Wadebridge Cornwall Guide

A town full of character and life, rapidly developing and growing in quality. A halfway point on the Camel Trail, the town is busy but not overcrowded, and a hub for local events. Here you will find tourist information and highlights that will encourage more Cornish residents to see what this burgeoning town has to offer.

There are no events currently listed for Wadebridge, if you are planning one please let us know

On the North Coast of Cornwall, there really is little that compares with Wadebridge in the terms of market towns; it has somehow managed to retain a very distinct identity while catering for the influx of tourists admirably. The centre has a large pedestrianised section, Molesworth Street. Here there are a variety of independent shops with very few chains. The river front has been developed and rejuvenated, with more choice real estate under transformation as I write.

Wadebridge’s History

Originally, St. Breock and Egloshayle, either side of the Camel river, were the principle settlements. Wade held a market in 1313, it’s first mention in any records. In 1460, Reverend Lovibond built the bridge that still stands today, and I cannot write this without telling you the well known legend which says that it was set on wool sacks; hence the name “Bridge on Wool”.

The names around the town reflect its history, such as Guineaport, where it is thought the captains who used the river moored for a guinea. Sadly, the railway that was opened in 1834 is now a thing of the past, like so many towns in the UK. In its place is one of the most scenic cycle trails in the county, the Camel Trail. Bike hire and refreshments are available along the route, and also there are still some steam trains that run nearby.

One of the attractions of the town today are the places of natural beauty and history readily apparent and a joy to stumble upon.

Present Day Wadebridge

Situated so close to Rock and Padstow, Wadebridge has naturally escalated in standard, some of the homes hidden in the woods around the town rival Rock for grandeur, and it is perfectly located as a hub for these areas; drawing people in from the stunning hinterlands such as Helland Bridge and Sladesbridge. In these harder to reach areas you will find ceramics, artisans and potters in studios and galleries. Just outside the town in Sladesbridge lies an exceptional garden centre, catering easily for the local region.

Set back from the main street in the town itself, are numerous individual shops and galleries providing arts and crafts and pottery for home and garden. Restaurants and cafes also sit alongside pubs that include a tapas bar meaning there is a lot of choice if eating out.

Fine wines, delicatessens, salons and spa treatments are the modern fare of this market town, and the rising standard of accommodation has prompted many to choose this area for their holidays, in and out of season. There are galleries in the town with one on the high street exhibiting Cornish art from local artists. Joanna Commings has shown paintings there recently with great success.

Don't forget to see what's on in Wadebridge in our events guide. If you have an event you would like to be included, please contact us.

Camel CSA
Osborne & Osborne
Pencarrow House and Gardens
The Quarryman Inn
Visit Camelford
Wild & Free Cornish Campers


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