An introduction to Padstow

Padstow, a small fishing port packed with Cornish character, is more than deserving of its national reputation as a year-round holiday destination.

Situated on the North Cornwall Coast on the west bank of the River Camel Estuary, it is perfectly located for beach lovers, cyclists and wildlife enthusiasts, and as it is just ten miles to Bodmin and the famous beaches of Newquay, there is plenty of variety in places to visit and things to do.

Padstow life still centres on the harbour, though now it is popular with yachts as well as fishermen. It is known to many as the favourite haunt of celebrity chef and fish connoisseur Rick Stein. He owns a selection of cafés, restaurants and shops in the town and knows it's well placed to offer some of the freshest fish around. Just sitting at the harbourside, watching the fisherman come in with their catch is to witness Padstow's tradition at work.

Walkers will appreciate the location of this holiday cottage in Petherick Creek, 2 miles from Padstow. The creek-side footpath to Padstow joins the famous Camel Trail and the property itself offers great views for wildlife-watching: swans, egrets, herons and kingfishers are frequently seen in the creek. The garden is in particularly bright bloom at this time of year, attracting all sorts of birds.

A little further north is the hamlet of Tremail, positioned along the river Inny valley on the northern edge of Bodmin Moor. This detached house has a garden and shared access to a tennis court.

Why not plan your trip for May, when Padstow has some of its best festivities? The Obby Oss festival is described by some visitors as England's quirkiest tradition. Since the 14th century, Padstonians have welcomed in the month of May with a musical parade through the town, wearing white and decorated with red ribbons and headscarves and following a man dressed as a horse (or an 'oss). 

If you can't wait that long for your Cornish break, head down in April and take part in the world premier of the live Shaun the Sheep Championships at the Eden Project from Saturday 9 April – Monday 2 May 2011. This sports day themed event is the perfect activity for the Spring school holidays.

Take a look at our other properties - we have more than 600 across the West Country: www.helpfulholidays.co.uk.
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Festive sparkle…

We've picked out some of the best Christmas events coming up:

28th Nov: Padstow Christmas Lights (pictured) will illuminate this beautiful harbour town and the voices of the Padstow Carollers will fill the air with traditional hymns. From 3rd to 5th December there’ll be lots of seasonal treats, entertainment and a Christmas market during the magical Padstow Christmas Festival.

3rd to 5th Dec: Candlelit Dartmouth will get you into the spirit of Christmas and provide lots of ideas for stylish and unusual gifts. Enjoy the processions of beautiful handmade paper lanterns winding through the narrow streets, the street stalls, the carol singing, Father Christmas' arrival by boat, the hot chestnuts and much more.

5th Dec: Soak up the festive magic during Dulverton by Starlight when this unique Exmoor town is transformed into a twinkling delight. Explore a wealth of independent shops to find those special gifts, watch Father Christmas arrive with his reindeer and enjoy the carol singing and firework finale.

18th Dec: The famous Mousehole Harbour Lights (pictured) will be switched on with an open air carol service adding to the festive atmosphere. The tiny fishing village has retained its original character and charm and is a special place to visit, especially at Christmas.

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