LOCATION/TRAVEL

Padstow, nestling in the shelter of the Camel Estuary on the north coast of Cornwall, is one of the most delightful and least spoilt of Cornish fishing ports. Its narrow streets with stone and pastel painted houses run down to a colourful, bustling waterfront where you can watch the fascinating ebb and flow of ferries, fishing boats, yachts and pleasure cruisers. Padstow has spectacular coastal scenery, quiet beaches, and is the perfect place to relax after an intensive day of learning. Padstow also enjoys a very mild climate, with an early Spring and a long Summer.

But it is the Padstow people, and their unique customs that make Padstow so special. This really is a part of England that is still based around community spirit and local customs. Ask any Padstonian about May Day, and you will see a different look come into their eyes, for May Day is THE special day in the year for all people born in Padstow.

Witness the singing in one of the many pubs one evening, and it is something you will never forget. Hear the rockets go up announcing the call to 'man the lifeboat' and you too will be hoping for the safe return of these brave men who risk their lives to go to sea to help others in distress. Watch the men and women taking the gigs out for a row on training night, and you will see that these are strong-hearted people, used to a life of challenge. Life in Padstow is governed by the sea, and most importantly, by the tide. Spend just one week with us and you will pick up the habit of asking if the tide is going out or coming in, what time is high water, and can we walk to Tregirls along the beach now. Homestay tuition with Cornwall Executive English involves you in a very special way of life, and you become part of the local community during your stay, participating in the many special activities which take place in this unique town.

Travel

By Air - the easiest option

• London Gatwick: There are four flights a day from London Gatwick to Newquay Airport, (13 miles from Padstow). Many European cities have flights to London Gatwick which connect with the Newquay flights. We can adapt our programme to include a Saturday night in Padstow so that you can benefit from the cheaper flights available. We can arrange a taxi service to collect you from Newquay Airport (£20 one way fare). Air South West also operate flights to Newquay from Manchester and Bristol for onward connections to European destinations.
  
  www.airsouthwest.com/timetable.htm



• London Stansted: There is one flight a day from London Stansted Airport to Newquay Airport (13 miles from Padstow). This is operated by Ryanair, a low cost airline, offering very cheap flights. Ryanair fly from a number of European cities to London Stansted at very low rates, so check their website for more information. This is probably the cheapest way to reach Padstow. We can arrange a taxi service to collect you at Newquay Airport.
  
  www.ryanair.com



• London Heathrow: if you fly into London Heathrow, you can either take the coach transfer to London Gatwick and connect with a flight to Newquay, or you can take the daily direct coach service (National Express) from Heathrow to Wadebridge (7 miles from Padstow). NB some of these services require a change at Plymouth. The journey takes approximately 5 hours 30 minutes. We will meet you at Wadebridge.
  
  www.gobycoach.com


• It is also possible to take the Heathrow Express train service from Heathrow into London Paddington station, and then catch a train to Bodmin Parkway. However, the train from Paddington to Bodmin takes 5 hours, and it is therefore easier and more convenient to take the coach. We can arrange a taxi service to collect you from Bodmin Parkway station (£20 one way fare).
  
  www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

  We can also arrange a taxi service to collect you from either Gatwick or Heathrow.

By sea/car/channel tunnel/Eurostar

• Ferry: Ferry from Roscoff (Brittany) or Santander (Spain) to Plymouth, then 90 minute drive to Padstow (suitable only for those clients arriving by car)



• Channel Tunnel: Driving times are 7/8 hours. Route maps/advice on reaching Padstow by car can be supplied by us if you ask.