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The Metropole is an imposing Victorian
building perched majestically on the crest of
a gentle hill, overlooking the popular Cornish
village of Padstow. In addition to being one of
the county’s prettiest fishing villages, Padstow
is best-known for its seafood, which features,
of course, on the hotel’s AA Rosetted menu.
The village harbour is a working
one and it’s always a pleasure to watch the fishing
boats return home to unload their catch, much
of which is available in the village. A picnic
lunch purchased in Padstow can be a veritable
feast!
In fact, Padstow has quite a maritime
history and there are some quirky facts to discover
in the local museum. A myriad of winding streets
filled with an eclectic selection of shops and
galleries will keep you browsing for hours.
Within 5 minutes of the hotel you
can be pottering round the village, on a bike
to ride the Camel Trail to Wadebridge where once
upon a time your could sell your wife for less
than 2 shillings! Within 10 minutes you can be
setting up your spot for the day on a wide expanse
of sandy beach (there are several to choose from
nearby). Alternatively you can jump into the hotel’s
outdoor pool (open July/August) and just laze
about in the gardens.
Attractions such as The Eden Project,
Camel Valley Vineyard (best bubbly!), National
Trust’s Llanhydrock House and the private Pencarrow
House are all within easy travelling distance.
There’s also plenty happening in the village,
not least of which is Obby Oss Day on May 1st,
when the streets are alive in celebration. It’s
an intriguing spectacle that draws people back
time and again.
If gardening is your cup of tea
then the beauty of the Eden project, Lost Gardens
of Heligan and the surprisingly abundant Pine
Lodge Gardens in nearby St Austell are easily
accessible.
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