A Padstow Staycation: The Sail Loft by Beach Retreats

A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of staying at The Sail Loft, Padstow by Beach Retreats. Normally, I’m behind the camera for Beach Retreats, one of my clients, but this time I got to experience it firsthand for two nights.

The Sail Loft is a delightful two-bedroom, first-floor apartment, self-catering property in Padstow. Like all Beach Retreat properties, it’s within easy walking distance of the coast, and The Sail Loft is perfectly situated to take full advantage of the seaside atmosphere.

Padstow is a vibrant coastal town, best known for its thriving foodie scene. There’s no shortage of independent shops and cafés to explore, but for dining, my personal favourites are No6 Paul Ainsworth for a more upscale experience, Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant, and the ever-popular Prawn on the Lawn.

On this occasion, we decided to take advantage of the fully equipped kitchen at The Sail Loft and cooked up a delicious pasta dish accompanied by some wine purchased from the local wine shop Bin-two.

Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t on our side during this trip, but it gave us the perfect excuse to hunker down in the cosy apartment and enjoy a film. For those seeking a bit more adventure, I highly recommend exploring Hawkers Cove—a breathtaking spot located at the mouth of the River Camel. At low tide, the beach stretches into an expansive 1.5-mile stretch of sand, reaching from the old lifeboat station to Hawkers Cove. Despite its stunning beauty and proximity to Padstow, the beach remains surprisingly quiet. When I visited during the summer, I had the entire cove to myself.

If The Sail Loft is booked, No 5 The Longstore is a great alternative. It’s slightly smaller, but the direct views over the estuary are breathtaking! You won’t miss out on the stunning scenery, and it still offers the same charm and coastal ambience. Check out more self-catering holiday accommodation in North Cornwall or self-catering holiday accommodation in Cornwall.

*Please note that this was a gifted press trip, however all opinions are my own - we had a lovely time.

Frankie Thomas