Rock is a village in North Cornwall located just round the first bend in the estuary mouth on the North-Eastern bank of the River Camel, adjacent to the harbour port of Padstow. The name Rock is thought to have originated from the rock quarry which was used as a source of ballast for sailing boats that had off loaded their cargo at Padstow Harbour. The quarry is now a car park. Rock is a very popular destination for the more affluent tourists and holiday makers.

There are several reasons why tourists are attracted to Rock, from the long fine sandy beach that, at low tide, continues round Brea Hill to the crescent bay at Daymer, to the vast range of water sports that are catered for. Not to mention the five star food and accommodation that can be found at Rock.

Five Star Review

Accommodation in this area is generally higher in price than nearby Polzeath and Padstow. Not that the quality differs, it is mainly due to it's stunning location. Views of the busy harbour across the Estuary at Padstow and stunning sunsets both in winter and summer, coupled with the many golden white sandy beaches that adorn the estuary mouth. The cuisine on offer is varied both in price and quality.

Boat Charter is available for those who do not own a craft
and moorings are in abundance for those who do. Rock has a mild climate all year due to its location and self catered properties are in high demand.

Luxury Self Catering accommodation is available in the Rock and Daymer Bay area. more..

Rock

Rock has been referred to as 'Britain's Saint-Tropez'and the 'Kensington of Cornwall' due to its popularity with the very affluent and upper-class holiday-makers, including the third in the line of succession to the British Throne, Prince Harry and what the Daily Telegraph calls 'Hoorays'. Popular names such as Hugh Grant and Jemima Khan, the Rothschilds, the Sainsburys, the Freuds, the Al Fayeds,and Harry Enfield have also holidayed here. Affluent holidaymakers, including Mohammed Al Fayed and Jay Kay of Jamiroquai, have made use of the nearby helipad. It is now home to some fancy boutiques and upscale restaurants. more...

Camel Estuary

The Camel Estuary lends itself well to windsurfing, sailing, boating and fishing. There is a well-known sailing Club on the waterfront. There is also an annual swimming race across the Camel. The Black Tor Ferry operates across the river to the town of Padstow, and this is a major source of tourist traffic through Rock.

Porthilly

Porthilly Hamlet and Porthilly Church are easily located by turning left as you enter the lower Rock road, and follow the narrow lane down to the Church car park. There is a lovely little craft shop here. The Church is open to the public. Limited access to the estuary.

Rock Info

Self catering accommodation at Rock in north Cornwall is ideally suited to those
whom wish to enjoy the delights of the Camel Estuary. All types of water sports
are practised on the River Camel. Water skiing and Windsurfing prove very popular
in Summer and Winter. The stunning views across the estuary to Padstow and Padstow Harbour, which is a working port, and inland to the iron railway bridge that now forms part of the link between Padstow and Wadebridge that is the Camel Trail , are worth the premium. Watching the sun set across the water creates some of the most spectacular skylines any where, and it is
easy to see why this locale is so highly prized has a holiday destination. If you are fortunate enough to find self catering apartments or houses that overlook the river, you can lose hours just watching the estuary wild life and Human activity. more...