Rock

Rock sits on the east bank of the Camel Estuary directly opposite Padstow, connected by a water taxi that runs every 20 minutes through the day. The village has become one of Cornwall’s most sought-after holiday destinations, with property prices among the highest in the county. The waterfront is home to several sailing and watersport schools, including the Rock Sailing and Waterski Club. The Mariners pub and Rock’s handful of restaurants and cafes serve the village.

The beach at Rock faces west across the estuary and has calm, shallow water ideal for families and learning to sail or waterski. For surf, Polzeath is about 2 miles north with a reliable beach break. Daymer Bay, a sheltered sandy beach backed by dunes, is about a mile south along the coast path - the church of St Enodoc, where John Betjeman is buried, sits among the dunes between the two.

Rock works well as a base for the north Cornwall coast. The Camel Trail cycle path can be picked up at Wadebridge (4 miles south) and runs along the estuary to Padstow. The water taxi to Padstow gives access to Rick Stein’s restaurants and the harbour without needing to drive. Port Isaac is about 8 miles north. Holiday properties here range from converted barns to large modern houses, and demand is high during school holidays - early booking is recommended.