Padstow Accommodation

Hook into the Ancient Saints Way around Padstow

Celtic Cross in front of St Petroc's Church, Padstow

St Petroc's Church, Padstow dates from 1425 - see it on the Saints Way!

Sundial Detail on St Petroc's Church, Padstow

Padstow Tourist Information Museum Artists Art Galleries Cornwall

Padstow is fast becoming a notable Cornwall centre for contemporary art and crafts, particularly jewellery. Two choice galleries are situated in Padstow itself, with a whole host of other galleries in and around the Padstow area. Padstow's stunning Quay offers a choice of wonderful arts and crafts shops, to view leisurely, with ample cafes and bars many of which have outside seating so you can sit, relax and enjoy views of the Quay Harbour and estuary!

Padstow's very own Stately Home, with usual stately family - the Prideaux family - renowned in the area since Elizabethan times. Prideaux Place House is particularly fascinating for it's collection of John Opie portraits. They run music events here too, within the beautiful grounds. If you get a chance as well wander just slightly away from Padstow's quay to view the historic Padstow cinema, the Cinedrome, dating from 1919. Magic!

Padstow Museum & Harbour

Padstow was one of the harbours from which many Cornish Tin Mining families emigrated to North America and elsewhere as Cornwall's mining industry fell into decline, and they either starved or moved. Padstow Museum holds a fascinating archive on such histories, plus explores the history of the fishing industry in Padstow. Of particular interest is the exhibit on the Obby-Oss, a rather interesting effigy mask made out of horsehair, tarpaulin and hoopwork. It's best seen during the whoop that is Padstow Mayday, where the Oss is paraded through the streets accompanied by a booming drum, much revelry fuelled by a drink or two. It's a popular with tourists and locals alike. Read the full history of Padstow's May Day ritual which survives today on the Padstow Museum website (link right).

Padstow Museum has a huge photographic archive, some of which is on display. The port's history is explored well, as is miner emigrations, railway history, rural life, shipbuilding, lifeboats and shipwrecks and local customs.

Padstow Museum, The Institute, Market Place, Padstow, Cornwall. PL28 8AL. Tel: 01841532752. Opening hours 2006 are Monday to Friday, 10.30 am - 4.30 pm. Saturdays 10.30 am to 1 pm. Admission Charges Adults �1 Children Free.

Padstow Boat Trips, North Quay, Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8AF.

Padstow Artists & Art Galleries

Art lovers gather round, Padstow has two superb art galleries and is fast becoming a Cornish hotspot for contemporary art, designer jewellery and pottery. Both the Blue Wing Gallery and the Padstow Contemporary Art Galleries offer an exciting opportunity both to view and purchase exquisite pieces, not just paintings but also a creative choice of jewellery, glassware, photography, sculpture, furniture and ceramics.

The collection of jewellery at the Blue Wing Gallery is a must see. If you're looking for an unusual and unique piece of jewellery, including rings, necklaces, bracelets and brooches you'll find it here! The art gallery contains work by notable new artists, with a range of colour photography, black and white photography, paintings and prints and mixed media. At Padstow's Contemporary Art Gallery there's some cutting edge contemporary design going on here, with a range of furniture, sculpture, paintings, ceramics and glass. Simon Gaiger's furniture will amaze. You'll need a bob or two to purchase though!

There's a choice of superb art galleries scattered around this area of the North Cornwall Coast. Here's the choice! Boscastle Gallery, Boscastle 01840 250248. Camelford Gallery, Camelford 01840 213980. Cliffside Gallery Port Isaac 01208 880988. Chase Art Gallery, Wadebridge 01208 813552, Gwyngala Gallery, Launceston 01566 777051. Perga Craft Gallery Polmorla Walk, Wadebridge 01208 815506. Secrets Billings Row Gallery Port Isaac 01208 880862. The Gallery, 16 Julia's Place, The Strand, Bude 01288 354004. The Mowhay Gallery, Trebetherick 01208 863634. The Picture Parlour, 1 Bridge Walk, Boscastle, 01840 250677. Tristan's Gallery, Wadebridge 01208 815767.

Padstow Contemporary Art Gallery, 3A Parnell Court, Padstow. Tel: 01841 53 22 42. Blue Wing Gallery, 2 Hornabrook Place, Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8DY. Tel: 01841 533999.

Prideaux Place Padstow

Lordie lordie, it's the Prideaux Family, pretty well known in North Cornwall, Prideaux Place has been in the hands of the Prideaux family since the time of Elizabeth I. The house itself dates from 1592 and is situated within extensive grounds which include a glorious garden and deer park. The garden is currently undergoing much restoration.

Of particular interest within a tour of the house are several portraits by the artist John Opie. Other fascinating features includes the 16th century ceiling situated in the Great Chamber, what appears to be an early idea for a stereo system!, and an art nouveau light switch. Like many Stately Homes still occupied by original families they've had to diversify, and Prideaux is no exception. There's a tea room on-site, and watch out for various events run here throughout the year, including prestigious visits from the Antiques Road Show! Check their website to the right for details on events!

Keep checking the events section on the Prideaux Place website, as Music events crop up throughout the year including Midsummer Music at Prideaux Place in conjunction with Padstow's Rotary. This is a popular open air concert, enjoyed by many whilst munching on your picnic in the grounds!

Prideaux Place, Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8RP. Tel: 01841 532411

The Cinedrome Padstow

A selection of historic cinemas remain in Cornwall, including cinema gems in Wadebridge, St Austell, The Plaza at Truro and this little beauty in Padstow - the Cinedrome. Opened in 1919 showing silent films with piano accompaniment

The newly named Cinedrome at Padstow is conveniently near the Quay, and has been thoroughly refurbished recently to include luxury seats, Dolby Digital Sound and a new enlarged screen. It's open during the Summer Peak Season and School Holidays, with group bookings welcome. Check the WTW Cinemas weblink to the right for details!

The Cinedrome Padstow, Lanadwell St, Padstow, Cornwall. PL28 8AN. Tel: 01841 532344 .

Padstow Cycle Hire & Boat Trips

Padstow Boat Trips, North Quay, Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8AF. (weblink to the right)

Padstow Cycle Hire, South Quay, Padstow, Cornwall. Tel: 01841 533 533.

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