Why Padstow is perfect for a short break in Cornwall

Wednesday, 25 January 2012 10:30 AM

Picturesque Cornwall has no shortage of destinations ideal for a relaxing short break. One of the best, however, has to be the harbour town of Padstow, where you can enjoy fine dining, historic attractions and a wealth of activities.

Stay in one of the available holiday cottages in Padstow and you'll be able to see Cornwall at its finest, while revelling in the freedom and independence offered by self-catering accommodation.

Here are some of the reasons why we think this part of the county is the place to go for holidaymakers.

Fantastic food

One of Padstow's main selling points is the fact that it is the UK home of celebrity chef Rick Stein. His passion for fresh seafood has led to the opening of four eateries in the destination, where you can sample some of the finest cooking in the whole country.

Visitors can dine at The Seafood Restaurant, Stein's Fish & Chips, St Petroc's Bistro and Rick Stein's Cafe, depending on the kind of menu and atmosphere you most enjoy.

Of course, Padstow's restaurant scene is not confined to just Stein's enterprises. Many other local establishments serve up dishes inspired by the town's fishing heritage, including the Michelin-recommended Harbour Restaurant at The Metropole.

Sights galore

Padstow is ideal for Cornish holidays focusing on the rich history of the area, which has seen Vikings, Romans, Celtic Saints and even the prehistoric Beaker people taking up residence over the ages.

One of the most popular historic sites in Padstow relates to the town's more recent past, however. Prideaux Place is a magnificent Elizabethan abode that has been home to 14 generations of the prestigious Prideaux family, who have an ancestry dating back to the 11th century.

Other sights include the church of St Enodoc, which can be accessed via a ferry ride to Rock and is the resting place of Sir John Betjeman, a 20th-century writer who shot to fame in the 1950s with titles such as Collected Poems and Summoned by Bells.

Activities for all

There are plenty of pursuits to choose from if you want to get active on your short break in Padstow.

Walking and cycling are the perfect ways to explore the scenic coastline and countryside here, with the South West Coast Path providing a great route for seeing everything Padstow and the surrounding area has to offer.

Other popular routes include the Padstow Circular Walk and Saints' Way, which runs along the same path once used by ancient pilgrims and saints on journeys between Padstow and Fowey.

Alternatively, you could head to the Camel Estuary for a spot of sailing or surfing, while horse riding, golf and tennis are also available on holidays to Padstow.

Feeling inspired for your next short break? Why not look into last minute cottages in Cornwall and start organising your Padstow getaway today? 

Enjoy beaches and culture on a St Ives break

Why choose St Ives for a short break?

It is difficult to think of a better location in the UK for a short break by the sea than St Ives in west Cornwall. The town has a stunning coastline, is surrounded by beautiful countryside and has some fascinating cultural attractions.

St Ives in Cornwall is a popular short break destination in the UK

Cornwall attempts to boost identity with England split

In a memo to staff, Visit Cornwall boss Malcolm Bell has asked tourism literature to drop references to "county" and "England" in favour of "region" or simply the name Cornwall itself.

New King Arthur attraction in Cornwall

New King Arthur attraction to open in Cornwall

The new ‘Knight Time Extravaganza’ attraction in northern Cornwall will open this summer on July 24 2012, in the Arthurian Centre near Camelford.

Enjoy Cornwall's festive attractions on a short Christmas break

Enjoy Cornwall's festive attractions on a short Christmas break

The great thing about going on a short break during the festive period is that there are lots of fun activities to take part in wherever you go. Cornwall is a fantastic place to visit, as it holds many Christmas-related events every year.

Take a family holiday in Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is the perfect place for a short family break

Going on a family holiday, even if it's only for a long weekend, presents a great chance for you and your loved ones to relax and spend quality time with one another. If you're looking to take a break, but can't decide where to go, you should think about heading to Fuerteventura. The Spanish island is the perfect destination for a fun-filled getaway.

Enjoy a short break in St Ives

St Ives - the perfect place for a short break

If you're keen to spend a few days relaxing by the sea, you should consider taking Cornish cottage holidays. Fantastic coastal villages and towns are to be found all around the county, although booking accommodation in St Ives will make for a particularly memorable getaway.

Fowey is a peaceful spot for a beach break

Top 5 south Cornwall destinations for a beach break

If you are looking for a seaside break in the UK, there is no better choice than staying in south Cornwall cottages. The county's English Channel coastline has some great stretches of sand and lots of fine towns and villages to use as a base.

Where can I spend a weekend in Turkey?

Where can I spend a weekend in Turkey?

Turkey is not somewhere that immediately springs to mind when choosing a destination for a weekend away, although this really needn't be the case. Located just four short hours from the UK by plane, this fascinating country - which straddles the divide between Europe and Asia - offers wonderful weather, great beaches and a rich culture.

Coffee with a local in Amsterdam

Amsterdam

This week IdealShortBreaks.co.uk is in Amsterdam drinking strong black coffee with local Machteld Ligtvoet, who gives us tips on some of his favourite local haunts – including where you can go to find one of the best views of the city.

Editor's Blog: Learning to play polo

Esme Fox learning how to play polo

To mark the launch of this summer’s MINT Polo in the Park, Esme Fox decided to try her hand at the sport and see what it’s all about.