Tours/Newquay/The Ghost Walk Padstow - Tour of Cornwall’s Myths and Legends
The Ghost Walk Padstow - Tour of Cornwall’s Myths and Legends
4.9(101)Newquay1h 30min
VIATOR4.9(9)TRIPADVISOR4.8(92)
+23 photos
At a glance
Duration
1h 30min
Price from
$21 / person
Rating
4.9 / 5 · 101 reviews
Languages
EN
Group
Small group, up to 25
Cancellation
Free cancellation
Meeting point
Meet by this landmark pub on the edge of the harbour, next to the red lifebelt.
What3words: blazers.eased.that
Confirmation
Instant
Prices checked on Sep 12, 2026
Description
Step into the shadows of old Padstow with a costumed guide — real ghost stories, hidden alleys and dramatic tales await.
Led by early 19th-century merchant Thomas Rawlings, this walking tour reveals the secrets behind Padstow’s historic landmarks. Expect vivid storytelling, strange true tales and spooky goings-on — from the past and from locals still spooked today.
From old houses and mansions to a 16th-century coaching inn, medieval St Petroc’s Church and more, experience Padstow’s ghostly side like never before.
Each walk is limited to a maximum of 25 people.
Well-behaved dogs welcome.
Parental guidance is advised for children under 10 due to references to historical punishments and local legends involving death.
There is a short uphill section from the church of about 100 metres. Wheelchair users are welcome, although those using a manual wheelchair may need some assistance on this section.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.
Tour Options
The Ghost Walk Padstow - Tour of Cornwall’s Myths and Legends
Last Minute Saturday Walk
Itinerary
20 min
Meet your costumed guide and step back in time as we explore Padstow’s old town on foot. We will be introduced to the spirit of a local merchant, then hear about two haunted inns, including a former coaching inn that once bustled with travellers. Then it's into the old town passing shops with spooks, pubs brimming with tradition and a former music hall. Onwards to the impressive St Petroc’s Church, a centrepiece of Padstow’s medieval past.
20 min
Explore the shadowed grounds of one of Cornwall’s oldest and most storied churches, plus the land that surrounds it.
20 min
Admire the outside the stately Elizabethan house, where legends linger.
20 min
Heading downhill through twisting alleys we hear more ghostly tales. Returning via the opposite side of the harbour for more stories of hauntings and the oldest building in Padstow. We come full circle for a final gathering and a chilling legend to end your evening.
Highlights
90-minute guided walking tour of historic Padstow
Live storytelling of Cornwall’s myths, legends and ghost stories
Exploration of Padstow’s historic streets, harbour and hidden corners
Guide in authentic 19th-century costume
Gratuities
What's included
Included
90-minute guided walking tour of historic Padstow
Live storytelling of Cornwall’s myths, legends and ghost stories
Exploration of Padstow’s historic streets, harbour and hidden corners
Guide in authentic 19th-century costume
Gratuities
Not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Admission to attractions or private properties
Food and drinks
Traveller Ratings
4.9
101 reviews
5
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11
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2
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Important Information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
You should be capable of walking 1 mile total including 100m up a moderate hill on tarmac
Powered scooters and powered wheelchairs can participate
If in a manual wheelchair note there is an uphill section
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
The Ghost Walk Padstow - Tour of Cornwall’s Myths and Legends lasts about 1h 30min. The itinerary has 4 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $21 per person for this Newquay experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Meet by this landmark pub on the edge of the harbour, next to the red lifebelt.
What3words: blazers.eased.that. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 25 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair accessible Powered scooters and powered wheelchairs can participate If in a manual wheelchair note there is an uphill section
Reviews(101)
S
Stay08037522012
August 31, 2026
A must do when visiting Padstow
What a fabulous activity. We learnt so much history about Padstow! Our host was a great character, and very entertaining. The walk is 90mins with only a few short hill walks and some steps through the backs of Padstow. A wonderful and different way to see the intricate parts of the town. Thank you!
Operator response
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! It’s particularly pleasing to hear that you discovered a different side of Padstow. There are plenty of little corners, old passages and tucked-away places that can easily be missed — and most have a story attached to them!
I’m glad the hills and steps didn’t prove too troublesome either. Ninety minutes of ghostly tales with a little exercise thrown in for good measure! 👻
It was a pleasure to have you along, and thank you for recommending the walk to fellow visitors to Padstow.
— Thomas Rawlings 🕯️
9
950ashleyl
August 30, 2026
Worth doing whilst in Padstow
After a booking issues the host quickly and effortlessly changed the booking another date. This tour shows you parts of Padstow we couldn’t have seen if exploring on our own.
Interesting stories and tales from over the year. Fairly hilly but manageable.
Operator response
Thank you for the lovely review! I’m very pleased we were able to sort out the booking and find another date that worked for you.
One of my favourite things about the walk is taking people into those little corners of Padstow that are so easily missed when exploring on your own. There are plenty of stories tucked away in those streets — and yes, a few hills to work off afterwards! 😄
I’m glad you found them manageable and enjoyed the tales along the way.
— Thomas Rawlings 👻
L
LoobyKate8
August 26, 2026
A good night with adult kids 😊
Very entertaining evening, lots of stories and local legends, enthusiastic host really entered into the spirit of it. Thanks x
1 people found this helpful
Operator response
Thank you for such a lovely review! 😊 I’m delighted you and your adult children enjoyed your evening in the company of Padstow’s ghosts, legends and rather questionable characters from the past.
I do like to enter into the spirit of the occasion — quite literally, in some cases! 👻 It was a pleasure having you all along, and I hope the rest of your evening was equally enjoyable.
Thank you for joining me!
— Thomas Rawlings 🕯️
E
Escape786881
August 22, 2026
Something for the whole family
Booked for 2 families with teens. Which can be tricky to get them to do anything with their parents…Wasn’t sure if they’d enjoy it, but they did!! Enjoyed the mix of local history and spooky tales. Very enjoyable evening.
1 people found this helpful
Operator response
Thank you so much for the lovely review! 👻
I completely understand the challenge of persuading teenagers to spend an evening doing something with their parents — so I’m especially pleased to hear they enjoyed it too! 😄
Margery and I always faced similar challenges entertaining our **16 children**. At the end of the 1700s, they kept themselves amused with games such as tag, hide-and-seek, leapfrog and blind man’s bluff. I must confess, I still have fond memories of those simpler entertainments… although finding them all in a game of hide-and-seek at St Petroc's House was quite tricky! 😉
It was a pleasure to have both families along, and I’m delighted that the mixture of Padstow’s local history, myths and rather spooky tales kept everyone entertained. 🕯️
Thank you again for joining me for the evening. It seems ghosts, history and a few strange stories may still be enough to tempt teenagers away from their phones… at least for 90 minutes! 👀📱👻
— Thomas Rawlings 🕯️
M
Meander60761349585
August 20, 2026
Awesome ghost walk
Absolutely fantastic ghost walk with Thomas, very informative about the area and the ghosts that haunt Padstow, I would definitely recommend this walk with your stay in Cornwall.
Thomas, thanks for the great evening 5 ⭐
1 people found this helpful
Operator response
Thank you so much for such a wonderful five-star review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐👻
It was an absolute pleasure to spend the evening wandering through Padstow with you, sharing a few of the town’s stranger stories and the ghosts said to haunt its old streets. 🕯️
I’m particularly pleased you’d recommend the walk as part of a visit to Cornwall. There’s rather more hiding beneath the surface of this little harbour town than many people realise… 👀
Thank you again for joining me, and for your very kind words.
— Thomas Rawlings 👻🕯️
L
L6638GKkerryr
August 20, 2026
Great
Informative and entertaining. Worth doing to see some parts of Padstow we wouldn’t have normally walked to.
1 people found this helpful
Operator response
I’m delighted you found the walk both informative and entertaining. One of the things I rather enjoy about our wander through Padstow is taking people along a few streets and corners they might never otherwise discover. 👻🕯️
There’s a surprising amount of history, myth and legend tucked away beyond the harbour front.
Thank you for joining me on the walk — and for taking the time to leave such a kind review.
— Thomas Rawlings 👻
2
258trudib
August 6, 2026
Great tour & a must do in Padstow
Great tour & well worth doing when in Padstow especially the 8pm tour as gave a spookier atmosphere .
1 people found this helpful
Operator response
Thank you, Trudi. I'm delighted you enjoyed the tour. The 8pm walk does seem to add an extra layer of atmosphere, as the shadows lengthen around the old harbour and the narrow streets begin to feel a little more mysterious. Fortunately, the ghosts of Padstow appear to be at their most cooperative after dusk! Thank you for joining me on the walk and for taking the time to leave such a lovely review.
C
C5706MNsarahd
August 5, 2026
Ghosts of Padstow
A fabulous evening spent listening to ghost stories in Padstow. Discovered places that we didn’t know existed. Recommend.
Operator response
Thank you for your lovely review. I’m delighted you enjoyed your evening wandering through Padstow’s old streets and hearing some of the stories that have been passed down through the generations.
It’s always a pleasure to reveal the quieter corners of the town and share a few tales that are easily missed during a daytime visit. Thank you for your recommendation — it is greatly appreciated.
Thomas Rawlings
T
TimA1816
July 30, 2026
Ghost walk
Very knowledgeable guide well worth the money
Operator response
Thank you, Tim. I'm delighted you enjoyed the walk and found the stories and history worthwhile.
Your kind words and recommendation are greatly appreciated.
Thomas Rawlings
D
darrenbQ1795WO
July 28, 2026
Interesting and enjoyable Ghost Walk around Padstow.
A thoroughly enjoyable 90 mins spent. Thomas was very interesting and made it interesting for the kids as well. Definitely recommend👍
Operator response
Thank you for your kind words. I'm especially pleased to hear that the children enjoyed the walk as well. Padstow's tales of smugglers, spirits and strange happenings seem to capture imaginations of all ages.
Your recommendation is greatly appreciated, and I'm delighted you chose to spend part of your evening in the company of Padstow's ghosts.
Thomas Rawlings
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