Visit Padstow by train & bus

Visit the charming town of Padstow on the north coast of Cornwall and discover its famous harbour, enjoy great local food and explore the surrounding areas of Bodmin and Wadebridge.

It’s easy to get there by train and onward bus. Take the Cornish main line to Bodmin Parkway then catch the 11 bus right outside the station to Padstow (or stop off along the way as we did).

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Places to explore

Wadebridge
In our video, we catch the 11 bus from outside Bodmin Parkway station to our first stop in Wadebridge. We headed straight for some food at Wood and Green Cafe, then had a look around some great independent shops and antique centre, before hopping back on the 11 bus to complete our journey to Padstow.

Padstow
At the harbour we visited Cherry Trees Cafe for a hot drink and a slice of cake before heading out to catch the ferry to Rock. Back in Padstow, we explored the shops, picked up some lunch from Chough Bakery, visited The National Lobster Hatchery and hired bikes to ride the scenic Camel Trail.

Bodmin
Finally, we caught the bus from Padstow to Bodmin to visit their famous Bodmin Jail attraction and Bodmin Railway, where we rode the 13-mile round trip of the historic railway. You can get off the Bodmin Railway at Bodmin Parkway station for your journey home, or there is a bus from Bodmin General back to Parkway if you prefer.

Getting there

Trains to Bodmin Parkway run regularly on the Cornish main line, seven days a week. You can then catch the 11 bus from right outside the train station. Buses depart hourly through most of the day, seven days a week.

Journey time

The train from Plymouth to Bodmin Parkway takes around 40 mins. From the station, the bus to Wadebridge is around 40 mins. From Wadebridge to Padstow is approximately 20 mins. And finally, catching the bus from Padstow back to Bodmin is around an hour.

Adult Off-Peak Day Return tickets from Plymouth to Bodmin Parkway are £11.10.

Save a third off the above adult fare for you and a friend (with kids travelling for just £1) with a Devon & Cornwall Railcard – just £12 a year for local residents.

Book on the GWR website or app.