08-06-2025
Padstow in Cornwall among Britain's best genteel seaside towns
Padstow was featured alongside nine others in a list from The Telegraph, which was highlighting coastal destinations that made for a refined trip.
The publication said: "While there's a certain nostalgic joy to the type of coastal resort that's all candy floss, waltzers and slot machines, there's arguably greater pleasure in towns that have the seascapes and the golden sand but that are more cute than kitsch.
"More sourdough than doughnut. More vibrant arts scene than end-of-the-pier innuendo. More artisanal ice cream than Mr Whippy."
The full list of Britain's best genteel seaside towns can be found on The Telegraph website here.
Why is Padstow among Britain's most genteel seaside towns?
Padstow is obviously known for its variety of restaurants, which have made it a haven for diners and give it a refined quality.
The Telegraph wrote: "Peaceful fishing village turned foodie phenomenon, Padstow is the British coast's tastiest choice.
"Rick Stein is the main man about town, of course. His original Seafood Restaurant turns 50 this year, but has since been joined by a smorgasbord of other venues; for sociable platters served with Camel Valley sparkling, try his Seafood Bar & Fishmongers."
For other options, try Paul Ainsworth at No.6 if you want to go "fancy", while BinTwo is a recommended wine bar/bottle shop.
The publication adds: "Balance all this consumption with a walk along the cracking coast path and a ferry trip over to – even posher? – Rock, 'Britain's Saint-Tropez'."
Another place to try out is the Padstow Kitchen Garden, which was created by former Rick Stein chef and seventh-generation farmer Ross Geach.
You can gorge on "greenhouse dinners" here as part of 'feasts' that they run, or take part in a course learning how to cook nutritious meals using vegetables you've grown yourself.
In terms of a place to stay, The Telegraph recommends Plum Cottage, which has only opened this year.
It is said to be "an exquisitely restored, Grade-II listed, antique-filled hideaway".
What else can you see and do around Padstow?
As the Visit Cornwall website says, Padstow is more than "just great places to eat".
It adds: "It's still a working harbour, it's surrounded by glorious beaches, and offers a base to explore the Camel estuary."
The town is surrounded by "two breathtaking National Landscapes" in the Camel Estuary and Carnewas to Stepper Point.
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It says: "This area is rich in natural beauty, home to rare plant species and one of the UK's most protected mammals, the otter. It's the perfect spot to slow down and enjoy the tranquillity of nature."
Outside of the fine dining, there are plenty of cafes, bistros and pubs where people can enjoy some quality food and drink offerings.
Some of these include The Harbour Inn, Old Custom House, The Shipwrights and The Golden Lion.
