Pretty Padstow offers more than just harbour views and fish and chips – although those are both rather poignant here. Padstow shops are an eclectic mix, with plenty of independent shops showcasing Cornish inspired goods, dotted about the place. While the harbour is mainly dominated by cafes, pubs and restaurants, meander the quaint streets behind and you’ll find an abundance of retail spaces – from gift shops to clothes shops.
Padstow has also become well known for its Christmas Festival. It’s a popular festival full of local vendors, chef demonstrations and festive cheer, sadly it’s been cancelled for 2024 but we hope for a return in the future. However, the rest of the year also offers a charming shopping experience, whether you’re shopping for yourself or hunting for that perfect Cornish gift.
So where are the best shops in Padstow? Here, we round up ten of our favourites stores to have on your retail radar.
Location: 1 Chapel Ct, Padstow PL28 8AW
If you are a fudge-lover, then don’t miss Buttermilk Artisan Confectionery, the original Padstow fudge shop which opened in 1964. Fast forward and shoppers can choose from over 50 flavours of fudge, tablet, honeycomb, brittles, coconut ice, biscuits and sweets. Be sure to browse its selections of gifts too.
©Sam Harris
Locations: Unit 2, Quays, Station Rd, Padstow PL28 8DA & 8 Middle St, Padstow PL28 8AP
A shopping guide to Padstow wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the man who for many put Padstow on the map… Rick Stein. Stein’s Deli is packed full of gastronomic treats, with local cheeses, fish and meat, and of course the humble Cornish pasty. Meanwhile the gift shop offers plenty of Stein-inspired souvenirs, from Jill Stein’s Porthdune collection of  natural skincare and candles and Rick’s Coves of Cornwall kitchenware range.
Locations:Â 4-6 South Quay, Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8BL & 1-3 South Quay Padstow Cornwall PL28 8BL
Bringing the joy of Cornwall into homes everywhere with cards, art and gifts, Whistlefish was founded in 1996, and you’ll find plenty of its galleries across Cornwall. Padstow is lucky enough to have two Whistlefish Galleries, one focusing on artwork while the other stocks gifts and cards galore. We love its coastal-inspired prints, which make a wonderful keepsake or gift!
Location: Red Brick Building, North Quay, Padstow PL28 8AF
Relocating stores from Bristol to Cornwall – with a shop here in Padstow and one in Fowey – Pink Lemons is a sustainable clothing brand and is inspired by the Cornish lifestyle and the love of India. For a womenswear clothing shop in Cornwall it ticks all the boxes for us. Independent? Tick. Inspired by life beside the sea? Tick. And a selection of fabulous clothing from dungarees to dresses using high quality fabrics… double tick!
Location: 11 Lanadwell St, Padstow PL28 8AN
Padstow has plenty to offer creatives. Art lovers will appreciate a trip to Padstow Gallery with its captivating selection of paintings, ceramics and jewellery. Taking inspiration from the coast and Cornish countryside. This independent gallery, which recently celebrated its fifth anniversary, sources pieces directly from makers and creators who are based locally and further afield.
Location: 3-5 Lanadwell St, Padstow PL28 8AN
Looking for a clothes shop in Padstow? Cornish favourite clothing brand Seasalt has been clothing the Cornish and beyond for over 40 years. The Padstow clothes shop stocks women’s clothing, footwear, menswear, accessories and its much-loved Rain collections, so shoppers will be sartorially spoilt for choice.
Location: 1 Broad St, Padstow PL28 8BS
Book worms will enjoy the independent Padstow Bookseller. With a welcoming atmosphere, the Padstow Bookseller is a treasure trove of books with a roster of events with local book signings. As you can imagine, its selection of Cornish books from cookbooks to thrillers! If there’s a book you can’t find, speak to the friendly members of staff… their literary knowledge is second to none.
Location: 12 Market Place, Padstow PL28 8AL
The Bank is a lovely interior and gift shop in Padstow. Taking inspiration from coast and countryside, there’s a strong nautical theme – from St Eval candles and reed diffusers to Bree Merryn homewares. The Bank also stocks stunning ceramics and kitchenware, so there’ll certainly be something to take home with you.
Location: Trethillick Farm, Padstow PL28 8HJ
A shopping trip in Cornwall isn’t complete until you’ve visited the local farm shop, and here in Padstow it’s an exceptional example. Padstow Farm Shop, which is part of Tregirls Farm, is located just a mile outside of Padstow and has been operating since 2006.
 The shop is jam packed with tasty local treats, with a brimming cheese counter, with a great variety of all-Cornish cheeses, artisan bread from Da Bara Bakery, and not forgetting the farm’s own reared meat produce. The butchery is exceptional, with pasture-fed ruby red beef, Suffolk-Mule-Charollais cross lamb and free range pork. And if you’re in need of some fruit and vegetables, the farm grown veg selection is some of the freshest around.
Categories: Local shops & brands