Places to Stay in Padstow: In and Around the Harbour Town!

Are you looking for places to stay in Padstow?

With the sound of seagulls in the air, the smell of fresh seafood coming from some of Cornwall’s best restaurants and the sight of boats gently bobbing in the harbour, Padstow is a feast for all the senses.

It’s one of the most popular places to stay in Cornwall. But if it’s your first time visiting the town, finding a hotel can be daunting.

Luckily, there are plenty of places to stay in and around Padstow, and I’m here to tell you about them all!

Whether you choose to stay in Padstow itself or in one of the surrounding areas, this post will detail the best hotels, cottages and B&Bs in the area.

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Why stay in Padstow? 

A few miles inland from the Cornish coast, Padstow is one of the Duchy’s much-loved Cornish destinations. But why is it so popular? 

Padstow has been a charming fishing port for centuries, but it soared in popularity in recent decades, particularly when it became a foodie destination.

This reputation began because celebrity chefs like Rick Stein and Paul Ainsworth opened up restaurants here!

There are quite a few attractions in Padstow, and it’s famous as the place to go in Cornwall for a foodie holiday!

However, if you don’t want to stay in the town itself, there are other places to stay around Padstow.

From the shores of Polzeath and Constantine Bay to the classy establishment of Rock to the historic market town of Wadebridge, there’s a place for everyone around Padstow.

Places to stay in Padstow Harbour

Staying in Padstow, near the harbour, will ensure that you’re right in the heart of the action.

There are lots of things to do in Padstow itself, and of course, it’s a great place to be near to local restaurants and some fun pubs.

Attractions in Padstow Harbour

Padstow harbour is in the centre of the town, with many attractions like the Padstow Museum, various restaurants and pubs and a popular Tarquins Cornish gin shop!

Here are some of the things that you can do in Padstow: 

• Eat at one of the many gourmet restaurants
• Do a boat trip around the harbour and the north coast
• Visit the Padstow Museum and Lobster Hatchery
• Go beer and gin tasting
• Walk some of the South West Coast Path
• Here are all of the best things to do in Padstow

Pros of staying in Padstow

• As mentioned, it’s the place to go if you’re into fine cuisine! With plenty of Michelin star restaurants, it’s the perfect destination for foodies.
• There are also lots of other things to do, like nearby surf beaches on the north coast of Cornwall, hiking the South West Coast Path, visiting museums, shopping and the wonderful Tarquin’s Gin Distillery which is just out of town. 
• The harbour is beautifully scenic!

Cons of staying in Padstow

• Like all other small Cornish towns, the entire Padstow area is rammed in the summer months. This means there are hordes of people all over the harbour and up the small streets, and you’ll need to book any restaurants in advance!
• It’s also not right by the beach – if you’re looking for a surf destination, you’re better off staying in Polzeath or Constantine Bay. 

Padstow harbour would be great for…

• Foodies: there are so many high quality restaurants in the town! 
• Couples: the harbour setting is very romantic
• Hikers: the South West Coast Path runs through the town

And not so good for…

• Families with younger kids: there’s not much room to run around and explore!
• Budget travellers: like many places in Cornwall, it can be expensive

Hotels in Padstow Harbour

Budget: Drang House

Located on a stunning peninsula at one end of Padstow Harbour, Drang House is a great spot to rest your head. This friendly hotel offers simple yet comfortable rooms for a pleasant stay. 

The spacious and modern rooms have crisp white walls, hardwood floors, and a flat-screen TV. The windows let in fresh air, making the rooms feel spacious despite their compact size.

Click here for more information about Drang House and to reserve your stay.

Mid Range: London Inn

The London Inn is just a short walk from Padstow’s harbour.

It used to be a row of fisherman’s cottages but it has operated as a pub since 1803, welcoming guests from all over.

With a friendly pub and stylish rooms, it aims to maintain that tradition of hospitality today.

Several boutique, modern rooms have sea views and are equipped with free WiFi. They all feature en suite bathrooms with bathtubs or showers and TVs, tea/coffee facilities, and hairdryers.

The London Inn restaurant serves British cuisine throughout the day and features local specialties. Guests can also enjoy a drink at London Inn’s lounge bar.

You can click here to read more about The London Inn and reserve your stay here.

Mid Range: The Old Custom House

The Custom House is in prime position overlooking Padstow’s Medieval harbour. If you want to wake up to glorious estuary views every morning, this is your place!

The Custom House hotel rooms are also superbly equipped for relaxation with en-suite bathrooms, satellite TV, modern furnishings, and contemporary décor. 

Boasting free WiFi access throughout as well as a complimentary cooked breakfast each morning, the Old Custom House has thought of everything when it comes to guest satisfaction.

The Cally Oyster Bar and Grill is worth a visit too, serving freshly prepared local produce from their mouthwatering menu seven days a week.

Follow this link for more information and to reserve your stay.

Luxury: Padstow Harbour Hotel

Sitting dominant on the Padstow skyline, the four-star Padstow Harbour Hotel has stunning views of the town and Camel Estuary. The hotel is renowned for its bright, stylish rooms and elegant restaurant.

The luxurious rooms are awash with natural light, decorated in crisp styles with white and blue furnishings.

The hotel’s restaurant overlooks the harbour and offers a menu of mouthwatering delicacies prepared with Cornish ingredients.

Click here to read more about Padstow Harbour Hotel and to book it.

Places to stay in Constantine Bay

Constantine Bay is one of the best beaches near Padstow.

It’s a gorgeous location on the north coast of Cornwall. The sands stretch on for miles, with crashing waves against the shoreline. 

This beautiful area is known as one of the best surfing destinations in the country. Plus, it’s only a ten minute drive to Padstow town. 

Things to do in Constantine Bay

Here are some of the best things to do in Constantine Bay: 

• Surfing! It’s one of the best surfing destinations in Cornwall.
• Walking the coast path, which goes though Constantine Bay. You could walk to Porthcothan and even further to places like Bedruthan Steps or Mawgan Porth. 
• Laze out on the sands and enjoy the sun! 

Pros of staying in Constantine Bay

Here are some of the pros of Constantine Bay: 

• It’s a glorious beach destination
• These beaches aren’t quite as busy as other destinations in Cornwall
• It’s well connected to Padstow on the Atlantic Coaster bus and other local bus routes
• You can also take the bus or drive to Newquay and other beautiful beaches along the Atlantic Coast

Cons of staying in Constantine Bay

• Away from the beach, there’s not a crazy amount to do here!
• Bus times can be sporadic

Constantine Bay would be great for…

• Surfers: it’s one of the prime surfing destinations in Cornwall
• Hikers: it’s on the South West Coast Path.
• Beachgoers: there are plenty of acres of beaches to enjoy! 
• Families: if you want beach time on your holiday, it’s a great place for kids

And not so great for…

People who want all the conveniences a town offers, like lots of shops and restaurants. 

Hostel: YHA Treyarnon Bay

YHA Treyarnon Bay is in a fantastic location near Constantine Bay.

The rooms are basic but well kept. You can choose from a bed in a dorm room, a triple room, quadruple room or family room. Most bedrooms have en-suite facilities.

Breakfast is served in its large dining room with scenic views.

There is an onsite café and bar where you can enjoy meals and snacks throughout your stay. The restaurant and bar offer good food at reasonable prices.

However, if you want to cook your own meals, there is a kitchen available on site.

There are plenty of hiking paths around the YHA, and you can also ask the friendly staff about surf lessons.

Follow this link for more information and to reserve your stay.

Budget: The Farmer’s Arms

You’ll be sure of a warm welcome at the Farmer’s Arms, a historic pub with rooms.

The bedrooms have welcoming decor and feature all of the mod cons that you’ll need for a comfortable stay. Free WiFi will keep you connected, while flat-screen TVs will keep you entertained.

The hotel rooms are painted in an array of colours, all well-furnished and modern.

A delicious full English breakfast is served daily, and you can enjoy pub meals for lunch and dinner.

Click here to read more about The Farmers Arms and to book your stay.

Luxury: Trevose Golf and Country Club hotel

This luxury hotel is a great place to stay. It has an outdoor pool, a popular restaurant and a tennis court!

The rooms have sea views, comfortable beds, luxury en-suites and warm décor that makes you feel right at home.

The restaurant and bar have a distinct coastal vibe, which pairs well with their delicious menu.

There are also several beaches just a short walk away from Trevose Golf and Country Club hotel!

If you want to try a classy hotel, Trevose Golf and Country Club is one to check out!

Click here to read more information about the hotel and to reserve your room.

Places to stay in Polzeath

Polzeath is a chilled-out little coastal town on the north coast of Cornwall. It’s divided into old Polzeath and new Polzeath. 

A popular spot for surfing, the beach is beautiful and there are lots of lovely accommodation options right by the shores. 

There are a few fun beachy restaurants and bars and lots of watersports opportunities! 

Things to do in Polzeath 

Here are some of the best things to do in Polzeath: 

• The beautiful beach, where you can try surfing
• Pentire Headland, where you can take in views of The Rumps
• A great food scene with lots of surf-themed restaurants
• Hike to Port Isaac, a village that’s famous for being the filming location of Doc Martin

Pros of staying in Polzeath

Polzeath has these pros of staying:

• A beautiful beach with lots of surfing opportunities
• A fun atmosphere with plenty of restaurants and bars
• Lots of great hikes in the local area – it’s on the South West Coast Path

Cons of staying in Polzeath

These are the cons of staying in Polzeath: 

• Apart from the beaches, there isn’t much else to do here
• It can be quite expensive
• It’s over the water from Padstow – you either need to drive the long way round (about 30 minutes through Wadebridge) or take the river taxi from Rock
• It’s not that well connected to bus routes

Polzeath would be great for… 

• Surfers: it’s a fun little surf town
• Holidaymakers: there are plenty of restaurants and bars on the front, and the beach is lovely! 
• Beachgoers: the beach is stunning! 
• Hikers: it’s on the South West Coast Path and you can hike from here to Port Isaac

And not so great for…

People who want history, arts and culture – Padstow and Wadebridge are better for this. 

Local tip: Polzeath is actually pronounced ‘Pol-zeff’. If you say it like this, the locals will be impressed!

Luxury: The Oystercatcher Apartments

The Oystercatcher Apartments are a lovely property located within walking distance of Polzeath beach. An onsite restaurant serves tasty dishes and drinks and friendly service to match.

The apartments have beautiful views and are tastefully decorated in a Mediterranean style.

All include basic kitchen facilities, flat-screen TV, radio and hairdryer, squashy sofas, air conditioning and heating.

Some of its luxurious suites have double beds or twin beds that can be converted into king-size beds upon request and feature sea views and balconies or terraces.

Click here to read more about the apartments and to reserve your stay.

Luxury: Linga Longa

This modern holiday home is located near Polzeath Beach and offers comfortable bedrooms with a sea view, free WiFi, and parking.

The impressive property features a kitchen with a microwave, oven and toaster and two luxury bedrooms. Velux windows in the bedrooms ensure that they are awash with natural light.

It accommodates four people, so is perfect for groups of friends, families or two couples holidaying together.

Click here to read more about Linga Longa and to reserve your room.

Places to stay in Rock

Rock is a classy village just over the Camel River from Padstow.

Famed as being where the rich and famous buy apartments, it’s brimming with classy restaurants and boujie establishments. 

Things to do in Rock 

• Walks along the Camel Estuary, taking in views of Padstow on the other side
• Dining at some of the world-class restaurants with fabulous views
• Sampling Rock Gin, a popular beverage that’s made in the village

Pros of staying in Rock

• It’s a beautiful place, with sweeping estuary views
• It’s just a short boat ride away from Padstow and close to the beach in Polzeath (you can walk there in about an hour)
• There are plenty of wonderful restaurants to try 

Cons of staying in Rock

• There are more attractions elsewhere in the area
• It can be expensive – particularly the restaurants! 
• There’s only one bus that runs through the top of the village, and it can be irregular

Rock would be great for… 

• People who want to stay in a classy, fancy destination
• Hikers: you can walk fro here to Polzeath and onwards to Port Isaac

And not so great for…

• Budget travellers: it’s an expensive place! 
• People who want lots of attractions: there’s not so much to do here.

There aren’t all that many accommodation options in Rock – it’s quite a small place – but we’ve found one for you!

Luxury: The St Enodoc Hotel

St Enodoc Hotel is a four-star property with boutique-style rooms, decorated in welcoming blues, yellows or greens. Some of the rooms have four-poster beds, and they are all decorated marvellously, with no details missed.

There’s an outdoor swimming pool on-site, and a wonderful restaurant that serves delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners.

Click here for more information about the hotel and to reserve your spot.

Places to stay in Wadebridge

Wadebridge is one of the more residential towns in North Cornwall. With local Cornish charm, it’s a great place to stay near Padstow. 

Some of the accommodations in Wadebridge are a lot more budget-friendly than coastal destinations, so you might prefer to book here if you’re looking for cheap hotels.

Things to do in Wadebridge

Here are some of the best things to do in Wadebridge: 

• Pencarrow House and Gardens, which is a historic house and estate just out of town
• Cycle the Camel Trail, which connects Padstow to Bodmin and runs through Wadebridge 
• See the 15th century bridge and other historic buildings in the town, like the town hall and other historic bridges
• Attend the Wadebridge Carnival, which takes place in the summer every year
• Visit the Tarquins Gin Distillery which is halfway between Padstow and Wadebridge

Pros of staying in Wadebridge

There are some pros of staying in Wadebridge: 

• It’s a traditional market town with beautiful buildings and historic features
• It’s cheaper than staying by the beach
• It’s a great place to enjoy local life
• It’s well connected to bus routes

Cons of staying in Wadebridge

Here are some of the cons of staying in Wadebridge: 

• It’s not by the beach or estuary like the other destinations on this list
• It’s not far from the beach, but you’ll need to drive or take a bus to get there

Wadebridge would be great for

• Budget travellers: the hotels are generally cheaper here. 
• History fans: there’s plenty to learn about in this historical market town!

And not so great for…

Beachgoers, as it’s at least a 15 minute drive to the nearest beach (Polzeath)

The Halfway House Inn

The Halfway House Inn is a Wadebridge B&B with comfortable, bright rooms equipped with tea and coffee making facilities and all of the other mod-cons that you’ll need.

A delicious full English breakfast is served each morning.

The restaurant at the inn is popular and is also a great place to enjoy some dinner!

Click here to read more about the Halfway House Inn

The Swan Hotel

Nestled in charming Wadebridge, The Swan Hotel is a lovely property to stay at. The rooms are decorated in a stylish and modern fashion, and there is a bar on site.

All of the boutique rooms at The Swan Hotel are fitted with modern ensuites. The beds are comfy and all of the rooms offer a desk and flat screen TV.

There is plenty of choice at breakfast, from cereal, fruit juice to cooked English and lots of tea, coffee, and toast.

Click here to read more about The Swan Hotel and book your stay.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Padstow, hopefully this post has helped!

The Padstow area of Cornwall is immensely popular, so make sure that you book your stay in advance.

If you choose one of these hotels, we bet that you’ll have a fantastic time!