Down By The Ferry

3 N Quay Parade, Padstow PL28 8AG, United Kingdom
+44 1841 533214
$$$ cafe
(65 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Nestled between the vibrant harbor and picturesque streets of Padstow, Down By The Ferry is a charming café that offers a delightful escape for locals and travelers alike. This cozy spot, located at 3 N Quay Parade, invites customers to indulge in a rich variety of homemade treats, all while enjoying the stunning coastal views.

The moment you step inside, you're greeted by the warm ambiance, with friendly staff eager to make your visit memorable. If you're a fan of delectable pastries and cakes, this café is a must-visit. Their menu features an array of scrumptious traybakes such as the gooey Triple Chocolate Brownie, the ever-popular Millionaire Shortbread, and the refreshing Yogurt Topped Fruit Flapjack. Each bite is a testament to the café’s commitment to quality and flavor.

For those with a penchant for cakes, the selection from the Cornish Cake Fairy is simply irresistible. Picture sinking your fork into the moist layers of Lemon & Blueberry Cake or savoring the nutty richness of a Carrot & Walnut Cake. These homemade delights, paired with a steaming cup of coffee or a refreshing smoothie, create a blissful afternoon treat that will linger in your memory long after your visit.

But the pleasures of Down By The Ferry extend beyond just the sweet offerings. Discover the hearty Cornish Scone served with Roddas clotted cream and jam, or bite into crispy, flaky Portuguese Tarts. Whether you choose to nibble on a Plain Croissant or indulge in a warm Brownie, every morsel reflects the café's dedication to homey comfort food.

As customer reviews attest, the experience is heightened by the inviting service. Whether it’s Stephen Kennington noting the quality of the souvenirs available or Tiarna Westley appreciating the warmth of the staff, each visitor feels genuinely welcomed. A standout moment comes from Geoffrey Woods, who fondly remembers enjoying a hot cup of tea with a fresh fruit scone while taking in the picturesque harbor setting.

Down By The Ferry isn’t just a café; it’s a hub for community, relaxation, and flavor. It's dog-friendly, making it a great spot for a leisurely afternoon with furry friends. Whether you choose to enjoy your treats inside or outside on the terrace, you’re sure to find a beautiful moment to savor.

Next time you find yourself in Padstow, make sure to stop by Down By The Ferry. It’s a delightful escape where you can enjoy quality food, friendly service, and a lovely view—a perfect combination for any café enthusiast.

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Pets
Dogs allowed
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tuesday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Thursday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sunday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

65 Reviews
Stephen Kennington

30 Aug 2025

Nice shop. Some quality souvenirs. Did not stop for the food but they had a nice selection of snacks.

Manjit Dhillon

11 Aug 2025

Was in Padstow and decided to have some pasties and a cream tea. The giant sausage rolls were amazing, good quality meat and lots of flavour, I had pork and apple. The vegan pasties were tasty too. The scones were very fresh, not dry at all. The cream and jam were perfect too. This cafe has a shop attached to it selling souvenirs too. We sat outside and it's dog friendly. Prices are whats to be expected in a tourist area the staff were polite and brought the food over to us, parking is an issue due to its location in Padstow. Would definitely come here again

Tiarna Westley

24 Jul 2025

I really enjoyed this café — such a warm, welcoming spot! The staff were truly lovely, and the smoothie was absolutely delicious.

geoffrey woods

18 Jul 2025

We had a wonderful hot cup of tea and a warm fruit scone with jam and cream. The waitress was very friendly, professional and smartly dressed. The service was really quick on such a busy day. The caramel ice cream my wife had afterwards was really excellent. It was a lovely setting, overlooking the harbour and it was very clean and tidy.

George Sanders

20 Jun 2025

Such a great place if you are Vegan, plenty of options to choose from, every iteam we tried was a 10/10. Such friendly staff. Would recommend.

Small Acts

03 Jun 2025

What a lovely cafe and place to perch right on the harbour. Liked it so much went back 3 times for coffees, teas, smoothies, pastries and ice cream - all excellent!

Join the Down By The Ferry Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.