St George's Cove
A beautiful, remote cove on the Camel Estuary, offering stunning views and a scenic coastal walk from Padstow.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Pleasant weather for walks
St George's Cove
Best Time
Pleasant weather for walks
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful, remote cove on the Camel Estuary, offering stunning views and a scenic coastal walk from Padstow.
"Beautiful bay with stunning views, but remote with challenging access."
🚶♀️ Walk from Padstow
A scenic 2-mile round trip from Padstow offers lovely coastal views.
⚠️ Check Tide Times
Tidal currents can be strong; be aware before entering the water.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Estuary and Sea Views
St. George's Cove
Breathtaking vistas across the Camel Estuary and out to the open sea. A truly picturesque spot.
Rock Pool Exploration
St. George's Cove
Discover fascinating marine life in the numerous rock pools, perfect for curious minds.
Coastal Path Walk
From Padstow to St. George's Cove
Enjoy a scenic 2-mile round trip walk from Padstow, offering beautiful coastal scenery.
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Planning Your Visit
Accessing St. George's Cove
What to Expect at the Cove
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🚶♀️ Walk from Padstow
A scenic 2-mile round trip from Padstow offers lovely coastal views. 
⚠️ Check Tide Times
Tidal currents can be strong; be aware before entering the water.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Needed
The path can be steep and rough underfoot.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Beach
A great spot for a walk with your canine companions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk from Padstow
A scenic 2-mile round trip from Padstow offers lovely coastal views.
⚠️ Check Tide Times
Tidal currents can be strong; be aware before entering the water.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Needed
The path can be steep and rough underfoot.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Beach
A great spot for a walk with your canine companions.
🌊 Not for Classic Swimming
Waves are mainly from boats; not ideal for swimming.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
St. George's Cove is praised for its stunning estuary and sea views and is a beautiful spot for walks and exploring rock pools. However, visitors note its remote location, lack of facilities, and challenging access due to steep, rough terrain, making it less suitable for those with mobility issues or young children.
"Beautiful bay. But remote, no facilities. You need to be reasonably able to get down onto it, too. Either deep steps or a scramble over lower rocks depending on your entrance down off of the coast path. 2 mile round trip from Padstow.
Steep gradients at times. Rough under foot at times, too."
Karen Elliott
"It’s nice. Not easy to get down to for the less abled. Also strong tidal currents and warnings about the sand so not ideal if you are letting children roam or lack confidence in the outdoors. The beach is on a river so not a classic the only real waves are from boats. Good for a dip or walk and great views all around this area."
Gavin Whitfield
"The Cornish coastline is beautiful. We are blessed to have such stunning beaches here in England. Very clean. Plenty of bins around and about. Lovely."
Gina Thomson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. George's Cove is accessible via a coastal path walk from Padstow, approximately a 2-mile round trip. The path can be steep and the terrain rough underfoot, so sturdy footwear is recommended. +1
Access can be challenging for those with mobility issues. There are steep gradients and potentially scrambles over rocks, depending on your entry point from the coast path.
Direct driving access to the cove is limited. The primary access is via the coastal path from Padstow, which offers parking.
The most common and recommended approach is a walk from Padstow along the scenic coastal path.
Parking is available in Padstow, from where you can begin your walk to the cove.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, St. George's Cove is a natural bay and does not require an entrance fee. It's free to explore.
As a natural coastal area, St. George's Cove is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
Facilities are minimal. While there are bins around the area, there are no public toilets or cafes directly at the cove.
While beautiful, the strong tidal currents and boat wakes mean it's not ideal for children to roam freely. Adult supervision is essential.
Swimming is possible, but be aware of strong tidal currents and the fact that waves are primarily generated by boats, not the open sea.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the stunning views across the estuary and out to sea, especially during sunrise or sunset. The rock pools also offer great macro photography subjects.
Absolutely. The dramatic coastline, shifting sands with the tide, and expansive water views provide excellent opportunities for landscape photographers.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be magical for capturing the estuary and sea views. Low tide reveals interesting rock formations.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and guidelines before flying a drone in the area.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views, while a macro lens can be useful for rock pool details. A polarizing filter can enhance the water and sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When it comes to water activities, supervision is paramount. Due to strong tidal currents and boat wakes, it's not a safe place for children to play unsupervised in the water. Consider it more of a scenic spot for a picnic and exploration rather than a traditional beach day with swimming and splashing.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Hikers
+1 The 2-mile round trip is manageable for most walkers, but be prepared for the varied terrain, including some steep sections and potentially soft sand. This route is perfect for enjoying the natural beauty of the area and can be combined with a visit to Padstow's charming harbour. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and carry water, especially during warmer months. The ever-changing tides add an extra layer of interest to the landscape.
🐶 Dog Owners
The open spaces and varied terrain offer interesting sniffing opportunities for your pets. While dogs are welcome, it's always good practice to keep them under control, especially near the water due to the tidal currents and boat traffic. Ensure you bring waste bags to clean up after your dog, helping to keep this beautiful spot pristine for everyone.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Camel Estuary
+1The estuary is also a haven for wildlife, and the waters around St. George's Cove are known for their clarity, making it a popular spot for those interested in marine life. The surrounding coastline offers further opportunities for exploration, with other coves and beaches within easy reach.
When planning your visit, it's crucial to check the tide times. High tide can reduce the available sandy area, while low tide exposes more of the cove and its rock pools. This tidal influence also affects the water conditions, so understanding the tides is key to a safe and enjoyable visit.
Accessibility and Terrain
Depending on the chosen entry point from the coast path, you might need to navigate down steep steps or scramble over lower rocks to reach the sand. It's advisable to wear sturdy footwear that provides good grip and ankle support. The soft sand in patches can also make walking more challenging, especially on windy days.
While the effort is rewarded with beautiful views, it's important to assess your own physical capabilities and that of your companions before embarking on the walk. The remoteness and terrain mean that help may not be immediately available in case of an accident.
Water Activities and Safety
However, it's vital to understand the water safety considerations. The cove is situated on a river estuary, meaning strong tidal currents are present. The waves experienced here are primarily generated by passing boats rather than the open sea, so it's not a traditional surfing or bodyboarding spot.
For families, the strong currents and boat traffic mean that letting children roam freely in the water is not recommended. Always supervise children closely and be aware of your surroundings. If you're unsure about the conditions, it's best to err on the side of caution.
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