From harbour towns and outstanding dining to tucked-away corners worth discovering
Local favourites & hidden gems
A picturesque harbour town full of character
Harbour life
Just a short drive from Martha’s Reach, the historic harbour town of Padstow is one of Cornwall’s most beloved destinations. Its picturesque quayside is lined with independent shops, art galleries, delis and cafés, while the surrounding streets reveal hidden corners full of character and charm. Padstow is also home to a celebrated food scene, including several restaurants from Rick Stein and Paul Ainsworth, alongside artisan bakeries, seafood stalls and traditional Cornish pubs.
Seaside villages & hidden corners
The villages dotted along the North Cornish coast each have their own distinct personality. Port Isaac – famously the setting for Doc Martin – charms visitors with its winding lanes and historic fishermen’s cottages, while Rock and Polzeath, just across the Camel Estuary, are known for their relaxed style, beautiful beaches and excellent dining. Exploring these villages is one of the great pleasures of life in this part of Cornwall.
Dining & local delights
North Cornwall has firmly established itself as one of Britain’s leading food destinations. Within easy reach of Martha’s Reach you’ll find Michelin-starred dining, award-winning gastropubs and family-run restaurants championing the very best of Cornish produce. Padstow’s The Seafood Restaurant and Paul Ainsworth at No.6 are widely celebrated, while The Mariners in Rock and The Pig at Harlyn Bay offer relaxed luxury in beautiful surroundings. In Port Isaac, Nathan Outlaw’s The Fish Kitchen and Outlaw’s Bistro further enhance the region’s exceptional culinary reputation, with memorable menus inspired by the coast and the seasons. For something more informal, beachside cafés, harbourside fish and chips and traditional cream teas are never far away.
Gardens & historic houses
Cornwall is rich in heritage, with grand estates, historic houses and beautifully kept gardens to discover. Prideaux Place in Padstow is a magnificent Elizabethan manor with sweeping deer park views, while Pencarrow House offers Georgian elegance set within glorious grounds. Further afield, the world-famous Lost Gardens of Heligan and the iconic Eden Project make memorable day trips and remain among Cornwall’s most visited attractions.
Art & culture
Cornwall has long inspired artists, writers and craftspeople, and that creative spirit is alive and well today. Local galleries showcase the work of leading Cornish artists, while seasonal exhibitions, open studios and craft fairs offer a chance to meet makers and take home something truly special. Further afield, the Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum are well worth the journey, set against the unmistakable light of the West Cornwall coast.
Markets & local produce
There’s a real pleasure to be found in shopping the local way. Farmers’ markets, farm shops and independent delis brim with Cornish cheeses, freshly baked bread, local meats, seafood landed that morning and the kind of fruit and vegetables that taste of the place they came from. Padstow Farm Shop and Trevibban Mill Vineyard are both close by — and both well worth a visit.
Off the beaten track
Some of Cornwall’s most memorable experiences are the ones you stumble upon. Quiet coves accessible only on foot, a cliff-top bench at sunset, a tiny tearoom tucked down a lane, a centuries-old church standing alone in a field. Part of the joy of life at Martha’s Reach is taking the time to discover these moments for yourself – the kind of finds you’ll return to again and again.
