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Padstow began as a Celtic settlement which has grown over the years into a friendly harbour town. Saint Petroc landed here in 518 AD.  It was sacked by the Danes in the 10th century.  Sir Martin Frobisher later held court in Padstow.

Sir Walter Raleigh lived here in Raleigh Court whilst Warden of Cornwall.  Charles Dickens frequently visited Padstow and in the 19th century, immigrant ships sailed from here to America.   Padstow has a number of ancient traditions, the most famous being the 'Obby 'Oss festival which is celebrated on May Day each year.  At Christmas time, local people walk around the streets singing the unique Padstow carols, dating back to the 18th century.

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Sir John Betjeman rightly loved this area and is buried in St Enodocs churchyard, across the Estuary from Padstow.  The town is largely unspoilt, with a beautiful harbour.  It has

-  good shopping facilities with a convenience store in the town itself and a supermarket just on the edge of the town;   -  craft and gift shops, a wine shop, book-shop, pharmacy, newsagents, leather workshop, a home-made fudge shop and much more;   -  a cinema, cafes and a good selection of restaurants (including the famous "Seafood Restaurant" run by Rick Stein) together with old and friendly public houses, most of them serving pub food and 'real ale'.

Padstow itself lies on the Camel Estuary, about seven miles from Wadebridge.  The area is one of considerable natural beauty with beautiful bays, golden beaches and many interesting walks, particularly along the Coastal Footpath. During the season there is a frequent ferry service across the estuary to Rock.

The Camel Trail, which follows the disused railway track along the estuary from Padstow to Wadebridge and then inland to Bodmin, is reserved for walkers, cyclists and horseriders. Bikes of all sizes can be hired locally.     Activities   Building sand castles and paddling in the sea * sea fishing from one of many local boats or just off one of the harbour walls * surfing * swimming * walking * visiting the many old Churches, Prideaux Place and other historic buildings * sailing - for old hands and beginners * skin diving * wind-surfing * the Shipwreck Museum and lobster tanks * horse riding * bird watching * Krazy Golf and putting * cruising on one of the larger local boats or, for something faster on one of the speed boats from the harbour * fresh water fishing * Shirehorse Centre* go-karting * a farm park * listening to the Band playing on the quay * tennis * golf at Constantine and Rock or just watching the world go by! In-coming tide, Atlantic waves Slapping the sunny cliffs Lark song and sea sounds in the air And splendour, splendour everywhere excerpt from "Seaside Golf" by Sir John Betjeman