Living in Padstow
Looking to move to Padstow? Learn all about what life here is like, from the local schools and transport options to things to do around town and, of course, find out about property prices in the area.
Your guide to moving and living in Padstow
Why Padstow is a great place to live
Padstow is a renowned fishing port and harbour town on the north coast of Cornwall, celebrated for its picturesque vistas, culinary heritage, and deep maritime history. Overlooking the Camel Estuary, Padstow has grown from its roots as a fishing village into one of Cornwall’s most beloved destinations, drawing residents and visitors who appreciate its coastal lifestyle and rich tradition. The town is noted for its bustling working harbour, colourful stone cottages, and winding streets lined with independent shops and galleries. Its location on the South West Coast Path also makes it an ideal base for exploring Cornwall’s dramatic coastline.
Padstow’s year-round population includes a blend of long-standing locals, seasonal workers, retirees drawn to the peaceful environment, and families attracted by the schools and outdoor lifestyle. Thanks to its gastronomy scene, many young professionals and food lovers have also found a home here, working in or supporting Padstow’s famous seafood restaurants. While the summer months see an influx of tourists, the town retains a strong sense of identity and community throughout the year, with numerous events and traditions such as the famous May Day ‘Obby ‘Oss festival.
Famed for its close proximity to sandy beaches like Trevone Bay and Constantine Bay, as well as countryside walks along the Camel Trail, Padstow provides an attractive mix of natural beauty and vibrant culture. It offers a balanced lifestyle for those seeking both tranquility and connection to Cornwall’s thriving culture.
Community & Local Life
Padstow has a strong sense of community, with many residents involved in local life through charities, arts groups, and festive traditions. The ‘Obby ‘Oss May Day celebration is a highlight of the community calendar, drawing people from across Cornwall to enjoy parades, music, and heritage displays. Local churches, the Padstow Memorial Hall, and the Old Schoolhouse provide venues for clubs, events, and classes.
Many residents enjoy the outdoor lifestyle afforded by Padstow’s riverside walks, beaches, and proximity to the Camel Trail, which is popular with cyclists and walkers year-round. Community markets, food festivals, and harbour days throughout the year maintain a lively social atmosphere, while green spaces bring opportunities for quiet relaxation and family picnics. Padstow’s friendly, approachable population ensures newcomers quickly feel at home.
Safety & Crime Rates in Padstow
Padstow is widely considered a safe and peaceful place to live, with crime rates generally lower than in larger urban centres in Cornwall and the South West. The town’s size and strong community bonds contribute to a heightened sense of security, particularly in the heart of the town and seafront areas. Most crime incidents tend to be minor, such as anti-social behaviour during peak tourist months, rather than serious or violent offenses.
Neighbourhood policing and community safety initiatives are visible in Padstow, with the local team working out of the Wadebridge Police Station. Padstow also benefits from active neighbourhood watch groups that support crime prevention and resident engagement. Regeneration in nearby towns and local crime reduction measures have further contributed to the area's reputation as a safe coastal community to live and visit.
Parking & Road Access
Parking in Padstow is influenced by the town’s popularity and compact historic layout. Several large public car parks, including the Railway and Lawn car parks, serve visitors and residents, but on-street parking is often limited, especially during holiday seasons. Resident parking permits are available for some central locations, though these are in high demand.
Padstow is situated near the A39 Atlantic Highway, providing direct access to nearby Cornish towns and the rest of the county. The roads into Padstow can be narrow and busy in summer, with some congestion during peak festival and tourist periods. Local authorities have invested in traffic management to ease flow during these times.
Nearby towns and cities by road:
- Wadebridge – approx. 15 minutes via A39 (7 miles)
- Bodmin – approx. 25 minutes via A389 (16 miles)
- Newquay – approx. 35 minutes via A39 (17 miles)
Food, Pubs & Nightlife
Padstow is famous for its vibrant food scene, boasting several nationally-acclaimed seafood restaurants and gastropubs, many overlooking the scenic harbour. The culinary focus is on fresh local seafood, with Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant being the most famous, while Paul Ainsworth at No.6 is renowned for its modern British cuisine. Cosy pubs like The Old Ship Hotel and The Golden Lion mix classic Cornish hospitality with local ales, while there are also exceptional bakeries and delis throughout the town.
There are plenty of laid-back cafes, artisan ice cream shops, and fish & chip takeaways, complementing the relaxed coastal lifestyle. Padstow’s nightlife is more relaxed than lively; evenings are often spent in friendly pubs, occasional live music venues, or at low-key festivals and food events. For those seeking a bigger night out, nearby Newquay offers livelier bars and clubs, easily reachable by taxi or bus.
Is Padstow Family Friendly
School quality: Padstow Primary School offers quality local education with strong links to neighbouring secondary schools. The broader area’s colleges and sixth forms are well-regarded, providing good educational progression for children.
Parks and green space: Padstow is surrounded by green spaces and close to several sandy beaches, making it easy for families to enjoy outdoor play, beach days, or cycling together on the Camel Trail.
Childcare: The town is served by local nurseries and pre-schools, with additional support available in nearby Wadebridge, ensuring accessible childcare for working parents.
Safety: The village’s safe reputation, active neighbourhood watch, and small-town feel contribute to peace of mind for families with young children.
Family activities: Residents can enjoy a host of family-oriented events such as boat trips, fishing, watersports, and trips to local attractions like the National Lobster Hatchery and Padstow Museum, making family life both active and engaging in Padstow.
Pet Friendly Living
Padstow is exceptionally welcoming to pets, especially dogs, with many beaches such as Daymer Bay and Hawker’s Cove allowing dogs year-round. The Camel Trail is popular for dog walking, providing miles of attractive, traffic-free paths through the Cornish countryside. Several town parks and green spaces add to the options for regular dog exercise.
Local services include established veterinary clinics, pet supply shops, and a range of dog-friendly cafes, pubs, and accommodations. Pet ownership is popular in Padstow, and it is common for landlords and local communities to actively welcome pets in both public spaces and private homes.
Transport & Accessibility
Padstow benefits from scenic yet practical transport connections, combining rural tranquility with accessible links to Cornwall’s larger towns and cities. The town is located at the western end of the Camel Trail, a popular cycle and footpath linking Padstow with Wadebridge and Bodmin, and is a key route for both leisure and commuting.
The closest railway station is in Bodmin Parkway, approximately 30 minutes by car or bus, with regular train service to Plymouth and London Paddington. There are frequent local buses linking Padstow to Wadebridge, Bodmin, Newquay, and Truro, making daily commutes possible.
Newquay Cornwall Airport is under 30 minutes’ drive from Padstow, with flights to major UK cities and some regional European destinations. The town’s position also means drivers can connect quickly to the A39 (Atlantic Highway), facilitating journeys across North Cornwall and beyond.
Key Commute Times:
- Bodmin Parkway (Trains): approx. 30 minutes by car or bus
- Newquay Cornwall Airport: approx. 25 minutes by car
- Wadebridge: approx. 15 minutes by bus or car
- Truro: approx. 45 minutes by car
Schools & Education in Padstow
Primary Schools in Padstow
Padstow Primary School serves as the main primary institution for the town, offering co-educational learning with a warm community feel. The school is well-regarded locally and part of the Aspire Academy Trust, focusing on fostering both academic achievement and personal growth.
Nearby, St Merryn School in the adjacent village of St Merryn is another popular option for younger children, also under the Aspire Academy Trust umbrella.
Secondary Schools Near Padstow
Padstow does not have its own secondary school, so most pupils travel to Wadebridge School in nearby Wadebridge, a comprehensive school with a strong academic reputation and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities (Ofsted rating: Good, 2019). Other options within reasonable distance include Treviglas Academy in Newquay and Bodmin College, both accessible by public transport or school buses.
Colleges and Further Education
For further education, Callywith College in Bodmin is a highly regarded sixth form and further education institution serving young people from the Padstow area. The college offers a range of A-levels and vocational qualifications, and is known for modern facilities and excellent teaching.
Universities
While Padstow itself does not house any universities, the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus (shared with Falmouth University) near Falmouth is the closest university-level institution, roughly an hour away by car. It offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, making higher education accessible for Padstow residents.