About Wadebridge

Tourism is a large contributor to the economic growth of Wadebridge and is due in quite a large part to the Camel Trail, a cycle way almost 20 miles long that stretches from the moor at Bodmin into Padstow along a disused railway line, forming part of the national cycle network.

The trail hugs the banks of the estuary between Padstow and Wadebridge along a line once used by the London and South West Railway and then turns inland passing through wonderful countryside including the Camel Valley before joining another historic disused line ending at the foot of Bodmin Moor near Blisland, a pretty moorland village.

Cyclists completing the whole length will have passed much of the County's industrial heritage in one way or another from fishing to agriculture, china clay workings to former quarries and of course one of the first railway lines in the world! The Bodmin and Wadebridge Line was the first steam hauled railway in Cornwall and the first line in the West of Britain to carry passengers. It was officially opened on Tuesday 30 September 1834 and was really intended to carry cargo - sand, mud and coal, out of the town and granite, tin and copper in. The second part of the route, Wadebridge to Padstow, was opened in 1899. The line was finally closed in 1966 in common with many others due to the 'Beeching Axe'. The buildings however, lived to see another day. Where the Library now stands, wagons were once being loaded and unloaded, the supermarket stands on the sidings and at the Betjamin Community Centre, the old booking office and waiting rooms can still be seen.

In 2006 a new walk to work route was established at the Bodmin end of the route.

The Camel Trail is managed through a Partnership sharing responsibility of the maintenance and upkeep involving Cornwall Council (with the Town and Parish Councils through whose areas the trail passes). The Partnership also includes a Commissioner from Padstow Harbour Commissioners and representatives from English Nature, the Environment Agency and the Forestry Commission. Rangers are employed to patrol and manage the trail and cycle hire is available in each of the three large towns along its length.

The Town Hall entrance hall in Wadebridge holds many leaflets for places to go in and around Wadebridge and what’s on locally.

Visit Padstow Tourist Information Centre: www.padstowlive.com or telephone 01841 533449 – where friendly staff can help you to book accommodation, and provide advice.

Our charming market town of Wadebridge offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, historic character, and vibrant community spirit and is perfectly located for exploring Cornwall's coastline. For those of us fortunate enough to call Wadebridge home, we already know how special this town is—and we want to share it with as many people as possible. To show all that Wadebridge has to offer the Town Council have produced a brand new, compact town guide - perfectly timed for the arrival of Spring!
This free, official guide offers valuable information on local activities, walking routes, the town’s history, and recommendations for shopping, dining, and drinking.

The vibrant, 39-page guide has been distributed to various tourist attractions and shops around town, including the Town Hall. You can also access a digital version below.

Whether you're a nature lover, history enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful Cornish getaway, Wadebridge welcomes you with open arms.

• Downloads: WadebridgeTownGuide__2025_copy_1 (pdf)

Please be advised, the Town Council do not have the staff to facilitate and produce a regular or updated list of Town events.

Wadebridge Festival of Music & Speech
This annual event though only small is held in high esteem by other town and cities nationally. The aim of the organisation is to encourage participation and confidence in the arts from an early age. This events grows each year and its extensive programme covers some 150 classes with entries from North Cornwall and beyond. Although we hire out the space in February/March, we do not have anything to do with the organising of the event.

Wadebridge Carnival
The carnival is being held usually in July/August. All competitors assemble in the lower Jubilee car park in the town. Judging will usually begin at 6.15pm. The Carnival procession starts at 7pm where floats, carnival queens and walkers will all join in the fun. Although the Town Council provide use of their Car Parks for the event, we do not having anything to do with the organisation.

Cornwall Folk Festival, Wadebridge
An August weekend celebration of music, dance and entertainment. There are workshops, dances and concerts. Events are held in the streets, pubs and village halls throughout the town. Fun and entertainment for all ages. Although we hire out the Town Hall facilities in August, we do not have anything to do with the organising of the event.

Wadebridge & District Garden Prodcude Association Annual Show
(now in it's 77th year) is held in the Town Hall on the first Saturday in November.  Entries to the various classes are welcomed from everyone and are judged prior to the opening of the Show at 1 pm.  The Association meets during the winter months for a series of lectures on garden related subjects.

Wadebridge has been noted in the past for being the town between Bodmin with its Gaol and Padstow famed for its historic harbour and more recently renowned Chef. Following the demise of the railway but since the arrival of the Camel Trail, many thousands of visitors travel to Wadebridge for its own delights.

To arrive at Wadebridge, the traveller may have left the A30 at the Kennards House junction travelling through Camelford and down the beautiful Allen Valley which glows blue with the bluebells in Spring and soft green in the summer; a welcome shaded sanctuary from the sun. In the Autumn leaves of every colour scatter under the driver's wheels and winter is softer here than many other parts.

That same driver might also leave the A30 at Bodmin, following a well signed route through the town, over the Camel Trail where once a railway level crossing dissected the road near the 'Borough Arms' where a hearty meal can be found near journey's end. Over the widened river bridge, up past Dunmere Wood and on to Wadebridge.