Holiday rentals and lettings in Padstow

Table of contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday let in Padstow?
• Holiday rentals in Padstow: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Padstow: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Padstow?

• A cottage for every couple or family: Most Padstow holiday lettings sleep two to six. Choose from whitewashed harbourside cottages and peaceful rentals near Little Petherick Creek, ideal for couples and small families.
• Town centre or quiet creek: Stay in the centre for restaurants on your doorstep, or choose the countryside to the south for gardens, estuary views and a calmer pace.
• Consistently top marks: Guests praise our Padstow rentals, delighted by the central locations, sweeping views and welcoming, well-kept homes.
• Late spring to early autumn: Visit from May to September for the warmest beaches and the famous May Day celebrations, or come in autumn for quieter coastal walks and lower rates.
• Beaches, food and family fun: Surf at Constantine Bay, walk to Treyarnon, sample fresh Cornish seafood and visit the National Lobster Hatchery.

Pretty whitewashed houses with traditional grey slate roofs sit in the centre and along the shoreline, whilst cosier cottages hide in the quiet countryside to the south. Browse holiday cottages in Padstow, spacious holiday homes in Padstow, welcoming B&Bs in Padstow or rustic log cabins near Padstow to find the retreat that suits your trip. Whichever you choose, Padstow's lettings come with the comforts that make a coastal holiday effortless:

• River Camel and estuary views
• Private gardens and terraces
• Fast Wi-Fi throughout
• Pet-friendly facilities

Many homes also offer parking and balconies, a real bonus in this busy little harbour town, and if Padstow is fully booked you'll find holiday cottages elsewhere in the UK to compare too.

What are the best areas to stay in Padstow?

The town centre is the favourite base for first-time visitors, putting the harbour, shops and restaurants on your doorstep. The table below details areas for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Guests love properties in Padstow for their immaculate interiors and unbeatable locations, whether that's a short stroll from the harbour or a quiet spot with estuary views.

Here are our top-rated holiday lettings from the past year:

1. Hirst at No 8 - 10.0: A delightful central apartment for four with a sunny terrace, and the harbour just a short walk away.
2. Detached home near Padstow Harbour - 10.0: A pet-friendly, three-bedroom home with parking, only seven minutes' walk from the harbour.
3. Spring Tides - 10.0: A cosy cottage for two with its own garden, perfect for couples seeking a peaceful base.

Padstow is a charming fishing town on the north coast of Cornwall, set on the Camel Estuary in the far south-west of England, roughly an hour's drive from Newquay.

✈️What is the best way to get to Padstow?

Most visitors arrive by car, as Padstow has no station of its own. Here are the most common ways to get to the town:

• Car: Driving is the most flexible option and lets you explore Cornwall's coast at your own pace. From the rest of England, follow the M5 to Exeter, then join the A30 across Bodmin Moor before taking the A39 and B-roads towards Padstow. Parking in town is limited in summer, so use the signed car parks near the harbour.
• Train: The nearest mainline stations are Bodmin Parkway and Newquay, both served by Great Western Railway from London Paddington. From either station a connecting bus or short taxi ride brings you into Padstow.
• Plane: Cornwall Airport Newquay lies around twenty minutes' drive away, with seasonal flights from several UK cities. Hire cars are available on arrival for the final stretch to Padstow.

🥗Where to eat in Padstow?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, Paul Ainsworth at No. 6 is the best-rated restaurant in Padstow. Below is a table showing the top 5 highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers Holly and Mark recommend Stein's Fish & Chips in Padstow: a relaxed harbourside spot for proper Cornish fish and chips after a morning out on the coast path, with the quality you'd expect from celebrity chef Rick Stein.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Padstow is from late May to September, when the beaches are at their warmest and the town buzzes with energy. For the famous spectacle of the 'Obby 'Oss on 1 May, come in spring; for quieter coastal walks and lower rates, the autumn is hard to beat.

Spring

• Best for: Festivals and fewer crowds, including the May Day celebrations
• Weather: Mild and fresh, with lengthening days ideal for coastal walks
• Atmosphere: Lively yet relaxed as the season gets under way

Summer

• Best for: Beach days, surfing and family holidays
• Weather: Warm and largely dry, perfect for the sand and sea
• Atmosphere: Bustling, with the town at its liveliest

Autumn

• Best for: Walkers and foodies seeking a quieter break
• Weather: Cooler and changeable, with dramatic coastal skies
• Atmosphere: Calm and restful as the summer crowds drift away

⭐Our hosts' recommendation: Our Padstow local expert, Sophie of a holiday home with sweeping Camel Estuary views, recommends visiting Prideaux Place, the Elizabethan manor that has watched over the town since 1592, with its handsome deer park and beautifully preserved interiors open seasonally. You can read more local tips on Sophie's page.

1. Walk or cycle the Camel Trail
2. Surf and snorkel at Constantine Bay
3. Explore Treyarnon Bay's rock pools
4. Visit the National Lobster Hatchery
5. Step inside Prideaux Place

1. Walk or cycle the Camel Trail

   The traffic-free Camel Trail follows a former railway line along the estuary, linking Padstow with Wadebridge and beyond. It is flat, scenic and suitable for all ages, with bike hire available right by the harbour. Expect views of the water, wading birds and quiet countryside the whole way.

2. Surf and snorkel at Constantine Bay

   Constantine Bay is one of the area's finest surf beaches, with reliable waves that draw experienced surfers throughout the year. Its rugged rock formations also make for excellent snorkelling when the sea is calm. Lifeguards patrol in the high season, and nearby Booby's Bay offers a quieter alternative when the main beach gets busy at the weekend.

3. Explore Treyarnon Bay's rock pools

   Treyarnon Bay is a family favourite, with sweeping sand, sheltered rock pools and a coastal path that climbs behind the beach for memorable views. Children love hunting for crabs and tiny fish as the tide goes out.

4. Visit the National Lobster Hatchery

   Right on the harbour, the National Lobster Hatchery is a working conservation centre where children and adults alike can learn about the life cycle of the lobster and the work that goes into protecting Cornish waters.

5. Step inside Prideaux Place

   Prideaux Place is an Elizabethan manor house that has been home to the same family since 1592. It boasts an exceptional collection of art and an unusually well-preserved example of Elizabethan plasterwork, set within handsome grounds and a deer park.