Embark on boating adventures along Cornwall beaches while camping near the fishing town of Padstow.
Holiday makers and merriment seekers flock to Padstow—a Cornwall coastal resort destination—for its scenic harbour, fishing cottages, and Celtic festivals. Brimming with campsites and cottage rentals, Padstow offers everything from rustic to luxury accommodations for campers who enjoy activities like boating, fishing, surfing, and relaxing on beaches like Bedruthan Steps, Port Gaverne Beach, and Trevone Bay. A popular stop on the celebrated Camel Trail, Padstow is also a hub for hikers who love panoramic coastal views. Holiday accommodations and campsites with electric and water hookups promise campers of all kinds a convenient base for excursions along Padstow’s beauty.
A disused railway line transformed for hiking, Camel Trail is an 18-mile trek that offers backpackers views of North Cornwall’s coast. Hike across the sea over bridges while glimpsing local wildlife like migrating birds. The trail is renowned for its stunning scenery—a dazzling blend of seaswept beaches and flower-strewn meadows. Padstow is just one stop on the trail; hikers will find that there are many villages farther along where they can enjoy a pasty and a pint.
A small hamlet on the north Cornwall coast, Port Gaverne Beach is a National Trust-owned beach renowned for its pristine, natural setting. A narrow cove features rock pools and walking areas that campers love to explore. Many believe that the beach has remained largely unchanged for several hundreds of years. Though once a popular fishing port, today Port Gaverne Beach is a serene destination for campers in search of Cornwall’s most picturesque coastal spots. With more than 40 beach campsites in the vicinity, choose a waterfront pitch close to washrooms and campsite amenities for a comfortable stay.
Popular with tourists as well as inspired artists, Carnewas at Bedruthan offers coastal walks, unique geology, and a step into Cornwall’s history. Rock formations along the coast create spectacular cliff-top views, as sandstone “steps'' lead down to the sea. Rich with folklore, the area was believed to be tenanted by a giant named Bedruthan. It also sits along history as it stretches below Redcliffe Castle, a prehistoric promontory fort. Today, campers come to witness the dramatic coast, but due to dangerous currents, swimming is prohibited. Look for private camping parks, glamping pods, and rustic cottage rentals located within steps of the beach.
Most travellers choose to visit Padstow between April and October when weather conditions are most pleasant. During summertime, temperatures average around 19°C. Late fall, winter, and early spring involve more precipitation. January’s average winter highs range around 10°C. Even so, many of the region’s campsites and cottage rentals remain open year-round.