Tourist Information

For further information on Padstow and surrounding areas you can contact The Padstow Tourist Information Centre on 01841 533449 which is located in The Red Brick Building on North Quay.

Services available at the Tourist Information Centre include public internet access and wireless access, they also have a black and white photocopying service.

During the year, the Tourist Office will also sell tickets for various local events including Culdrose Air Day, local concerts and theatre productions.

Events

May Day

The first day of May is Obby Oss day in Padstow (unless May 1st falls on a Sunday in which case the Obby Oss celebrations take place on the Monday – May 2nd).  The origins of this traditional celebration are lost in time but it is thought to celebrate the arrival of Spring and may even be an ancient fertility festival.

Inhabitants of Padstow (those born in the town) traditionally dress in white, with family loyalties dictating whether they follow the ‘Red’/original Oss, or the ‘Blue’/peace Oss.

Both Oss’ are similar in appearance and perform a dancing ritual accompanied by an hypnotic folk song (unique to Padstow) around the town. Each Oss is lead by a group of followers as they make their way through the narrow streets and around the harbour.

The festivities start at 10am with the ‘Blue’ Oss making its first appearance from its stable, followed at 11am by the appearance of the ‘Red’ Oss from its home. Celebrations go on all day until the Oss’ finally go to bed after 10pm.

Egg Rolling

Held every Easter Sunday – Easter Egg Rolling in aid of the RNLI. This takes place outside Cross House at the top of Duke Street. Bring your own hard boiled egg!

Christmas Festival

Held over the first weekend in December, the Padstow Christmas festival promises an array of seasonal treats including Christmas lights and decorations, Santa?s grotto, fireworks, seasonal food, festive demonstrations and late night shopping, visitors will be spoilt for choice.

A traditional Christmas market is generally situated in a large marquee on the quayside of the idyllic seaside town, where stalls will be laden with Cornish goodies and gifts.  With entertainment and live music to keep the kids entertained, Padstow?s Christmas Festival offers a great way to make the most of a winter?s day.