Padstow, England is a tiny fishing port on the north coast of Cornwall, United Kingdom. It is a popular summer vacation spot for many English residents, including at one time Princess Diana, who owned a home in Padstow and would visit each summer with Harry and William.
I was fortunate to spend a day in Padstow last September, right after the heavy tourist season had gone back to work and school. But the tiny town with a population of a little over 3,000 residents was actually still thriving – okay maybe “thriving” is not the right word, but it had way more people wandering around town than I expected for later September on a Tuesday.
I asked a local why this place was buzzing with people packing the cozy restaurants, sitting by the water taking pictures and just out and about. He responded that the previous three weeks in this part of England were a wash out and the locals did not get a chance to really end their summer the way they wanted to.
So here it was the last week in September, high 80s and it felt like a summer day. But within the hour the temps dropped dramatically, the skies opened and well..more rain. But luckily it lasted only 10 minutes, cooled off some sweaty Brits (and one Brooklynite).
Fish & Chips at Stein's in Padstow, England
I was told that Stein’s Fish & Chips was a “must visit” when passing through Padstow. I am never one for “must” anything as they rarely ever live up to the hype (however when in Brooklyn you “must” try a Nathan’s hot dog).
Now apparently this Rick Stein guy, owner of Stein’s Fish & Chips, was kind of a big deal around these parts…and my these parts I mean England. When I was in London, Cornwall and other destinations, pretty much every person told me to visit Stein’s when I informed them I was headed t o Padstow.
I arrived at Stein’s, which was nothing special interior wise and sat about 40 people. I was lucky to grab a seat, ordered what else fish & chips and a beer. A few minutes later and I was elbow deep in greasy goodness. Was it the best fish & chips? Eh, I can honestly tell you all my f&c experiences have been the same, good but nothing to go gaga over. However I do recommend checking it out when in town. The ice cream is pretty damn tasty too.
Padstow, England harbor speedboats
Other highlights in Padstow include the speedboats at the harbor. I hopped onto one with some other friends that tagged along with me and held on tightly as this boat sliced viciously through the waters of the River Camel. While I absolutely love thrill rides like this, the same could not be said as others on the out of control boat looked much white in the face than when they boarded just 15 minutes earlier. Luckily no one “upped” the lunch from Stein’s.
Prideaux Place in Padstow, England
Finally take the walk up the steep streets of Padstow and make your way to Prideaux Place. Home TO the Prideaux-Brune family for over 400 years, Prideaux Place is a nice getaway from the busyness of the harbor area. Take a tour to check out the treasures inside, which include royal and family portraits, top of the line furniture and the Prideaux Porcelain Collection.
When visiting England, don’t just go to the typical destinations like London and Manchester. Venture outside of the comfortable and safe locations and visit a town that locals visit for their vacations or holidays. Not only do you get to experience life like a local, but you often times find cheaper prices and a more memorable experience. Plus you “must” try those fish & chips!
