17 of the best things to do in and around Rock, North Cornwall

Call us biased, but we love Rock. Our charming village on the banks of the River Camel makes an excellent location to base yourself on a trip to North Cornwall, in part because of all of the great things to do in the area.

If you’re visiting and wondering how to spend your time, today we’re rounding up some of our favourite things to do in Rock as well as options for getting out into the surrounding area. Whether you feel like staying close by or exploring further afield, you have plenty of choice for enjoying your time here.

Watersports

Perfect for: Adventurous travellers

Rock is a real watersports hotspot, so if you’re inclined towards the adventurous, make sure to give it a go when you’re here. Camel Ski School is an excellent option for doing so and is accredited by the British Water Ski & Wakeboard Federation.

From waterskiing to wakeboarding and from SUP to kayaking, they have a variety of experiences available to book, including options for seasoned watersports fans and complete beginners. If you’re visiting as a family, try out the omnia board, suitable for ages 8 years and up and with no lessons or experience needed. It will definitely be a memorable experience from your time in Cornwall!

If kayaking appeals to you, you can also try Cornish Coast Adventures who offer excellent sea kayak sessions.

Opening hours: 9am-8pm daily; hours may vary seasonally

Postcode: PL27 6LD

SIR JOHN BETJEMAN WALK

Perfect for: Active visitors

A great opportunity to stretch your legs while taking in the landscape, the Sir John Betjeman Walk begins at Rock Quarry car park, making it an ideal option for those visiting the town. The walk traverses sand dunes along the coast, passing Brea Hill, the site of Bronze Age burial mounds, before visiting the grave of former Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman in the churchyard of St Enodoc church.

Being mostly flat with sandy grassland terrain, it’s an excellent choice for keen and novice hikers alike. The route totals a distance of 6km and is circular, finishing in the car park where you started.

Opening hours: Daily, all year round

Postcode: PL27 6LD

ST. ENODOC CHURCH

Perfect for: History and culture lovers

St Enodoc Church is not a large church, but it is a pretty one with a good backstory. It was once covered in sand, with shifting sand dunes burying it so deep that it was only accessible via the roof during the 19th century.

The church was unearthed and restored in 1863, so don’t worry – nowadays visitors don’t need to go in from above. It’s a peaceful spot for reflection and contemplation, with beautiful views overlooking Daymer Bay. The church is accessible from Rock using the Sir John Betjeman Walk but is also 10 minutes from Daymer Bay Car Park if you arrive by car; perfect for combining with some time outdoors and a pub lunch.

Opening hours: Open daily

Postcode: PL27 6SG

TAKE THE BLACK TOR FERRY TO PADSTOW

Perfect for: Everyone!

Opposite Rock and constantly visible from the village is Padstow, a popular town in North Cornwall and one that it would be almost impossible to leave without visiting, since they are so close to each other. Rock and Padstow are connected by the Black Tor Ferry, a service that takes just 10 minutes (versus around 30 minutes by road) but is a fantastic way to cross the water and see both destinations from another viewpoint.

Once you’ve made your way across, Padstow harbour is a wonderful spot for wandering and people watching – especially accompanied by fish and chips or baked treats from some of the local eateries.

Opening hours: Runs daily from 8am – 4:30pm/5:30pm. Ferries run later during the summer holidays. There are no Sunday crossings over the winter months.

Postcode: PL27 6LD

SHARP’S BREWERY TASTING SESSION

Perfect for: Beer fans

Some people are surprised to discover that Sharp’s Brewery, creators of the famous Doom Bar (the UK’s best selling cask beer), is actually based in Rock. Their on-site shop is available to explore if you’re looking to pick up some local beer, but they also offer tasting sessions.

Their secret bar experience tasting session includes a virtual tour, an overview of the brewing process and a full tutored tasting in their specially built tasting room. Try a varied selection of their beers – and get a tasting glass included in your ticket price.

Opening hours: Tastings are in assigned slots and these vary according to the day and season, so check their website for details and booking instructions.

Postcode: PL27 6NU

DAYS OUT FROM ROCK

There are plenty of attractions within easy reach of Rock, so if you’re looking for things to do that take you into other areas of North Cornwall, here are some of our favourite suggestions.

LAPPA VALLEY

A 45 minute drive from Rock is Lappa Valley, an excellent family attraction and one of Cornwall’s best-rated days out. The fun starts with a nostalgic steam train ride into the park, where little visitors can discover boat rides, trains, nature and soft play.

Best for: Families

Location: Newquay, TR8 5LX

LANHYDROCK

This Jacobean country house and estate is in the care of the National Trust. Around half an hour from Rock by road, the property is set in almost a thousand acres of parkland, with fantastic cycle trails, a stunning garden well-known for its magnolias, and of course the house itself.

Best for: Couples and families

Location: PL30 4AB

CAMEL CREEK

Another brilliant day out for groups with children is Camel Creek Family Adventure Park. With rides and attractions, adventure golf, soft play, outdoor play areas and animals, there’s lots to keep a range of ages entertained. You’ll find it just 25 minutes from Rock on the other side of the Camel Estuary.

Best for: Families

Location: PL27 7RA

TINTAGEL CASTLE

For a day out that combines stunning views with local history, the English Heritage site of Tintagel Castle is a must-visit. Just over half an hour from Rock up along the coastline, the castle is reached by a footbridge and is a spot full of legend and mystery – it’s said to be the birthplace of King Arthur!

Best for: History lovers

Location: PL34 0HE

VISIT NEIGHBOURING TOWNS AND VILLAGES

One of the best things about visiting a new place is exploring! There are many towns and villages within easy reach of Rock. If you’re looking to discover more places, try some of these.

PORT ISAAC

One of Cornwall’s traditional fishing villages, Port Isaac is a picturesque spot full of narrow lanes, whitewashed cottages and endless charm. It can be reached in under 20 minutes from Rock by road, and makes an ideal place to while away a few hours exploring.

Postcode district: PL29

NEWQUAY

The coastal town of Newquay is a surfing hotspot with a laid-back feel. Situated south of Rock and a 40 minutes drive away, there are some great options of things to do in the town and surrounding area, including multiple fantastic sandy beaches to choose from, as well as nearby attractions like Newquay Zoo.

Postcode district: TR7

BOSCASTLE

This picturesque harbour village is just over half an hour from Rock. A characterful destination full of quaint buildings and wonky roofs, it’s an ideal place for a wander – particularly for lovers of mystery and literature, for it has many artistic associations.

Postcode district: PL35

WADEBRIDGE

If you’re short on time and don’t want to travel too far, the market town of Wadebridge is just a 15 minutes drive from Rock. It’s well worth a visit, with independent restaurants, cafes and shops as well as a country market every Thursday. It’s even been voted one of the best places to live in Britain!

Postcode district: PL27

Ready to visit Rock? If you’re planning a trip and looking for holiday properties in Rock, browse our self-catering homes today or get in touch if we can help.