The UK seaside town that's a 'cult for brainless sheep' visited by 500k a year

A UK seaside town has been described as a cult visited by "brainless sheep". Padstow in Cornwall is described by tourist officials as a "picturesque fishing port set amidst stunning beaches", which has become a "must-visit foodie destination" thanks to chef Rick Stein. But the popular destination - the town is visited by 500,000 people a year, according to its council - has been critiqued by phil84, who reviews different parts of the UK in TikTok videos.

"To the brainless sheep that come to this random coastal town, its paradise." he said. "To everyone else, its a crowded little snobby pit full of unimaginable holidaymakers, and its all ruled over by one man. Padstow isn't a town; it's a cult." Cornwall, Phil added, used to be a "Celtic realm", but is nowadays a "middle-class traffic jam". "Padstow is a brand. It's cool. Timberland have a store here, and even sell Padstow-themed t-shirts, which is crazy when you think the town only has 2,500 residents."

The content creator goes onto described how the area is "dominated" by Mr Stein "to an almost medieval level".

"I can't tell you how busy Padstow gets," Phil went on. "It's fashionable to come here."

However, he was pleased by the variety of "proper" dog breeds, as it seems that a "pandemic" of cockapoos is "coming to an end".

The TikToker then went out on a speedboat, which was a "bargain" at £10, and saw some baby lobsters, which he described as "weird little things".

Despite calling Mr Stein a "culinary Bond villain", Phil made sure to point out that what his businesses offers is "fairly priced" and "quite good"."If you can avoid the crowds, and you like fish, then Padstow is okay.

"But, just call in. Don't for the love of God, buy a second home here. It's busier than London, that you're trying to escape."

The average sold price for a property in Padstow in the last 12 months is £747,593, according to Zoopla.

Visit Cornwall says that the best way to experience Padstow is by "immersing yourself in its scenic landscape, followed by indulging in the town's renowned culinary scene".

Mr Stein's first restaurant opened in the 1970s, and "paved the way for a dining revolution".

Paul Ainsworth at Number 6, meanwhile, earned its first Michelin Star in 2013.

"But it's not all fine dining here," Visit Cornwall adds. "Padstow offers a tempting mix of cafés, bistros, tapas bars, cosy tearooms, and welcoming pubs scattered around the harbour.

"For a quick bite, indulge in a classic Cornish pasty or fish and chips from the local takeaways."