Hotels, guest houses and holiday cottages are never more than a seagull's cry from the water's edge. Narrow streets run down to a bustling waterfront where fishing boats rub gunnels with cabin cruisers, where you can get down to the serious business of watching the ebb and flow of harbour life.

For more information about a wide range of accommodation and everything Padstow has to offer, send for the Padstow Holiday Guide.

If you find this too hectic, spend the afternoon relaxing at peaceful Harbour Cove, a short walk from the quay. And when the sun finally sinks below the yard-arm, it's time to tuck in to some fresh fish from one of the quayside cafes or dine in style at Padstow's renowned seafood restaurants.

If Padstow had a visitors' book, it would make for interesting reading. You'd find entries from the prehistoric Beaker folk, Romans, Celtic Saints and even Viking marauders. Later inhabitants include Sir Walter Raleigh, whose Court House stands on Riverside, and the Prideaux family, still in residence at Prideaux Place.

On May 1st, Padstow heralds the coming of summer. The pagan 'Obby 'Oss is unleashed and the whole town drums with a carnival atmosphere from dawn to dusk, as the cavorting beast wends its way through the revellers taking part in this age-old tradition.

At the height of summer the Camel Estuary is decked out with the colourful canvas of sailboats and sailboards, and there is a fascinating flow of river traffic - of ferries, fishing boats, yachts and pleasure cruisers. And if you've never tried water-sports, now's your chance...

There are spectacular cliff walks at Bedruthan Steps, Trevose Head and Rumps Point, and many of the finest beaches in North Cornwall. You can take your pick from Polzeath, Trevone and Booby's Bay, or head for the award-winning sands at Daymer, Harlyn, Constantine and Treyarnon.

Take a ferry across the estuary to Rock and visit the hushed church of St Enodoc where Sir John Betjeman is buried. hire a bike or take a hike along the Camel Trail. It's the old railway line, now a cycle and footpath, winding for 18 mile along the River Camel all the way to Poley's Bridge in the foothills of Bodmin Moor, through some of the prettiest riverside woods in the country.

A town for all seasons, why not visit us in autumn or winter? Padstow Christmas Lights are becoming increasingly well known throughout Cornwall and are switched on in early December.

Remember there is no shortage of holiday accommodation, from quality hotels to carefree caravan parks, all within easy reach of the coast, and advance bookings can be taken by credit card.