SPRING GARDENS B&B

Hotel Description

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much when I first pulled up to Spring Gardens B&B on Bradfords Quay – I mean, Wadebridge isn’t exactly the first place that comes to mind when you think Cornwall, right? But honestly, this little gem completely changed my perspective on the town. The location is actually pretty brilliant once you realize what you’re dealing with. You’re literally right on the quay, so there’s this lovely waterside vibe without the tourist madness you get in places like Padstow (which is only about six miles away if you do want that scene).

The thing about Spring Gardens is that it feels like staying with that one friend who actually has their life together – everything’s thoughtfully done without being fussy about it. The rooms have this comfortable, lived-in quality that a lot of B&Bs try to fake but never quite nail. I stayed in one of the upstairs rooms and could hear the gentle sounds of the Camel River, which was way more soothing than I expected. Parking was straightforward too, which anyone who’s driven around Cornwall in summer will appreciate. The breakfast situation is where they really shine though – proper local ingredients, and the hosts actually know where everything comes from. None of that generic continental buffet nonsense.

What I really loved about staying here is how it puts you right in the heart of what Wadebridge actually is, rather than some sanitized tourist version. You can walk to the Camel Trail in about two minutes (seriously, it’s right there), and if you’re into cycling, you’re basically at the perfect starting point for exploring the area. The town itself is more authentic than the coastal spots – you’ll find proper Cornish pubs where locals actually drink, and the Thursday market is genuinely worth getting up for. Spring Gardens sits at this sweet spot where you’re close enough to reach the coast easily but far enough inland to feel like you’re experiencing real Cornwall rather than just the postcard version. The hosts give you those insider recommendations too – which beach to hit when the wind’s coming from the southwest, where to get the best pasty that isn’t completely overrun with tourists. It’s that 8.6 rating kind of place where nothing’s dramatically wrong and quite a lot is quietly right.

Facilities