Town dubbed 'Britain's Magaluf' ruined by drunk tourists and 'obnoxious teens'

20 August 2023 , 16:13

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Padstow attracts many tourists when the sun is out (Image: Getty Images)

A town which some complain is being ruined by tourists getting drunk and “obnoxious teens” has been dubbed Britain’s ‘Magaluf’.

Situated in a pretty part of Cornwall - one of Britain’s favourite holiday destinations - the quiet yet beautiful town of Padstow is famous for its harbour and active fishing port.

One of the great attractions of the attractive town, unsurprisingly, is the freshly caught fish offered up by local restaurants - many of which are owned by celeb chef Rick Stein.

But the popular holiday spot appears to be attracting some unwanted rowdiness from a crowd not typical of Padstow. Some locals fear the town’s reputation as a relaxing getaway with fine dining is now under threat, as groups of partiers have begun to enjoy nights out on the charming harbour and quaint streets.

The town is famous for its fresh fish (Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)

Some have even begun leaving their holidays early, according to Cornwall Live, as the town has started looking more like “Padaluf” than “Padstow” - according to one Tripadvisor review from Tom. He said: "We visited Padstow on the afternoon of May 1, 2022, to find the usual charming Padstow after the 'Obby 'Oss festival.

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“This year at exactly the same time we found Padstow had descended into Padaluf. The harbour was heaving with drunk party goers and obnoxious teens all led by the pumping fairground and the very shouty 'DJ OTT'. We got out as soon as we could. Those wanting to avoid going to Magaluf on May 1 should also avoid Padstow."

Another visitor said “love the place, don't like the tourists”, describing the town as “great” if you want fish and chips but “terrible” if you want a nice walk round, good parking, or “a bit of peace and quiet”. The writer, Mark from Norwich, added: "Place is full of dog walkers not watching what they or their dogs are doing, people pushing buggies that once again think the whole place is pedestrian from the welcome to Padstow signs all round the harbour and village."

A harbour with a rich history also hosts the National Lobster Hatchery (Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)

It wasn’t all doom and gloom about Padstow, as others described it as “beautiful and charming”, going on to say it is “pretty, busy, quaint and typical of lovely Cornwall”. They said: “It doesn't matter what time of the year you visit Padstow, the harbour is the focal point and where you can people-watch for hours.” Another added: "Charming small village harbour with cafes, trails, restaurants, shops. There is not much in the way of shade.”

Padstow is great for a long cycle on a scenic route known as the Camel Trail, which links Padstow to Wadebridge and Bodmin via an old railway track. The harbour in the town is still working, and marine life conservation can be seen at the National Lobster Hatchery.

Molly Seaman