Traditionally a fishing port, the small Cornish town of Padstow has emerged as a popular tourist destination.

Hotels, guest houses and holiday cottages are never more than a seagull's cry from the waters edge. Nestling on the beautiful Camel Estuary, Padstow offers unrivalled holiday opportunities. The town, with its colourful harbour surrounded by pastel-washed medieval houses, is an attraction in itself.

For the more active and adventurous, Padstow offers a range of activities such as walking and cycling, the world famous Camel Trail, South West Coastal Footpath, water sports and unrivalled golf on the seaside links of St Enodoc, Trevose and the nearby Merlin Golf Club.

It's not all action of course - watching the everyday ebb and flow of harbour life is a perfect way to spend a day in Padstow. If you find this too hectic spend the afternoon relaxing at peaceful Harbour Cove with its lovely sandy beach and fabulous views of the Camel Estuary, or take a ferry trip across to Rock and visit the hushed church of St Enodoc where Sir John Betjeman is buried.

Padstow, which has population of nearly 3,170, is surrounded by glorious clean sandy beaches - no less than 7 bays are within a few minutes drive as are the villages of St Merryn, St Issey and Little Petherick.

More recently Padstow has become a foodies’ paradise with the resident celebrity chef Rick Stein leading a brace of high quality local restaurants offering everything from fish and chips to fruits de mer. With his world famous Seafood Restaurant and the associated TV series, Rick now has several other eateries in the town, including a patisserie and a seafood cookery school.

This hasn't stopped others - Margots Bistro, Restaurant No 6, The R Bar and even Prideaux Place offer visitors to Padstow extensive choice and fine wines. For a more every day fill up why not try one of the 10 or 11 pubs in the town. What could be better than a dish of pub grub washed down with a pint of Doom Bar - brewed across the Estuary at Rock, or for the ladies a glass of fine wine from the local vineyard - the world beating Camel Valley Vineyard.

Take a look around the streets of Padstow and you will be amazed at the shops, boutiques and crafts on offer! It is true to say there's a surprise around every corner. The latest fashions rub shoulder to shoulder with bespoke furniture show rooms - designer shoes nestle with antiquarian bookshops, hand made crafts sit side by side with a selection of surf shops.

Padstow is probably best known for its Obby Oss festival, which celebrates the Celtic festival of Beltane. The day is dedicated to the return of the Celtic sun god Bel, that causes the crops to grow and the hours of daylight to lengthen. Thousands of people make the annual journey to Padstow on May 1 to celebrate one of the oldest May Day traditions in the UK.

Padstow, originally named Petroc-stow, is located approximately 14 miles north and east up the coast from Newquay, at the mouth of the River Camel.

Key Facts:
Population: 3,162
Parish: Padstow
District: North Cornwall
County: Cornwall
Top restaurants: Seafood Restaurant, Margots Bistro and Restaurant No 6.
Top hotels: The Metropole, Treglos Hotel and Tregea Hotel.
Local attractions: Padstow Museum, Jubilee Queen - Summer Coastal Cruises, Blue Wing Gallery, Padstow Parish Church and The National Lobster Hatchery.