Padstow Harbour

The harbour was first developed back in the Middle Ages and was used as a trading port for copper, tin and lead ores, slate, pilchards, and agricultural produce. Welsh coal was also imported by sea along with timber and fish salt. There are indications that the harbour was used back as far as 2500BC as a safe harbour for passing ships en route to other places including Ireland.
A Monastery was founded here in the sixth century which solidified the area as one of special interest and the harbour continued to grow over the years and it was here in the nineteenth century that many of the New World settlers set sail to new lands such as the Americas and Canada. It was always home to a thriving fishing industry and at one point in time had six shipyards to cater for the various vessels that plied the local waters. When shipbuilding started to turn to Iron vessels the shipyards lost their appeal and gradually closed down through neglect and indifference. Fortunately, trade flourished as fishing trawlers favoured the harbour and made it their preferred base of operations in the area. This was enough to keep the harbour going when change came about and challenged the local populations.

However, it was not until the 1900s that tourism came to the area by the completion of the railway which opened up not only Padstow, but the whole of Cornwall to tourists, whence before they had missed out on such important revenue by about 100 years compared to places such as Brighton in Sussex.
Still, the people of Padstow were delighted to have such an influx of visitors to their home area and of course the added income that spread to all.
Padstow Trawlers
Padstow Fishing Trawlers.

Harbour mudflats

Today, Padstow nestles in the same protected valley that has saved many a ship and boat from an untimely end by the power of the sea. It is still a working fishing port and you will see that from all of the usual gear that is associated with that trade littered about the harbour which really does lend itself to a sea-faring feel and quality that we like in our ports.
There are lots of fine eateries in Padstow such as Rick Steins and others that cater for a wide range of fare. Shops too abound and offer all manner of tourist souvenirs, clothing, bakeries, etc, that are a joy to visit as they cluster around the harbour giving a wonderful feel to the place. Hotels and B&Bs are plentiful and you will no doubt get a warm welcome from these friendly Cornish folk who are only too eager to share their rugged and beautiful surroundings with all.

Padstow Inner Harbour