HYXDMK Padstow Cornwall Padstow village centre and harbour shops and boats Cornwall west country England gb uk eu europeeye35 / Alamy Stock Photo
Situated on the Western side of the Camel Estuary, Padstow is a Cornish coastal town that packs a punch. For many it is synonymous with celebrity chef Rick Stein, who established his empire down here and helped put Padstow back on the map. The bustling harbour is at the centre of things, where fishing boats bump up against pleasure craft and the ferry to nearby Rock. There is an array of excellent cafés, galleries and shops as well as a Museum of Witchcraft and Magic. For superb fish and chips, head to Stein’s Fish and Chips then cycle them off on the 18-mile Camel Trail, which is an easy ride along a disused railway. The National Lobster Hatchery is well worth a visit too. This marine conservation charity rears over 50,000 young lobsters a year and releases them onto the seabed with the help of dive clubs and local fishermen. The harbour is a perfect place to sit and watch the world go by whilst nibbling on a pasty or Cornish ice cream. Ticky Hedley-Dent
