Rock Padstow

Rock is a coastal village on the north-east bank of the River Camel estuary, directly opposite Padstow. It lies in the civil parish of St Minver Lowlands, about four miles north-west of Wadebridge. The Black Tor Ferry runs a regular service across the river to Padstow, connecting the two communities.

The village’s original name was Penmayn - Cornish for “the end or head of stones” - recorded as early as 1303. An alternative name, Blaketorre or Black Tor, appeared in 1337, and by the 18th century this had shortened to Black Rock, then simply Rock.

Rock has earned a reputation as one of Cornwall’s most sought-after holiday destinations, sometimes called “Britain’s Saint-Tropez.” The village is a well-established centre for water sports including dinghy racing, waterskiing, windsurfing and sailing. A fine sandy beach stretches south towards Daymer Bay, where the small church of St Enodoc - where John Betjeman is buried - sits among the dunes.

The Camel Trail cycle path runs along the estuary to Wadebridge and beyond to Bodmin. Padstow’s restaurants, harbour and shops are just a short ferry ride away. Rock suits visitors who enjoy being on the water and want easy access to both the estuary and the open coast at Polzeath, a few miles to the north.