Padstow 2011

With a greater proportion of the population traveling further, and on a more regular basis, it's easy to forget what our own country has to offer. A week after returning from China I was whizzed off for a week in Padstow with my family. The town, although small, is based around a port, and makes a charming coastal holiday destination for families. Unfortunately, this traditional English charm, makes Padstow an extremely busy place in peak season, and whilst this provides a hustle and a buzz some look for in a holiday, I feel the town's charm could benefit from a slightly lower tourist population. Nevertheless, there is plenty of coastal countryside and hidden sandy coves nearby, along the Cornish coast to provide that tranquility, should you be seeking it. We spent most of our time walking coastal paths, especially as the weather didn't accommodate many lazy beach days. The scenery of the Cornish coast is truly breathtaking, in it's rugged wild way. It's nice to see the coast from an alternative angle to lying on a sunny beach.We spent an afternoon at Bedruthan Steps beach, a secluded beach that features many huge rock stacks, creating an interesting scene. We stayed until we were forced to leave by the incoming tide, although it was fun watching it come closer and climbing the rocks.

One day we took a foot ferry over to Rock, which provides a long stretch of sandy beach, unlike the rocky coast and port immediately surrounding the town of Padstow. Otherwise, Rock did not differ significantly from Padstow; it provided the same beautiful scenery and coastal walks, but the novelty of the ferry crossing was good fun. We also took a day to cycle the camel trail, which runs on a disused railway line for 17.3 miles. The scenery was great and the trail is relatively easy, in that it is flat. I was surprised how far my sister and I managed to cycle, but we were not aware of the eye-watering levels of bum-ache this ambition would involve. Foolishly, we cycled until we were tired and feeling achy, not considering the fact we had to cycle all the way back! Luckily, on our outward journey the blow was softened a little by stopping for a delicious cream tea at the quaint Camel Trail Tea Garden, as described by my sister here.

We also visited Prideaux Place, a manor house just on the outskirts of Padstow. We were lucky enough to arrive in time to see the deer being fed. They clearly know who has the food and the sound of the bucket as they all came galloping over when their owner came with the food. We looked around the grand house, with an interesting history, but weirdly we walked into the living room where the family's children were watching TV. What a strange life, to have people constantly wandering around your home! There were also lovely gardens, and the houses aesthetics means it has featured in films, TV series and, whilst we were there, a magazine fashion shoot.

  So, if you are happy to entertain yourself, and not too bothered about a lack of sky-high temperatures on holiday, our own little country might just hold something for you.