- Take in the views on the magnificent Camel Trail
- Look around the fascinating St. Enodoc Church
- Sample the gourmet food at the Michelin-starred restaurant, the Black Pig
Two very close, charming little towns on the North Cornwall coast, Rock and Polzeath are beautiful coastal retreats with some stunning views of both the ocean and Cornish countryside. Perfect for all kinds of watersports, including sailing, waterskiing and surfing as well as being on the beautiful Camel Trail, Rock and Polzeath make for a relaxing place to holiday.
A quick ferry ride will take you to Padstow, with its Rick Stein influenced cuisine and classic seaside feel. Beaches are dotted around the area, from sunny, sandy coves perfect for families, to the shingle of Polzeath with its ideal surfing conditions, there really is something for everyone. Great attraction in Newquay and the wider Cornwall are easily accessible from this part of the world, making it an ideal base for holidaying young families.
Food and Drink
Rock boast one of only two Michelin starred restaurants in Cornwall; the Black Pig. A Nathan Outlaw offering, this charming restaurant offers the ultimate in luxury dining, finished with paintings on loan from the Padstow gallery. As well as offering the latest in haute cuisine, Rock and Polzeath also boast a fair number of charming cafes and pubs. For real ale and traditional pub fare, look no further than the Doom Bar in Polzeath, or the Carpenters Arms and Oystercatcher in Rock. Finns, The Galleon Cafe and the Hungry Surfer are pleasant beach-side cafes. A quick trip over the river to Padstow will present you with a number of fantastic culinary delights, many of which come from top celebrity chef Rick Stein.
Family Attractions
Rock and Polzeath make for a great base to explore the wider Cornwall during your stay. A trip over the river will take you to the enchanting classic seaside town of Padstow, complete with its fish and chip shops and bucket and spade beaches. A short drive will take you to many family friendly attractions in the area, including the Cornish Birds of Prey Centre, Newquay Zoo and the Blue Reef Aquarium. Staying in the towns, the history of St. Enodoc Church is fascinating to explore, while a great family day out can be enjoyed on the Camel Trail. This 18 mile stretch of unspoilt countryside is perfect for a walk or bike ride, with cycle hire available in Padstow.
Shopping
The village shop in Rock is well stocked with fine wine and cheeses for a little indulgence, while Fish merchants and a deli will cater for your culinary requirements during your stay. Polzeath boasts two small supermarkets as well as a variety of clothes, surf and gift shops, and a short trip into Padstow will open up the world of Rick Stein, with his bakery, deli and cake shop offering you the finest in local produce. Padstow also plays host to a Farm Shop which will cater for all your fresh fruit and vegetable needs with delicious locally sourced produce.
History
Polzeath was one of the favoured haunt of former poet laureate Sir John Ben Betjeman, with the natural beauty of the area clearly inspiring him. He is buried at St Enodoc Church, Rock, which itself has a fascinating past. The church is oft referred to as’ Sinking Neddy’ by locals, as it was engulfed by the sand around 200 years ago. It became so swamped that the only way to get in was through the roof. Today, Rock and Polzeath are gorgeous coastal towns nestled on the Camel Estuary, with opulent local and visitors making for a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere.
Activities
Both Rock and Polzeath are brimming with fun activities to enjoy during your stay. Surfers can catch some waves at Polzeath beach, with numerous places in the town offering board and equipment hire. Fishing on the River Camel is another option, with permits for sale in Polzeath. IT seems watersports are clearly the main source of fun in the area, with water skiing, rowing, canoeing, and sailing all waiting to be enjoyed on the tranquil waters of Rock harbour. A round of golf can be played at St. Enodoc Golf Club in Rock or at Roserrow Golf and Country Club in Polzeath.
Events and Entertainment
A pleasant trip over the water to Padstow in May will allow you to enjoy the annual Obby Oss Festival (derived from the corruption of ‘hobby horse’) which takes place on the first week of May to mark the start of the summer. Songs, shanty and a carnival atmosphere await visitors, while the spooky Obby Oss himself always makes an appearance! For festive cheer, the Christmas Festival is another top quality local event that really encapsulates the festive spirit. Beautifully lit processions, cookery demonstrations and fireworks all keep the yuletide atmosphere flowing. For film buffs, the nearest cinema is a drive away to Wadebridge.
Beaches
For a decent surfing beach, look no further than Polzeath beach, with its excellent conditions perfect for catching some waves. Its shingle beach does not make it ideal for sunbathing or families, so if you and the kids fancy a day on the sand, Daymer Bay is a short drive from Rock, Rock beach is on the outskirts of the town and Lundy Bay is just outside Polzeath, all of which offer safe bathing, ideal for families or those wanting to top up their tan.
Travel
Travelling to Rock and Polzeath can be done in a variety of ways. A National Express route runs to nearby Wadebridge, and from there a bus service will take you into the towns themselves. The nearest train station is Bodmin Parkway, and from here a bus routes will take you the rest of the way. The nearest airport is just outside Newquay, around 10 miles away and easily accessible by road. Internal public transport is cheap and reliable, with three bus companies operating in the region. A ferry links Rock to Padstow, and for later evenings there is a water taxi to head back after hours.