Situated on the rugged north coast of Cornwall, Rock stands on the Camel estuary opposite the old fishing port of Padstow. With miles of white sandy beaches on both sides of the estuary it is a wonderful place to spend time throughout the year. Rock is an ideal location to sail, windsurf, water-ski and canoe on the relatively sheltered waters of the estuary, as well as to play golf on the two spectacular links courses of the St.Enodoc Golf Club, which is listed amongst the top 100 courses in Britain.
Rock is particularly well served with shops, including its own baker, butcher, fish-monger, delicatessen, post office, garage(petrol), doctor and paper shop. These are all within walking distance from Seamist.
Rock beach is a 15 minute walk down the hill from Seamist. Alternatively, you can take the car and park in the Ferry Point car park right next to the beach. There is an ice cream shop that also sells buckets and spades, crabbing lines and other useful things. The Blue Tomato restaurant is a great place for some lunch or for just a hot chocolate stop. Walk along Rock beach and you come to the stunning Golf Club beach and eventually to Daymer Bay. Daymer Bay makes a great spot for young children with a beautiful unspoilt beach looking out to sea. It can be reached either by walking along unmade paths down from Seamist, by walking along from Rock Beach or a short ride in the car to Trebetherick and parking in the Daymer Bay car park.
Things to do
Padstow
Padstow, the thriving fishing port just a short ferry ride across the estuary from Rock, is famous for its seafood and increasingly for its restaurants as well as Cornish pasties. The surrounding area is one of outstanding natural beauty with many beautiful beaches. The foot ferry runs continuously during daylight hours and a water taxi can be ordered for evening trips, so an evening out at one of Padstow's restaurants becomes easy and fun. Speedboat trips and sightseeing boat rides run from Padstow's harbour.
Golf
The famous St. Enodoc Golf Club, which dates from 1890, is walking distance from Seamist and runs along the estuary, affording spectacular views out to sea. It has two 18 hole links courses. North Cornwall is a paradise for golfers. There are several other excellent courses within a short drive, including the renowned Trevose course and Roserrow.
Polzeath and Surfing
Polzeath beach is famous for surfing and has some spectacular views. The beach has won a prestigious blue flag award and has an excellent life guard team in attendance every day. Wetsuits and surfboards of all shapes and sizes can be hired in the village. Several surf schools operate on the beach and are an excellent way to learn how to surf.
Sailing and Waterskiing
Sailing and Waterskiing are two very popular activities on the estuary. Sailing boats for hire and tuition are available at Rock Sailing School. Waterskiing can be arranged through the Camel Ski School. Both are located on Rock beach. See contact details below. You may apply to Rock Waterski and Sailing Club to join as a temporary member if you wish.
Fishing and Crabbing
Fishing trips for mackerel and sea bass run from the pontoon on Rock beach. Crabbing from the pontoon can be just as much fun for children too.
Walking
Walkers will enjoy the coastal footpath which runs for miles through spectacular scenery or explore the woods, rivers and moor-land all within a short drive of Rock.
Cycling
Cyclists cannot fail to enjoy the miles of disused railway track - known as the Camel Trail - which runs from Bodmin, through the town of Wadebridge, to Padstow. Hiring bikes locally, from mountain bikes to tandems, could not be easier at several locations in Padstow and Wadebridge and is a must that can be enjoyed by all the family. For the keener cyclist there are countless quiet country lanes to explore.
Gardens
Garden lovers will delight in a wide selection of gardens to visit throughout Cornwall - The Eden Project, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Prideaux Place and many other attractions are all within easy reach.
Tennis
Tennis can be arranged on a number of hard courts which are within a short walk of Seamist.
Rock is particularly well served with shops, including its own baker, butcher, fish-monger, delicatessen, post office, garage(petrol), doctor and paper shop. These are all within walking distance from Seamist.
Rock beach is a 15 minute walk down the hill from Seamist. Alternatively, you can take the car and park in the Ferry Point car park right next to the beach. There is an ice cream shop that also sells buckets and spades, crabbing lines and other useful things. The Blue Tomato restaurant is a great place for some lunch or for just a hot chocolate stop. Walk along Rock beach and you come to the stunning Golf Club beach and eventually to Daymer Bay. Daymer Bay makes a great spot for young children with a beautiful unspoilt beach looking out to sea. It can be reached either by walking along unmade paths down from Seamist, by walking along from Rock Beach or a short ride in the car to Trebetherick and parking in the Daymer Bay car park.
Things to do
Padstow
Padstow, the thriving fishing port just a short ferry ride across the estuary from Rock, is famous for its seafood and increasingly for its restaurants as well as Cornish pasties. The surrounding area is one of outstanding natural beauty with many beautiful beaches. The foot ferry runs continuously during daylight hours and a water taxi can be ordered for evening trips, so an evening out at one of Padstow's restaurants becomes easy and fun. Speedboat trips and sightseeing boat rides run from Padstow's harbour.
Golf
The famous St. Enodoc Golf Club, which dates from 1890, is walking distance from Seamist and runs along the estuary, affording spectacular views out to sea. It has two 18 hole links courses. North Cornwall is a paradise for golfers. There are several other excellent courses within a short drive, including the renowned Trevose course and Roserrow.
Polzeath and Surfing
Polzeath beach is famous for surfing and has some spectacular views. The beach has won a prestigious blue flag award and has an excellent life guard team in attendance every day. Wetsuits and surfboards of all shapes and sizes can be hired in the village. Several surf schools operate on the beach and are an excellent way to learn how to surf.
Sailing and Waterskiing
Sailing and Waterskiing are two very popular activities on the estuary. Sailing boats for hire and tuition are available at Rock Sailing School. Waterskiing can be arranged through the Camel Ski School. Both are located on Rock beach. See contact details below. You may apply to Rock Waterski and Sailing Club to join as a temporary member if you wish.
Fishing and Crabbing
Fishing trips for mackerel and sea bass run from the pontoon on Rock beach. Crabbing from the pontoon can be just as much fun for children too.
Walking
Walkers will enjoy the coastal footpath which runs for miles through spectacular scenery or explore the woods, rivers and moor-land all within a short drive of Rock.
Cycling
Cyclists cannot fail to enjoy the miles of disused railway track - known as the Camel Trail - which runs from Bodmin, through the town of Wadebridge, to Padstow. Hiring bikes locally, from mountain bikes to tandems, could not be easier at several locations in Padstow and Wadebridge and is a must that can be enjoyed by all the family. For the keener cyclist there are countless quiet country lanes to explore.
Gardens
Garden lovers will delight in a wide selection of gardens to visit throughout Cornwall - The Eden Project, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Prideaux Place and many other attractions are all within easy reach.
Tennis
Tennis can be arranged on a number of hard courts which are within a short walk of Seamist.
There is a huge range of really excellent restaurants throughout the area. They can get very booked up and it really is worth reserving a table ahead of your holiday. Some worth trying are:
Useful Contacts
Restaurants
Rick Stein's Fish and Chips
No holiday would be complete without a trip to Rick Stein's fish and chips - 01841 532700 - www.rickstein.com - in Padstow. They are fabulous - either arrive early and queue up for a table or get the takeaway option. Either way it's a great experience and loved by children.
Sandridge
Excellent for sandwiches, coffee and takeaway BBQs in Rock. Everything is freshly prepared to a high standard. The baguettes are really delicious and make an easy picnic for the beach.
Rock Sailing School01208 862881
Cycle Hire - Bridge Bicycles, Wadebridge01208 814545
Surf School - Polzeath01208 862003
Eden Project01726 811911
Lost Gardens Of Heligan01726 845100
Rock Sailing and Waterski Club01208 862708
St Enodoc Golf Club01208 863216
Roserrow Golf Club01208 863000
Camel Ski School01208 862727
Prideaux Place01841 532411
Airport (Newquay)01637 860551
Doctors (Wadebridge)01208 812222
Water taxi to Padstow01208 862217
Fishing trips - Batara Star01208 862727
Tennis - John Bray01208 863206
Vets (Wadebridge)01208 812725
Restaurants
Rock
St. Enodoc Hotel01208 863394
Burridges01208 869399
L'Estuaire01208 862622
Blue Tomato01208 863841
Mariners Restaurant01208 862312
Port Isaac
The Edge01208 880090
Padstow
Rick Steins's Seafood Restaurant01841 532700
St. Petroc01841 532700
Number 601841 532093
Ripleys (St Merryn)01841 520179
Pubs
The Earl of St Vincent (Wadebridge)01208 814807
St Kew Inn (Kew)01208 841259
The Malsters Arms (Chapel Amble)01208 812473
Rick Stein's Fish and Chips
No holiday would be complete without a trip to Rick Stein's fish and chips - 01841 532700 - www.rickstein.com - in Padstow. They are fabulous - either arrive early and queue up for a table or get the takeaway option. Either way it's a great experience and loved by children.
Sandridge
Excellent for sandwiches, coffee and takeaway BBQs in Rock. Everything is freshly prepared to a high standard. The baguettes are really delicious and make an easy picnic for the beach.