2 Porthilly Cottages

A two-bedroom cottage in the village of Rock, in a terrace near the waterfront. One double and one twin bedroom sleep 4, sharing one bathroom. A front courtyard garden has table and chairs. The Mariners pub and a village shop are within a short walk, and off-road parking comes with the cottage - useful in high season when street parking on Rock Road fills quickly.

Daymer Bay is 2.4km south along the lane - a wide sheltered beach on the Camel Estuary that is calm enough for paddling and young families. Polzeath, the nearest proper surf beach, is 3.9km north along the coast path and offers consistent Atlantic swell through spring and autumn.

The passenger foot ferry to Padstow runs from Rock Quay, roughly a 10-minute walk from the cottage, and operates year-round. Padstow itself - with its working fish quay, seafood restaurants, and weekly market - is five minutes by water across the Camel. The Camel Trail, a 17-mile cycling and walking route from Padstow to Bodmin, begins at the harbour.

Best for a couple or small family of four wanting a quiet village base with easy access to both estuary swimming and a ferry connection to Padstow for evenings out. Dogs are welcome throughout. Not great for large groups - the single bathroom and two bedrooms are suited to two adults and two children rather than four adults.