Events & Festivals

Foodies should head to the Cornish coastal town of Padstow this December for the 12th Padstow Christmas Market & Festival. Master chefs Rick Stein (they don’t call is Pad-stein for no reason), Paul Ainsworth and Nathan Outlaw will fly the Cornish culinary flag from 5 to 8 December.

Padstow has long been regarded as the culinary capital of Cornwall, but Padstow food festival is much more than a cornucopia of festive delights. Michael Caines, Angela Hartnett, Rick Stein, Mitch Tonks, Phil Vickery, Nathan Outlaw and Paul Ainsworth are among the more than 60 chefs who will appear at the festival ensuring that this Christmas fare remains a bedrock of the UK’s gastronomic year. You can also join in the hottest topics on the culinary debate by partaking in one of the food forums with a panel of the food industry’s leading stars.

If you are planning on visiting the UK then consider reading our Essential Travel Guide to UK Holidays for the Over 40s?

This year’s festival is expected to attract 50,000 visitors, but regardless of the crowd the event is sure to be a special occasion.

Christmas Market

The Christmas market will feature artisan culinary pop-up stalls as well as local arts and craft works. In addition to traditional carols, a firework display will light up the skies.

A Worthy Cause

Saturday 7 December will also mark the Santa Fun Run and Cycle through the streets of Padstow, in aid of the Cornwall Hospice Care. You can reister for the run here. 

Padstow Christmas Market & Festival  Demonstration Chefs

For a full list of the chef’s demonstrating at this year’s festival, click here, and there is a map of the festival here.

When is Padstow Christmas Market & Festival?

It’s from 5 to 8 December

Hotels in Padstow

It can be difficult to find accommodation in Padstow, but if you are looking for a hotel in Padstow or nearby please use our booking site, which also has details of flights to neary Newquay.

Take the Train to Padstow

If you are looking to travel to Padstow by train, the nearest station is at Bodmin Parkway, from where you can take the 11a bus runs to Padstow.

For more information on the Padstow Christmas Market & Festival

Click here.