Padstow - Abbey House & Harbour

PLEASE NOTE

May Day - or Obby Oss Day - is held annually on 1st May in Padstow (or 2nd May if the 1st falls on a Sunday) and is the busiest day in Padstow's calendar. Though it is a fantastic time to visit Padstow, many of the clues may be obscured or difficult to access. We recommend checking for any events before you set off on your investigation.

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Padstow's historic streets, harbour, churchyard and hillside paths, with sleuths following clues through one of Cornwall's most picturesque fishing ports as they investigate the suspicious circumstances surrounding celebrity chef Boy Ling-DeFish's final culinary catastrophe.

The investigation covers approximately 2.5 miles and follows paved roads, harbour paths, church grounds and footpaths throughout. Detectives should be prepared for some hills, narrow lanes, sections without pavements and one uneven, stony path. Due to these areas the Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

⚠️ Important: Several sections use narrow roads with little or no pavement, and detectives will also be investigating around a working harbour with steep drops and deep water. Keep younger detectives and canine colleagues under close supervision at all times and take extra care near the waterfront.

Getting There

Time to assemble your squad and open the case files:

By car The recommended parking location is Railway Car Park, Station Road, Padstow (PL28 8DA), which sits beside the start of the investigation. If this car park is full, overflow parking can be found at Link Road Car Park (PL28 8AX).

A Park & Ride service also operates from Wadebridge Road (PL28 8FJ), with buses running regularly into Padstow.

By public transport Padstow is served by local bus routes connecting the town with Wadebridge, Newquay and other North Cornwall destinations.

Your investigation begins beside the Town Council building and Padstow Museum, near the public toilets in Railway Car Park.

Need the Loo?

Even top detectives need a comfort break during a lengthy investigation! Public toilets are available near the start and finish of the Trail at Railway Car Park, with additional facilities available around the harbour between Clues 14 and 15.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged detectives are welcome on the case 🐾

The investigation includes harbour paths, church grounds and public footpaths that make for an enjoyable outing with canine companions. Just keep leads handy near roads, livestock, busy harbour areas and open water.

Food & Drink Stops

Cracking a culinary crime is hungry work!

Refreshments become available from around Clue 15 onwards, when the investigation returns to the harbour area.

If you've brought your own provisions, the Chief's preferred picnic location is around Clue 11, where you'll find excellent views while reviewing the evidence and narrowing down your suspect list.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Padstow Harbour

The harbour sits at the heart of the investigation and remains one of Cornwall's busiest and most attractive working ports. Fishing boats, pleasure craft and spectacular estuary views make it well worth lingering after the case is closed.

Prideaux Place

The Trail passes the entrance to Prideaux Place, one of Cornwall's finest Elizabethan manor houses. Built in 1592, it has remained in the Prideaux family for more than 400 years and is surrounded by a historic deer park.

St Petroc's Church

Parts of the investigation take place around this historic church, which has stood at the centre of Padstow life for centuries and is linked to the town's patron saint.

Optional Detour - Explore the Harbour and Camel Estuary

Once the case is solved, spend some extra time exploring Padstow's waterfront, independent shops and the beautiful Camel Estuary. The harbour is packed with places to eat, watch the boats and soak up the atmosphere of this famous Cornish fishing town.