from Padstow.

Thanks

[Marmora Man]

Tommy, Harlyn Bay was where we always took our children until age about 8 when they could cope with bigger waves. Lots of rock pools, car park, ice cream shop and public toilets - all essential support for parent & child.

[austinc]

Thank you to evevryone for the response. Been a great help, if anyone else can has anymore please keep them coming. I look forward to going even more.

[drew]

Agree on Watergate Bay for accommodation and agree that fifteen is great - have been there twice in the past year and its a great restaurant in a nice part of the world.

All I would suggest is avoid Newquay like the plague - its a dump unless you like stag do's and hens parties.

The rest of Cornwall is lovely - the 'Stein establishments in Padstow are all worth a try. I am a big fan of the The Seafood Restaurant. I have also tried its sister restaurant in Mollymook Australia (Bannisters).

Tintagel is also a nice village - great for big fresh Cornish Pasties!

[KenegieManor]

If Padstow doesnt work out, please do think about heading to the Penzance area. I have a stunning apartment in a village called Gulval which is 5 minutes from Penzance train station. It has use of a indoor pool, tennis courts and set in 11 acres. It has views of St Michael's Mount and is also only 7 miles from St Ives. If you're interested, please do let me know. I can offer a discount for anyone on the east dulwich forum.

best wishes,

kenegie manor

[jimbo1964]

I prefer the Rock side of the river. Then you can just get the little ferry to Padstow to pick up pasties etc then nip back to the lovely beach at Rock to eat them in peace. A few Junes ago I had one of the happiest hols of my life. Be sure to avoid July and August though as it's horribly crowded with tousled haired toff teens and Audi Q7s.

[maxxi]

Heading off to Mevagissey and Truro again on Sat. for a week of fish, crab, scallops and a glass or two of Healey's etc. - may try out recommendations on here so any recent additions?

Also may finally get around to visiting Heligan gdns (ended up at Eden project last time instead) - anyone actually been and is it worth a visit?

[taper]

Helligan is well worth a visit. The 'jungle' in particular.

[uncleglen]

Yes the lost gardens are lovely but it will take 2 trips- there is so much to see. You mentioned Healy's -the Cider Farm is not too far and is great even if it is raining.(look out for the Highland Cattle if you go on the tractor ride).I thought Fowey was disappointing personally.