Top 5 days out near Wadebridge

What better place to stay in a Cornish holiday cottage than the friendly, funky and unpretentious town of Wadebridge? Whether it’s a frolic on one of the nearby beaches, a surf at one of Cornwall’s premier surf spots, a hike over wild moorland, or a leisurely cycle along the Camel Trail to posh nosh in Padstow, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to exciting days out. For adventure lovers, Camel Creek Adventure Park and the St Eval Kart Circuit will provide thrills, while shopaholics will find plenty of trendy brands and more at the nearby Hawksfield cultural centre. There are plenty of places to relax and eat in Wadebridge before you set off or when you return. We like Relish, a cafe and deli, fudge pantry Granny Wobbly’s and Saltbox, a street-food hub made out of shipping containers, which wouldn’t look out of place in Shoreditch or Bristol. Here, we’ve rounded up five of the best days out near Wadebridge. 

1. On your bike: the Camel Trail

The best way out of Wadebridge is on two wheels. The popular six-mile northward stretch of the Camel Trail is the UK’s most-cycled off-road route. This disused railway with unmatchable views across the Camel blue-and-gold estuary is well travelled for a reason: it’s flat, beautiful and has plenty of places to stop and take a break. Ideal for families with children of all ages, enjoy a picnic halfway at the spite quarry and take in the views from the Iron Bridge that crosses you into the popular fishing harbour of Padstow for a seafood lunch.

Cycling towards Bodmin, stop off at Camel Valley vineyard to sample a sparkling rosé (book ahead in summer months) or enjoy Cornish crab sandwiches in the Camel Trail tea gardens. The Borough Arms, a family-friendly pub with a large beer garden and children’s play area, greets you near the end of the Bodmin trail. From here, continue into the historic town of Bodmin and discover the Bodmin and Wenford Railway, Bodmin Jail and the military museum or stay on the trail following the river all the way to the end at Wenfordbridge.

Book your bikes for an early morning start with Camel Trail Cycle Hire.

2. Eat, walk, surf: Rock, Daymer Bay and Polzeath

Leave the car at home and catch the bus to Rock, a well-heeled Cornish village with a great beach and a fancy pub. The Mariners is a great place to people watch against a backdrop of the Camel Estuary. Treat yourself to gourmet fish and chips, then stroll over the sandy golf course to see poet John Betjeman’s grave by the wonky-spired sunken St Enodoc’s church in Trebetherick. Head on past the huge Daymer Bay to Polzeath, where you can hire boards and wetsuits to play in the world-famous waves or build sandcastles on the golden beach. Refuel at the Cracking Crab, or head back to Rock to catch the ferry, straight off the beach at low tide, over to Padstow for a bus back to your Wadebridge holiday cottage.

3. Immerse yourself in history: Lanhydrock

Follow the River Fowey and wander a couple of miles under redwoods and copper beeches before rewarding yourself with a cream tea at the National Trust’s Lanhydrock, a magnificent late Victorian country house. The stunning formal gardens are a riot of colour in spring and summer, while inside the house, there are huge kitchens, old nurseries and splendid bedrooms to explore. There are family-friendly cycle trails, play areas and wonderful walks deep in Lanhydrock’s woods.

4. Cornish culture and shopping: Hawksfield Cornwall

Head to eco-friendly wooden barns at Hawksfield, just off the A39 Atlantic Highway, for vintage shopping, cool Cornish surf brands and more. This Cornish cultural centre offers fantastic local and international art at the cool, elegant Circle Contemporary Gallery, wonderful preloved and antique furniture in the Vintage Goose Shed and beautiful homewares and clothes in Jo & Co. It also houses a Finisterre outlet store, a hair salon, the Arc deli and an alternative therapies hub. When you’re done, you can rest, relax and enjoy a drink and a bite to eat in Strong Adolfos café, which offers yummy locally sourced food.

5. Walk the Cornish Saint’s Way: Padstow to Little Petherick

Wadebridge is perfectly placed to enjoy sections of the Cornish Saints’ Way, a pilgrimage that follows the route of early Christian travellers making their way from Ireland and Wales to Brittany and the European mainland. The opening four miles of the walk from Padstow’s grey-stoned church is lovely. Amble alongside marshy creeks and through the woods to pretty Little Petherick. The Old Mill House bistro, complete with water wheel, makes a great end to the walk. The constantly updated menu, featuring only the freshest local produce, more than holds its own against more well-known foodie destinations nearby.

Tempted by the good life near this fun little town? Book your holiday cottage in Wadebridge now.