Padstow and Wadebridge Area Guide

Famous for its May Day celebrations featuring the Obby Oss, Padstow is also noted for its picturesque harbour and Rick Stein restaurants. It is located on the west bank of the River Camel about 2 miles in from Padstow Bay. It is one of few safe havens on the north Cornwall coast, but access from the sea can be treacherous due to a sand bar known as The Doom Bar, where there have been many wrecks.

Padstow is an ancient place, being recorded in the Domesday Book. Its importance was due to its connection with Bodmin monastery, and it became a busy fishing port in the Middle Ages, this activity still continuing today. The current Elizabethan manor house, known as Prideaux Place, was completed in 1592 and is still occupied by the family of that name. The house and grounds are open to the public.

Tourism is the mainstay of Padstow, and it is a popular north coast stopping point for yachtsmen. There is a foot ferry across the river to Rock and there is a level walk / cycle trail along the river to Wadebridge and beyond. This follows the line of the old railway which was closed in 1967. The Southwest Coast Path runs through Padstow, and it is also one end of the Saint's Way, a long-distance footpath to Fowey on the south Cornwall coast.

Five miles upstream from Padstow is the town of Wadebridge. It acquired its name in the 15th century when the bridge was built, being formerly known simply as Wade. Before the bridge was built it was a dangerous crossing and there were chapels on each side of the ford where thanks could be given for a safe crossing.

Before the arrival of the railway goods were transported by ships which could navigate to the town on high tides. A notable export was the granite for the new Eddystone lighthouse. This was quarried locally and then fashioned into interlocking dovetail sections for shipment and assembly at the Eddystone Rock off Plymouth.

An annual event of some significance is the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Show. This is held at a permanent showground (also used for other events) just outside the town. Water sports and Cornish wrestling also feature as recreational activities.