Hotel Review: Padstow Harbour Hotel, Cornwall

Situated on the dramatic north Cornish coast, this charming working fishing port sits at the head of the Camel River, home to sandy beaches, the Cornish Coast Path and National Trust properties. The hotel offers a prime spot to watch the ebb and flow of harbour life, with a passenger ferry across to Rock running throughout the day. The bustling town centre is home to an array of galleries, boutiques and Michelin Star eateries.

By car: the hotel is 5 hours from London, 3 hours from Bristol and 1 hour 35 mins from Exeter. There is free parking on-site.

By train: London Paddington to Bodmin Parkway takes around 4 hours. The hotel is a 35-minute taxi ride from the station. Bodmin Parkway is also served by trains from Exeter St David's (2 hrs 45 mins), Penzance (1 hr 15 mins), and Cardiff Central (4 hrs 15 mins). Book trains to Bodmin Parkway.

By plane: Newquay Airport (20-minute drive), Exeter Airport (1 hr 45 mins drive).

Bright and bold, with some unique interiors, the painstaking renovations have transformed the interior into a cheery coastal-chic base for a seaside jaunt. In homage to its location, design notes nod to the coast with natural materials and furnishings; brightly coloured sailboat models in the corridor sit against a light palette, predominantly blue, with bold coloured accents reflecting the surrounds.

Service is friendly and efficient, with experiences at the heart of Harbour's ethos, encouraging guests to get out and about and enjoy the surrounding area; activities range from cycle rides, surf lessons and fishing trips to gin and beer tastings and delicious picnics. This experience-led ethos allows guests to tailor their stay, making it a great choice for couples and families alike.

• Restaurant
• Bar

• Terrace

• Pet-friendly
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Décor is fresh and cheerful, with a nod towards coastal-chic in the Harbour's signature style, where design notes draw inspiration from the surrounds.

Room types: Cosy Estuary View Single, Superior Inland View, Inland View, Estuary View, Superior Estuary View, Estuary View Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with The White Company toiletries, bathrobes, slippers, tea and coffee facilities, complimentary gin and sherry, TV, free Wi-Fi

The harbour-facing bar and terrace restaurant offer relaxed dining and the ideal spot to take in the surrounds, with chef Mark Aldred heading up the Kitchen. Menus brim with fresh Cornish produce and unpretentious seasonal dishes with an emphasis on fish and seafood.

The Harbour Kitchen: modern, informal dining, seasonal dishes, fresh seafood, light lunches, children's menu. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Mains from £12.50.