Living in St columb

St Columb is characterised by a strong sense of community and local pride. The annual Hurling of the Silver Ball is the standout event in the town calendar, drawing crowds from across Cornwall to watch this historic sporting event. Other local traditions, fayres, and markets bring residents together throughout the year.

Younger families and older residents alike benefit from a choice of community groups, from amateur dramatics to gardening clubs and youth organisations. The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside, with walking and cycling routes providing residents with easy access to Cornwall’s celebrated landscapes. The recreation ground and nearby woodlands offer ample opportunities for outdoor activities and picnics.

St Columb is generally perceived as a safe and peaceful place to live, with crime rates notably lower than those found in larger Cornish towns or urban areas. Most incidents in the area tend to be minor, such as anti-social behaviour or occasional traffic offences, with more serious crimes being rare.

The community benefits from a visible local policing presence and neighbourhood watch initiatives, which help maintain St Columb’s reputation for safety. Residents often cite the close community ties as a contributing factor to local wellbeing and public safety. Ongoing engagement events with Cornwall Police ensure residents have a voice in prioritising local issues, especially around town centre activities and school zones.

Parking in St Columb is generally straightforward, with a mix of on-street spaces and small public car parks around the town centre. Residential streets typically have enough capacity for local demand, and visitor parking is usually sufficient outside peak summer months. Cornwall Council operates a pay-and-display car park close to the main shopping street, making access for visitors and shoppers convenient.

St Columb’s position near the A30 and A39 means road access in and out of the town is convenient for both local and regional travel. Traffic congestion is rare, even during the height of the tourist season, although busier routes to the coast can experience slow-moving traffic in summer.

Nearby towns and access:

• Newquay – approx. 15 minutes via A39 (7 miles)
• Padstow – approx. 20 minutes via A39 (11 miles)
• Bodmin – approx. 20 minutes via A39 (12 miles)
• Truro – approx. 30 minutes via A30 (17 miles)

St Columb offers a traditional Cornish dining experience, centred around its characterful inns, local cafés, and family-run restaurants. The Ring O' Bells and the Red Lion are long-established pubs at the heart of the community, serving a mix of Cornish ales and classic British pub food. Cafés on the main street offer homemade cakes and fresh coffee, while local takeaways provide popular fish and chips and pizza options.

While St Columb itself is more relaxed than lively, its position near Newquay means residents are just a short drive from a wide range of bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues. For those seeking local culture, music nights and quiz evenings are common in the village pubs. Foodies can enjoy the close proximity to renowned Cornish restaurants in Padstow and the wider North Cornwall area, with award-winning fish, seafood, and regional fare being a regional highlight.

School quality: St Columb’s primary and nearby secondary schools have a reputation for supportive learning and strong parental involvement, offering families a range of educational options close to home.

Parks and green space: The large recreation ground, play areas, and the surrounding countryside provide families with plenty of outdoor space for relaxation and play. The nearby beaches of North Cornwall are also easily accessible for day trips.

Childcare: Several nurseries and childminder services operate locally, giving working parents flexibility and peace of mind.

Safety: St Columb’s low crime rates and tight-knit community ensure a reassuring environment for children and families.

Family activities: Regular community events, sports teams, and local attractions like Lappa Valley Steam Railway ensure there are engaging options for younger residents.

St Columb is well-suited to pet owners, thanks to its open green spaces and easy access to countryside walks. The recreation ground and local woodlands offer a safe and scenic environment for dog walking. Beyond the town, the North Cornwall coast and Newquay’s beaches are accessible for more adventurous outings.

Local veterinary practices, including surgeries in Newquay and Wadebridge, provide convenient care for pets. There are several pet shops in the area, along with pubs and cafés that welcome dogs, particularly during off-peak times. Rentals and local housing tend to be open to pets, reflecting the area’s rural traditions and love for animals.

St Columb benefits from strong transport links, thanks to its central location in Cornwall and proximity to key road networks. The A39 and A30 are both a short drive from the town centre, connecting residents to Truro, Bodmin, and the Cornish north coast. Buses offer regular routes to Newquay, Wadebridge, and Truro, with local services stopping in the town.

For rail connections, the nearest train station is at Newquay, around 6 miles away, providing links to Par and onward travel to **Plymouth**, **Exeter**, and beyond on the mainline. The Cornwall Airport Newquay, located approximately 5 miles from St Columb, allows for convenient domestic and limited international travel, connecting Cornwall to cities such as **London** and **Manchester**.

Commute times:

• Newquay – approx. 15 minutes by car
• Truro – approx. 30 minutes via A30 (17 miles)
• Bodmin – approx. 20 minutes via A39 (12 miles)
• Padstow – approx. 20 minutes by car (11 miles)

St Columb offers access to a broad range of educational options fit for families living in the area. The town itself is home to St Columb Major Academy, a well-regarded primary school at the heart of the community. Rated 'Good' by Ofsted in January 2021, the academy is known for nurturing a caring learning environment and close links with parents and local organisations.

For secondary education, nearby Newquay and Wadebridge feature some of the best schools in the region. Newquay Tretherras School, just six miles away, is a large academy providing a comprehensive education and was rated 'Good' by Ofsted as of November 2022. Wadebridge School, also within easy reach, retains a strong academic reputation throughout North Cornwall.

Post-16 education is served by a range of sixth forms and colleges. Truro and Penwith College, accessible by car or public transport, is one of the South West’s top-rated further education colleges, offering A-levels, vocational courses, and apprenticeships. While there are no universities directly in St Columb, the University of Exeter’s Cornwall Campus in Penryn is easily accessible by road or train, bringing higher education opportunities to within reach for locals.