Ten reasons to visit Padstow for a winter UK staycation

WITH stunning beaches and fresh seafood aplenty, Cornwall is a sell-out stay-cation spot every year.

But it can be incredibly crowded in the summer months.

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So why not swap it for a Christmas getaway?

Here, Jamie Harris reveals ten reasons to visit the Cornish gem of Padstow for a cosy winter break.

FOODIE HEAVEN

A FISHING port on the north coast of Cornwall, Padstow has become something of a foodie’s paradise.

Rick Stein and Paul Ainsworth are among the culinary royalty in this spot.

But it’s not all about fancy meals — Rick has a traditional fish and chip shop, too.

CHRISTMAS FUN

THE town comes alive at Christmas with a massive annual festival featuring local brewers and chefs, musicians and cheesemakers.

You can also try loads of gins, rums and other booze.

The festival has just finished this year but there are still plenty of pubs and bars in the area.

WOW MOMENT

A HIGHLIGHT at the festival was Sharp’s Solar Wave Silent Bistro.

This experience pairs various Sharp’s beers with food in ways you probably hadn’t thought of before, all while you wear headphones to keep you in a zen-like state.

The Silent Bistro pops up at events around Cornwall, so keep your eyes peeled for the next one.

CULTURAL FIX

LEARN about the area’s rich heritage by visiting the Padstow Museum.

It’s a small place where you’ll find a collection of artefacts alongside interesting stories about doomed ships that have perished in the nearby waters — more than 200 vessels have been wrecked or lost in this section of the North Cornish Coast.

Entry is free.

NEW FOR 2023

A STONE’S throw from Padstow, in the village of Trebetherick, is the St Moritz Hotel, which has just opened a dazzling Wild Spa.

Being away from city lights means the stars can truly shine — and what better way to see them than from a toasty jacuzzi?

The outdoor spa is a calming oasis that includes a sauna and a cold plunge pool, if you dare.

FANTASTIC FEAST

WE ventured to village Rock, just a short ride away across the Camel Estuary from Padstow on a water taxi.

Here, we gorged on a nine-course tasting menu at Karrek in the St Enodoc Hotel.

Dishes. including diver scallop with smoked caviar and “cheese on toast”, use locally grown and foraged ingredients and are expertly paired with beers.

TOP TOUR

CORNWALL is bursting with breathtaking views and the best way to see them all on foot.

Serious walkers should try the Camel Trail, an 18-mile route that’s largely traffic free and virtually level.

There are three main sections, the shortest being Padstow to Wadebridge, which is 5.5 miles long.

Be sure to wrap up warm and bring your waterproofs.

TAKE YOUR DOG

THE Cornish are super dog friendly and you’ll see plenty, especially on the walking routes.

Many restaurants and pubs welcome canine friends as do hotels, such as the St Moritz for a surcharge of £20 per night.

ONE MORE TREAT

CORNWALL isn’t Cornwall without fudge.

And the sticky stuff from Edward’s Fudge Kitchen market stall at Padstow Christmas Festival is the real deal.

We tucked into unexpected flavours such as Chocolate Orange and Maltesers.

WHERE TO STAY

THE beautiful St Moritz Hotel and Spa near Rock, which is just a water taxi ride from Padstow, is stunning.

There is a range of rooms and self-catering options available.

The restaurant puts on a tasty fry-up each morning.

And as a burger lover, I recommend the bar’s juicy 28-day aged beef burger.

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