Where is Wadebridge?
Wadebridge straddles the River Camel five miles upstream from Padstow and a short drive from the popular coastal surfing hubs of Polzeath and Newquay. Wadebridge is famed for being a gateway to the picturesque Camel Trail; one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cornwall where people can cycle or walk along the scenic route of the old railway line. Whether you’re looking for beautiful coastal walks or family-friendly adventures, Wadebridge makes an ideal starting point for exploring all the wonders Cornwall has to offer.
Is Wadebridge Worth a Visit?
Absolutely! With its charming streets, independent shops and local cafes, Wadebridge is a unique gem with a rich farming, trade and craft heritage. From the antique shops and music festivals to vineyard tours, watersport experiences and everything in between, there is so much to do in Wadebridge that you’ll be glad you paid a visit.
Overview of Things to Do in Wadebridge
With something to tempt all interests, there are plenty of attractions to keep everyone entertained and create lasting memories. Here we explore our pick of the best things to do in Wadebridge come rain or shine.
Camel Creek Family Theme Park
Just on the outskirts of Wadebridge sits Camel Creek; a family-friendly year-round destination bursting with thrills and excitement. With rides and activities for all ages, it’s a place where you can get up close and personal with reptiles, shake hands with your favourite cartoon characters, enjoy a 5D cinema experience, or let off some steam in the huge soft play area. Set within acres of rolling countryside, Camel Creek is a great day out for all the family.
Wadebridge and District Museum
Tucked away behind the main street in Wadebridge is the Wadebridge District Museum which offers free historical guides and information about this richly fascinating corner of Cornwall. Learn about the barge trade, the history of the River Camel and the importance of Wadebridge as a port. You can even learn about the history of the world-famous Cornish Pasty!
The Camel Trail
No list of things to do in Wadebridge would be complete without mentioning the popular Camel Trail. This scenic 18-mile-long cycling and walking path follows the route of the old railway line alongside the Camel River and is one of Cornwall’s most famous attractions. With Wadebridge as your starting point, hire a bike and explore the picturesque countryside as you make your way towards Padstow or Bodmin. There is a wealth of wildlife to see as you explore the trail, keep your eyes peeled for otters and ospreys playing along the riverbank.
Cornish Birds of Prey Centre
Cornwall has a vast array of magnificent birds of prey and this nonprofit bird and animal rescue centre near Wadebridge works hard to educate their visitors and allow them to learn more about the birds they rescue in a relaxed and fun environment. Feed the sheep, goats and ponies before enjoying a breathtaking flying display and informative talk about Cornwall’s majestic birds of prey.
The Camel Estuary
Whilst you might be imagining an animal with two humps, the name “Camel” actually comes from the Cornish name “Dowr Kammel”, which means “crooked river”. The mouth of the River Camel is over half a mile wide at Padstow and offers opportunities a-plenty for watersports, bird-spotting and coastal adventures galore. The Camel Estuary waters are sheltered from the Atlantic Ocean by the infamous Doom Bar, making the calm waters a perfect spot for fishing, relaxing and of course, Camel Estuary boat trips!
Bike Hire for the Camel Trail
Being a gateway to the Camel Trail means that Wadebridge has more than its fair share of places to hire bikes. If you want to hire a bike in Wadebridge several reputable businesses hire out bicycles for all the family (even the four-legged members!) on Eddystone Road. Child trailers, trailer bikes, tandems, dog trailers and other specialised bikes such as those for wheelchair users can be in high demand at peak times so advanced booking is highly recommended to guarantee a bike for a chosen day, especially during school holidays.
Pencarrow House and Garden
Tucked away on the outskirts of Wadebridge on the edge of Bodmin Moor sits Pencarrow House – a historic family home with 50 acres of Grade-II listed gardens, an Iron Age fort and a breathtaking display of bluebells at Springtime. Enjoy a guided tour of the house to unearth the secrets of this ancient family home. Hidden passageways, portraits with eyes that follow you, and statues sporting top hats are just the beginning! The house’s heritage stretches over centuries and is still occupied by the same family who settled here in the 1500s. Well worth a visit.
Cornish Coasteering
Situated at Dinham Farm just on the edge of Wadebridge is a company offering you the chance to do all the things you wanted to do at the seaside as a kid but weren’t allowed! Coasteering is a thrilling activity open to all levels and abilities, leading you on an adventure as you swim, climb and jump your way along the cliffs, play in the waves, and explore mysterious sea caves at Port Quin or Port Gaverne beaches. Gain a unique perspective of the stunning Cornish coastline under the watchful eye of qualified and experienced instructors at Cornish Coasteering. You’ll be glad you took the leap!
Wildlife Boat Trips
Enjoy a boat trip out of the Camel Estuary and onto the Atlantic Ocean in search of the array of marine life that inhabits our waters and coastline. You can enjoy a boat trip from Padstow where your knowledgable skipper will slow down in areas where spotting wildlife is more likely. You may be able to spot seals, dolphins, porpoises, whales, and even sunfish.
The Cornish coastline also hosts a myriad of seabirds including gannets, shearwaters, fulmars, oystercatchers, shags, cormorants and more. A wildlife boat trip is an amazing thing to experience and can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Lundy Bay
Not far from Wadebridge near Polzeath and Port Isaac is the beautiful Lundy Bay. It is believed that puffins once settled at this sheltered rocky cove, taking its name from the Norse word for ‘puffin’. Whilst access to Lundy is a bit off the beaten track, your efforts will be rewarded by a beautiful stretch of golden sand at low tide with plenty of rock pools in which kids and adults alike can search for seaside treasures. There is a small National Trust car park but this gets rather busy in summer months so arrive early for a space.
A Cornish Gem Waiting to Be Explored
If you’re looking for things to do in Wadebridge, the hardest part will be deciding which to do first! Whether you explore the town, the countryside or the coast, Wadebridge has so many things to do no matter what your interests.
The town holds many events throughout the year so you can always be guaranteed of a variety of things to do whether you visit in the summer or winter months. Don’t miss this charming town off your ‘to do’ list when you visit Cornwall – Wadebridge truly has something for everyone and will provide you with endless opportunities for exploration, fun and memory-making.
