Padstow in Cornwall

Lat 50.5410° N, lon 4.9390° W●North Cornwall · fishing harbour on the Camel

PadstowFishing harbour

Padstow is a fishing harbour about 1.5 miles up the Camel estuary from the open sea. Working boats still fish out in the ocean from this quay. Nearby beaches sit west of town, not on the harbour itself.

Where to stay

Padstow at a glance

A fishing harbour on the Camel, about 1.5 miles from the open sea

Padstow is a fishing town on the Camel estuary, opposite Rock. The harbour sits about 1.5 miles from the open sea. It is a working quay, not a town built on an Atlantic beach.

Many boats still fish out in the ocean from here. The Rock ferry and other craft share the same water. The streets, the seafood and the day all start at the harbour.

The nearest sand is along the estuary, at St George's Cove and Harbour Cove, a short walk from the quay. That sand still faces the Camel, not the open Atlantic. Harlyn, Constantine Bay and Trevone sit west of town if you want the open coast. Use the map to compare them.

Food is easy to find around the quay. Book ahead in peak season. The town is compact and fills early.

The Camel Trail ends at Padstow harbour. It is a level ride inland to Wadebridge if you want it. The trail is a link, not the identity of the town.

Use Cornish.co.uk to find places to stay, food and drink and things to do around Padstow. Open the interactive map for pins, including nearby beaches, or jump to Cornwall walks and local services. Discover & connect lists neighbouring towns and parishes.

Planning questions

Frequently asked questions about Padstow

Where is Padstow?

Padstow is a fishing harbour on the Camel estuary in north Cornwall, opposite Rock, about 1.5 miles from the open sea.

Which beaches are nearby?

The nearest sand is on the estuary, at St George's Cove and Harbour Cove, a short walk from the quay. Harlyn, Constantine Bay and Trevone sit west of town on the open coast. None of them is the harbour itself. Use Beaches mode on the map for markers.

Is Padstow a beach town?

Padstow is a working fishing harbour, about 1.5 miles from the open sea. Boats fish out in the ocean from the quay. It is not a town sitting on an Atlantic beach. Sand near the harbour faces the estuary. Open-coast beaches sit west, at Harlyn, Constantine Bay and Trevone.

How do I get around without a car?

The town is compact once you have parked. A ferry crosses to Rock. The Camel Trail links Padstow with Wadebridge for walking and cycling. Check individual listings and local transport options.

Is there a live tide reading for Padstow?

This page shows observed levels from the Environment Agency Newlyn tide gauge, the nearest national gauge in Cornwall. It is not a local Padstow harbour prediction or a navigation forecast.

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Interactive map

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