The Metropole Hotel

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One thing to be said about Cornwall – whatever you want to see, you won't be very far from it! Mind you, there is so much on offer in and around Padstow that you'll find the desire to travel any further afield will dwindle somewhat.

The town of Padstow is bustling pretty much year round and it is perfect for wandering around. There's a good mix of shops, galleries and eateries and most people find some shopping irresistible! On the entertainment front, here's some food for thought:

The water

Beaches, surfing, regattas, gig-racing - we have it all in abundance! There are some 7 fantastic beaches on our doorstep with golden sands, glorious backdrops and plenty of little rock pools ready to be explored. Many provide lifeguards and facilities and some are secreted coves where you can feel like you are on your own private beach.

North Cornwall is known for its surf and there are some great waves at several of our nearby beaches, where you can also learn if you fancy giving it a go. For the thrill of competitions, Newquay’s Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay, with its extreme water sports, are within easy driving distance.

Gig-racing - Cornwall

Summer is regatta season in Cornwall and pretty much every week there is one going on. There is just as much fun to be had for spectators as there is for competitors so you can look forward to a good day out and if you're lucky you'll catch one of several appearances by the Red Arrows. Great fun to watch is gig-racing, a Cornish favourite. Men's and Women's teams compete up and down the county throughout the summer and we recommend you catch a competition if you can. Even more fun to watch is Padstow's Annual Charity Swim held each August. Hoards of brave souls venture into the water just along from The Met and attempt to swim the mile across the Camel estuary to the resort of Rock. It takes great effort and must be fun as all you get for your effort is a Cornish pasty! The Metropole fields a team each year and so far, all have made it safely to the other side except for one poor soul who inadvertently set out for the sea! (Supposed to swim with eyes open...)!

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The Land

Sir John Betjeman

Walking, cycling or jogging! Whilst North Cornwall is known for its rugged cliffs and dramatic landscapes, all of which can be walked via the coastal path, there is also much pleasurable walking for those wanting something a little less strenuous. The coastline around Padstow is quite gentle compared to other parts and it is almost surreal when you come across things like Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman's final resting place. The Camel Trail, that links Padstow to Wadebridge, is wonderful to walk and even better to cycle. It follows the line of the estuary and is a haven for birdlife so it's always handy to have binoculars to hand if you love to nature spot. On our doorstep is the magnificent Bodmin Moor and a walk to see the view from its highest peak, Rough Tor (pronounced "rowter") is a must on a clear day. There are some lovely pubs and villages on the Moor as well as Jamaica Inn, made famous by Daphne DuMaurier.

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Homes and Gardens

Prideaux Place

We're delighted to say the best surrounds us! Just outside of Padstow is Prideaux Place, owned by the Prideaux-Brune family since the time of Elizabeth I. Not far away is the National Trust's Lanhydrock House. The House has beautiful gardens and lots of interest to offer visitors, as befits one of the county's most popular attractions. In July each year it holds a huge Concert in the Park that attracts hundreds of people every year. Jazz often features here though if you want a more intimate venue then Prideaux Place’s Concert in the Park is for you.

Eden Project

We're sure the reputations of The Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan pre-empt any need to elaborate on these 2 magnificent attractions other than to say they are within easy driving distance of The Metropole. There are other Gardens that you may not be so familiar with that we recommend visiting. Pine Lodge Gardens in St Austell reveals a hidden gem of varied plant life that includes a Japanese water garden.

Camel Valley Vineyard

A garden of a different sort and one of our personal favourites is the Camel Valley Vineyard. It produces some really good wines and its Sparkling Brut has won international gold awards – seeing off all the French and New World competition! Trust us, it is a tipple well worth sampling and the winery does a good tour with a taster at the end. We can arrange visits and in fact, offer a great short break that includes tickets! (Click here to see offers).

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Culture and heritage

Obby 'Osses - Padstow

Padstow has an interesting history including a number of facts that may surprise you! There is a museum in the town that will tell all and of course, being a working port, there's many a fishy tale to be heard! May 1st is always a big deal in Padstow as it's the day the 'Obby 'Osses come out – if you haven't seen this sight before then we assure you a trip to witness it will be worthwhile!

The arts and music scene is vibrant. We've already mentioned the Concerts in the Park at Lanhydrock House and Prideaux Place and there are great shows on year round at the Hall for Cornwall in Truro as well as some excellent local productions. It's worth looking out for the summer schedule of Cornwall’s unique Knee High Theatre for a real theatrical treat.

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Kids

Newquay Zoo

Dairy Crest Farmland, the Maize Maze, Newquay Zoo and Aquarium, Falcon Centre - there is an endless list of things that will interest children of all ages. The Metropole keeps information on all of them so have no fear of waiting until you get here to plan an itinerary. We're always happy to help and we can probably give you some great insider's ideas as sometimes we're in the know more than most!

So we've covered a few things to see and do in and around Padstow. If that's still not enough then don't panic! The driving distance to St Ives, Land's End, the Lizard Peninsula, Falmouth or Fowey is easily manageable for a day out as is the city of Plymouth if you fancy a major shopping spree!

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