Padstow is a town, civil parish and fishing port on the north coast of Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. The town is situated on the west bank of the River Camel estuary approximately five miles northwest of Wadebridge, ten miles northwest of Bodmin and ten miles northeast of Newquay. The population of Padstow civil parish was 3,162 in the 2001 census.
Traditionally a fishing port, Padstow is now a popular tourist destination. Although some of its former fishing fleet remains, it is mainly a yachting haven on a dramatic coastline with few easily navigable harbours. The influence of restaurateur Rick Stein can be seen in the port, and tourists travel from long distances to eat at his restaurant or cafés.
However, the boom in the popularity of the port has caused house price inflation both in the port and surrounding areas, as people buy homes to live in, or as second or holiday homes. This has meant significant numbers of locals cannot afford to buy property of their own now, with prices often well over 10 times the average salary of around £15,000.
Plans to build a skatepark in Padstow have been put forward and funds are currently being raised to create this at the Recreation Ground (Wheal Jubilee Parc).
The South West Coast Path runs on both sides of the River Camel estuary and crosses from Padstow to Rock via the Black Tor ferry. The path gives walking access to the coast with Stepper Point and Trevose Head within an easy day’s walk of Padstow. The Saints’ Way long-distance footpath runs from Padstow to Fowey on the south coast of Cornwall. The Camel Trail cycleway follows the course of the former railway from Padstow. It is open to walkers, cyclists and horse riders and suitable for disabled access. The 17.3 miles (27.8 km) long route leads to Wadebridge and on to Wenford Bridge and Bodmin and used by an estimated 400,000 users each year generating an income of approximately £3 million a year.
Rock is situated opposite Padstow on the northeast bank of the River Camel estuary. The village is in the civil parish of St Minver Lowlands approximately four miles (6.5 km) northwest of Wadebridge. Rock is popular with holidaymakers and is a well-established centre for water sports including dinghy racing, waterskiing, windsurfing, and sailing. Rock has been referred to as ‘Britain’s Saint-Tropez’ and the ‘Kensington of Cornwall’ due to its popularity with affluent holidaymakers (including Prince Harry, the actor Hugh Grant, the Rothschilds, the Sainsburys, and the Freuds). Affluent visitors such as Mohamed Al-Fayed and Jay Kay of Jamiroquai often arrive by helicopter. Because of the prominent visitors the property prizes sky rocked during the last years by several 100 per cent.
