North to Padstow

Whether you have left behind the hustle and bustle of Newquay or the peace and quiet of St. Mawgan, journeying north to the ancient fishing port of Padstow, provides a number of interesting places to visit or see on route.

The historic town and parish of St Columb Major lies just off the main A39 and was so named to distinguish it from its neighbour St Columb Minor. It has a medieval feel with tall slate hung buildings, narrow wynds and connecting alleyways.

Falcon

Apart from James Polkinghorne, a famous Cornish wrestler from the 19th century who spent much of his life in St Columb Major as the landlord of the Red Lion inn, which bears a plaque relating to his most famous contest which took place at Plymouth in 1826. St Columb Major is probably best known for its annual ‘hurling the silver ball’ competition on Shrove Tuesday.

Two teams, the townsmen and the countrymen compete against each other in a very spirited and boisterous game to carry a silver painted ball through the parish to score through two goals which are situated at a distance of two miles apart. Such is the nature of the game that homes and businesses in the town board their shop fronts and windows to avoid damage from the silver ball.

The Cornish Birds of Prey Centre is situated halfway between St. Columb Major and Wadebridge on the A39. The Centre has over 50 birds of prey to see, many of which take part in regular flying displays. There is a collection of other birds including parrots, pheasants, kookaburras and ducks. A tearoom serves snacks, including Cornish cream teas and there is a gift area to browse.

Continuing north, situated in the little village of St Issey just 4 miles from Padstow, is the Ring o' Bells. Here you will be able to eat and drink in a delightful seventeenth century traditional country pub - a true village pub, popular with locals and visitors alike, which has been awarded Community Pub of the Year.

Open fires and oak beams welcome you to this fine old inn. There is a large varied menu and a great selection of real ales with malt whiskies and wines also available. Food and drink are served in both the bar and the non-smoking dining room.

When first approaching Padstow try and avoid heading for the harbour no matter how tantalising that might be. Instead discover Prideaux Place at the top of the old town. The home of the Prideaux family for many generations going back to when Elizabeth 1 was on the throne. The house and gardens are open to the public and in recent years Prideaux Place has become a favourite film location for many period dramas, including ‘Twelfth Night’ and ‘Oscar and Lucinda’.

With its picturesque pastel colour washed and stone cottages nestling in the narrow streets leading down to the harbour and quays, it is clear to see that Padstow’s charm and attraction runs much deeper, than just its famous status.

Overlooking the quay in the centre of town is the Strand Bookshop, which has been run by the same family for over forty years. The shop is packed with an interesting mixture of old books and new, catering for all ages and tastes, where you will find more than just the latest titles.

The vast selection of subjects available to browse includes Cornwall, maritime, railways, aircraft, art, sport, children’s, antiquarian and fiction. If you cannot find the book you require then ‘The Strand’ will be pleased to order it for you. Orders are subject to availability and you can also redeem or buy your National Book Tokens here. For those interested in old maps and prints there are 18th century and 19th century items to peruse.