Towns & Villages

Each North Cornish town or village has its very own unique charm which draws visitors back year after year. There is plenty to keep visitors busy, with lots of stops to pick up a souvenir from Cornwall along the way.

Chapel Amble

Chapel Amble is one of our favourites, because it is home to us here at The Olde House. It is a pretty little village with a central village green and the River Amble running through the village. The Maltsters serves delicious food all year round and is a big hit with the locals.

It is especially beautiful in the summer and the village green is a gorgeous little picnic spot with quiet surroundings.

Rock

Rock is opposite to the harbour port of Padstow. It’s considered a boating paradise and is a popular sailing spot. The conditions are ideal for other water sports like windsurfing and waterskiing.

The Black Tor ferry runs from Rock to Padstow all year round during daylight hours and there is also a water taxi.

It’s also home to the St Enodoc Golf Club, offering two challenging courses. The area is drenched with scenic coastal paths and inland routes.

Wadebridge

Wadebridge is the closest town to us here at The Olde House. In recent years, it has become a well established foodie hotspot in Cornwall, with many restaurants and pubs serving delicious food and drink and delis serving local produce.

With quaint shops lining the high street, it’s a lovely town for shopping and picking up unique nick-nacks. It’s a popular area with arts and crafts and there are several festivals held throughout the year.

Every June the Royal Cornwall Show is also held in Wadebridge, one of the biggest farming events on the Cornish calendar.

Polzeath

Polzeath is a small village about 10 minutes from The Olde House. It is a renowned surfing destination and its large, sandy beach is a perfect spot for a day at the seaside. It is split into two parts – the old and the new – both of which overlook the impressive stretch of sand between Pentire Head to the north and Highcliff to the west.

It is a great spot for walking with the coastal path running right through it. There is also an abundance of restaurants, pubs and cafes serving local food to the scenic backdrop.

Padstow

Padstow is 20 minutes drive from The Olde House and only a short ferry trip across the estuary from Rock. It is an historic and beautiful fishing town and is home to four of Rick Stein’s restaurants. The historic harbour is a great spot to eat fish and chips and watch as the fishing fleets come back from sea.

The streets are lined with lots of foodie and craft shops with lovely gift ideas. There are also plenty of boats offering fishing trips so there’s lots to fit in in one day.

May Day sees the town transformed with vibrant celebrations as it embraces its Pagan roots for Obby Oss Day, one of the oldest folk traditions in the UK.

Padstow Christmas Festival is also a big event on the calendar, when the town attracts thousands of people who delight in celebrity chef celebrations, a Christmas market and family entertainment.

Port Isaac

Port Isaac is a small, active fishing port, well known for being the location of ITV’s Doc Martin series and home to sea shanty choir The Fisherman’s Friends. The port is overlooked by steep cliffs which are peppered with quaint 18th century cottages.

Port Isaac is a short walk across the cliffs from Tintagel. It’s the perfect spot to stop off on a coastal walk, with each twist and turn of the cragged coastline revealing picturesque scenery and stunning views. The Chapel Cafe situated in the Port Isaac Pottery is one of our favourites.

Parking is at the top of the village with a steep walk down.