Padstow (Cornish: Lannwedhenek) Padstowe nestling on the beautiful Camel Estuary Padstow is ideally situated as a holiday resort and offers unrivaled holiday opportunities. Padstow has a very long and interesting history indeed: It dates from around 2500 BC, when people traveling to Ireland, from Brittany used the Camel valley on their journey. Also Roman artifacts have been found which suggests that they also used this route. However it was the arrival of a Irish Saint whose influence on Cornwall is wide-spread that was responsible for the birth of Padstow. For with the arrival of St Petroc and the building of a monastery here. This act was to established the site of modern day Padstow. It was near to Padstow in 722AD, that an important battle between invading Saxons and Cornish Britons allied to the Danes was fought; the allies defeated a Saxzon  army led by Ine of Wessex, at "Hehil". The Saxon army suffered a terrible defeat most being slaughtered, the result of this decisive battle was to have a very benifical effect: for Cornwall enjoyed over 100 years of freedom from attacks by the Saxons of Wessex.

The railway arrived in 1899, and was a popular line until 1967, when like so many branch lines through-out the Country it was deemed not cost effective and closed. In its heyday the Bodmin and Wadebridge Railway extended to most coastal town including Padstow. The old railway line has been converted to the Camel Trail, which is both a footpath and cycle path which is popular owing to its picturesque route beside the River Camel. On the other side of the river, a ferry runs between Padstow and Rock, and is a great way to spend a day sight-seeing. Of course that other great Cornish attraction; the South West Coast Path is nearby and enables walkers to explore this spectacular section of coast, with Stepper Point and Trevose Head within an easy days walk. Another long-distance footpath known as the Saints' Way ( Cornish 'Forth an Syns',) starts in Padstow and ends 30 mil;es away at at Fowey on the other side of Cornwall. Although there is no evidence; it is widely belived this route was in fact used in prehistoric times, and by and holy travelers between Ireland, Wales and Britanny in early Christian plus many of the early traders used the route to move their goods from town to town. It's a nice thought, and the fact that there are plenty of standing stones and Cornish crosses along the route certainly give credence to the fact that early man did indeed use this track, And knowing a bit of the history of The Saints Way serves to makes the walk more interesting an enjoyable and a different coast-to-coast route. Today's  trail was created in 1986, by a group of Cornish hikers and students of history, and has proved to be highly popular.

During the mid-nineteenth century, trade with the Americas ( particularly timber from Canada ) was a very profitable business and heavily laden ships would arrive at Padstow, while others took to offering cheap travel to passengers wishing to emigrate. Local shipbuilders in the area would also benefit from the quality of the wood that arrived from Canada. Among the many sailing ships ships that sailed from Padstow were the barques; Clio, Belle and Voluna; and the brig Dalusia. However Padstow was and still is primary an fishing port and this remains true today. Padstow is a perfect example of what Cornwall does best - its a working port, come holiday resort. The many hotels, guest houses and holiday cottages are never more than a stones throw from the waters edge.

Padstowe with its history colourful harbour surrounded by pastel-washed medieval houses, is an attraction in itself. It does however offer the holiday maker much more. For the more active, and adventurous Padstow offers a range of activities including walking, and cycling, fishing, and water sports, including wind surfing, water skiing surfing, sailing , plus unrivaled golf on the seaside links of St Enodoc, Trevose and the nearby Merlin Golf Club Padstow hosts the quaintly named "Obby 'Oss" festival, which celebrates the end of Winter and the coming iof spring .  "Obby 'Oss" is one of the oldest May Day traditions in the England, making it a guaranteed memorable occasion. And its origins have been lost in time though it is believed to stem from an ancient Celtic fertility rite. The festival starts at midnight on May 1st with  towns people giving a raucus rendition the "Morning Song".  In the morning, the town is dressed with greenery and flowers are placed around a maypole. All day long, as this ancient event is re-en-acted,  the town reverberates to the sound of laughter and people having fun in the spring sun, The climax of the festival is when two males dressed as obby osses cavort through the town accompanied by 'teasers' wearing hideous masks and black capes who try to ensnare any young maiden who crosses their path. The festival ends at midnight, as the crowd siong of the ooby osses demise. However you can be assured this clourful spectacul will  resurrected the following May

Padstow does not however only offer energetic activities. For those who prefer a quite relaxing holiday. One can stroll down to the harbour on a balmy summer evening, relax and watch the fishermen land their daily catch, There is the beautiful peaceful Harbour Cove, with its lovely sandy beach, and fabulous views of the Camel Estuary. One can take a short ferry trip across to Rock, and visit the church of St Enodoc where Sir John Betjeman the poet laureate is buried. Padstow its-self is surrounded by glorious clean child-friendly sandy beaches with rock pools to delight and entertain all. Yes with no less than 7 bays. And within a few minutes drive as are the quaint picturesque villages of St Merryn, St Issey and Little Petherick.

As for the town it's-self, Padstow's resident Celebrity Chef Rick Stein, is a leading light in the renaissance of high quality local restaurants, offering everything from Fish and Chips, to Fruits de Mer. And Padstow hosts a myriad of shops, including an outstanding range of designer and boutique shops, souvenir, and craft shops, café's, and artists studios for like St Ives, and Newly, Padstow has a thriving artist community. Near the harbour is Padstow museum a place that offers you a fascinating insight in to the history of Padstow. Lively night life and busy traditional pubs, aligned with top quality accommodation. Yes Padstow really does have all the holiday maker could wish for

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