Lat 50.5480Β° N, lon 4.9230Β° W●Cornish village

RockCornwall

Rock is a village on the north east bank of the River Camel estuary, directly opposite Padstow.

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Rock at a glance

Rock and Daymer Bay: Camel Estuary sands, the Black Tor Ferry to Padstow and St Enodoc church

Rock is a village on the north east bank of the River Camel estuary, directly opposite Padstow. It lies about 4 miles northwest of Wadebridge in the parish of St Minver Lowlands. Daymer Bay is a little further downstream, west of Trebetherick and about six miles north of Wadebridge.

Rock Beach is a sandy beach with wide views over the estuary, backed by Rock Dunes, a Site of Special Scientific Interest. At low water the sand runs about two miles past Brea Hill to Daymer Bay. Daymer is sheltered with clear water, good for swimming and paddling, and popular with windsurfers and beginner kitesurfers.

The Black Tor Ferry has crossed between Rock and Padstow since at least 1337 and is run today by Padstow Harbour Commissioners. It carries foot passengers, bikes and dogs, and you pay on board by card. Walking round instead means following the Camel Trail inland to Wadebridge and back down the other side.

Rock is a centre for water sports, including dinghy racing, waterskiing and sailing. Rock Sailing Club's headquarters, a converted warehouse on the wharf, is a local landmark, and the Rock lifeboat station was set up in 1994. Sharp's Brewery is based in the village.

Behind the dunes at Daymer Bay stands St Enodoc's Church, where the poet John Betjeman is buried. At low tide a submerged forest is sometimes visible on the beach. Coast paths lead on from Daymer to Polzeath. Buses run from Wadebridge through Rock and Polzeath to Port Isaac.

Planning questions

Frequently asked questions about Rock

How does the Padstow to Rock ferry work?

The Black Tor Ferry is run by Padstow Harbour Commissioners and carries foot passengers and bikes across the Camel Estuary. Fares are single only and paid on board by card or contactless, so you buy a ticket each way. Dogs are welcome. Hours change through the season, with the latest sailings in the summer holidays and a short lunch break each day.

What is there to do in Rock, Cornwall?

Rock is known for sailing, dinghy racing, waterskiing and windsurfing on the estuary. You can walk the sands to Daymer Bay and on to Polzeath, visit St Enodoc's Church, or take the ferry over to Padstow. The area is also good for wildlife watching and coastal walks.

What is Rock beach like?

Rock Beach is a sandy estuary beach facing Padstow, backed by dunes that are a Site of Special Scientific Interest. At low water you can walk about two miles along the sand past Brea Hill to Daymer Bay. Coastal paths lead across the sand to Daymer Bay and on to Polzeath.

Are there pubs in Rock, Cornwall?

Yes. Visit Cornwall says Rock has traditional pubs as well as restaurants with water views, some run by well known chefs. Padstow, a short ferry ride across the estuary, has many more places to eat and drink.

Where is Daymer Bay?

Daymer Bay is on the east side of the Camel Estuary, west of Trebetherick and about six miles north of Wadebridge. Visit Cornwall gives its postcode as PL27 6LA. Brea Hill rises at the southern end, and St Enodoc's Church sits behind the dunes.

Is Daymer Bay good for families?

Visit Cornwall describes Daymer Bay as perfect for families, with sheltered, clear water for swimming and paddling. At low tide the golden sand stretches all the way to Rock. It is also a popular spot for beginner kitesurfers and windsurfers.

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