Padstow...thoughts?

[Eggybreadwithnuts]

DH and I have booked a chilled beach based holiday in Cornwall in August...on way home we were thinking of 2 nights in Padstow, never been.

Thoughts on Padstow?

Or Port Issac, thoughts?

Padstow in August, absolutely rammed

Port Isaac much smaller, also rammed with tourists looking for Dr Martin’s house

It depends what sort of experience you are looking for tbh

I've been to Padstow - it's very nice but extremely busy in the summer.

Sorry that sounds really negative!

I used to love Padstow, if you don’t mind it being busy you should go there.

I’d stay in Padstow over Port Isaac, there’s more to do re pubs restaurants shops

Ah right. I think after 5 days beach chilling maybe a bit of a buzz of a busier town. But this sounds too rammed and no parking spot at a couple of flats Ive seem!

I think it depends on what you want to do - Padstow is lovely for a wander and for food and drink ( cue people saying it’s overpriced) but personally I wouldn’t go in August, it will be busy and even worse if it’s raining. It may ruin the effect of your relaxing holiday up until then!! I don’t know Port Isaac so can’t advise if that’s better I’m afraid.

Where are you staying for the beach part?

Bude might be a less rammed option
or Bideford a bit further up into Devon

or Looe on the south coast

Where do you live? Depends how much of a detour you can stomach!

I much prefer Padstow to Port Isaac, I thought the harbour there was actually quite ugly. Both will be horribly rammed in August though.

There's a lot more to do at Padstow than Port Isaac, but definitely book somewhere that includes parking.

Kinsand/Cawsand is pretty, on the south coast but agree that it all gets insanely busy in the school holidays.

Padstow gets busy during the day but the trippers clear out at night.
There is a huge public car park above the village.
Lots of places to eat and the scenery and beaches along the estuary are great.

Get a weekly rover ticket which covers long stay car parks across the county https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/transport-parking-and-streets/parking/car-park-tickets-and-permits/countywide-rover-tickets/

Pastow is lovely, but busy now. An option could be to hire a bike and cycle in along the Camel way.

I went to Padstow in August a few years ago. Yes, busy during the day but personally I didn't feel it was too bad. I loved the Camel trail. Port Isaac is lovely for a visit too, plus has some great restaurants. We really liked the whole area.