Padstow, with its fleet of trawlers, netters and crabbers and colourful harbour surrounded by pastel-washed medieval houses, is an example of what Cornwall does best - it's a working port which wears a holiday hat.

On May 1st, Padstow, festooned with flags and flowers, heralds the coming of summer. The pagan 'Obby 'Oss is unleashed and the whole town drums with a carnival atmosphere from dawn to dusk. Chances are you'll bump into the cavorting beast as it wends its way through the revellers taking part in this ancient tradition.

The Camel Trail is a cycle path following the line of a disused railway, runs along the beautiful the Camel Estuary from Padstow the 6 miles to Wadebridge, and on, for the more adventurous, another 8 miles to Bodmin; and yet on again to the western edge of Bodmin Moor, the rugged heart of Cornwall. Left your bikes at home? No problem, there are several bike hire shops in Padstow from which to rent one.

Since opening 28 years ago, the Seafood Restaurant has grown from a small harbour-side bistro to one of the best-known restaurants in the UK. In addition Rick and his wife Jill have two smaller restaurants, St Petroc's Bistro and Rick Stein's Café both featuring plenty of fresh seafood. There's a seafood deli, patisserie, gift shop, and perhaps, most excitingly, the Padstow Seafood School overlooking the Camel Estuary on which Padstow stands.