Summer Days at Seven Bays Padstow

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about Summer Days at Seven Bays? I honestly wasn’t expecting much from the name – sounded a bit holiday park-ish, if I’m being honest. But walking into this place in Padstow, I immediately got why it’s pulling a 9.7 rating. It’s got this really lovely balance between proper comfort and that relaxed Cornwall vibe that’s actually hard to nail.

The location is pretty brilliant, actually. You’re close enough to Padstow’s harbor that you can easily walk down to Rick Stein’s empire (though honestly, book ahead or you’ll be disappointed), but far enough up that you’re not dealing with the summer crowds trampling past your window at 7am. The parking situation is refreshingly stress-free too – not something you can say about everywhere in Padstow, especially during the school holidays when the place goes absolutely mental. I mean, trying to park near the Camel Trail on a sunny weekend is basically a blood sport.

What really works here is the attention to those little details that show someone actually thought about what travelers need. The rooms have proper blackout curtains (thank god, because Cornish summer mornings start ridiculously early), and the shower pressure is actually decent – you’d be amazed how many coastal places seem to think a gentle drizzle counts as a shower. The breakfast setup feels more like staying at a friend’s really well-organized house than a typical B&B routine. They clearly know their regulars too; I overheard the staff chatting with returning guests about local tide times and which beaches would be best that day based on the wind direction.

The whole vibe here is sort of effortlessly comfortable – like they’ve figured out how to be properly hospitable without that forced cheeriness you get some places. Staff actually seem to know Padstow beyond just the obvious tourist spots. When I mentioned wanting to avoid the Rick Stein crowds, they pointed me toward some genuinely good local alternatives and even gave me the inside scoop on when the working harbor is most interesting (early morning, if you’re wondering – watching the fishing boats come in with the catch is pretty special).

Honestly, the 4-star rating feels about right – it’s not trying to be some fancy boutique place, but everything just works well. The building itself has character without feeling like you’re sleeping in a museum, and the whole setup feels like they’ve thought about what makes a stay actually comfortable rather than just ticking boxes. Plus, you’re perfectly positioned for exploring the Camel Trail or heading out to the coast – Seven Bays Beach is literally a short walk away, and it’s one of those spots that stays relatively peaceful even when Padstow proper is heaving with visitors.

If you’re planning a Cornwall trip and want somewhere that feels like a proper base rather than just a place to crash, this works really well. Just don’t expect cutting-edge design or a spa – this is about comfortable, thoughtful hospitality in a genuinely lovely part of the world.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $134. Two-Bedroom House with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Amanda from United Kingdom – 19 May 2025 (10/10)

  Lovely and clean and nice location.

• Katie from United Kingdom – 5 May 2025 (10/10)

  It was very spacious, in a great location, very clean and the owners are very friendly and helpful
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• Casey from Australia – 7 April 2025 (9/10)

  Well equipped and very comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: Shower head holder in ensuite doesn't hold head up properly. Otherwise everything was excellent!

• Prabha from United Kingdom – 1 April 2025 (10/10)

  Location and accommodation was perfect.
  
  What could be improved: En-suite was a bit small but that wasn’t a problem.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities