Living in Padstow

Your guide to moving to Padstow

Why Padstow is a good place to live

Padstow, a charming port town in North Cornwall, offers an appealing balance of leisure and simplicity. The town's location at the mouth of the River Camel estuary not only offers picturesque views but also teems with opportunities for water activities. Padstow manages to retain its historical charm with its traditional architecture, while also developing as a highly-regarded tourist destination. Living in Padstow is further enriched by its flourishing culinary scene, signified by notable restaurants and the well-known celebrity chef Rick Stein's pervasive influence. House prices have rocketed in recent years due to the soaring popularity of this North Cornwall town but there are more affordable areas on the outskirts and further inland towards Wadebridge.

What's Padstow famous for?

Padstow is famous for multiple attractions, first and foremost being the annual 'Obby 'Oss festival, a unique event believed to date from ancient fertility rites. Famous chef Rick Stein's influence on the local food scene, earning the town the playful moniker 'Padstein', also adds to its fame. Additionally, Padstow has a rich maritime history of fishing and trading, reflected in its harbour and famous Doom Bar across to the upmarket tourist village of Rock. Lastly, Padstow's distinct geological features, named the Tregudda Gorge and the Round Hole, are acknowledged as unique aspects of this attractive area.

Things to do in Padstow

The list of activities in Padstow is varied, catering to a wide array of interests. History enthusiasts can visit the Church of St. Petroc, dating from its early Christian history. Culinary adventurers can dine at quality local restaurants, including Rick Stein's establishments. For those that prefer physical activities, the town offers yachting or exploration of the dramatic coastline, while land-lovers can walk or cycle along the scenic Camel Trail. Lastly, local traditions can be observed or joined in with, such as Cornish wrestling tournaments, further enhancing the experience of Padstow.

We have used a bespoke generative AI model to help us research and create our area guides. All of our content is reviewed, and edited where needed, by our trusted team of Zoopla content editors.