National Lobster Hatchery


In an effort to combat falling lobster stocks, this harbourside hatchery rears baby lobsters in tanks before returning them to the wild. Displays detail the crustaceans' life cycle, and there are viewing tanks where you can watch the residents in action. Booking a 30-minute 'Meet the Expert' tour (adult/child £12/6) allows you a glimpse into work behind the scenes.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Prideaux Place

0.56 MILES

Much favoured by directors of costume dramas and period films, this stately Grade I–listed manor was built by the Prideaux-Brune family, purportedly…

2. Daymer Bay

1.39 MILES

This huge, white sandy beach is the best on this side of the estuary, so unsurprisingly it's packed in midsummer – but it's large enough that you can…

3. Tregirls Beach

1.49 MILES

Given how close it is to Padstow, this grand beach stays surprisingly quiet most of the year. It looks out over the mouth of the Camel Estuary and, thanks…

4. St Enodoc Church

1.49 MILES

Up on the dunes above Daymer Bay so adored by John Betjeman, this seaside chapel is where the poet was buried on a drizzly Cornish day in May 1984. It…

5. Trevone

1.94 MILES

The nearest beach to Padstow is this small bay sheltered from the wind by Roundhole Point. It's a good place for swimming, and has a lifeguard in summer.

6. Harlyn Bay

2.81 MILES

For a proper surf, this wide, sandy beach is the best option within easy reach of Padstow. There's a surf school based here, and summer-long lifeguarding…

7. Trevibban Mill

3.08 MILES

This young vineyard has a fast-growing reputation in the wine world, and it's a fine place to sample vintages in a dreamy Cornish setting. In total there…

8. Camel Creek

3.38 MILES

Formerly known as Cornwall's Crealy Adventure Park, this kid-friendly theme park offers attractions including a '5D' Simulator, a Viking ship, Pet's…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "england/padstow/attractions/national-lobster-hatchery/a/poi-sig/1216430/1316926",
      "position": "superzone"
    }