Rock sits directly across the Camel Estuary from Padstow. It sprawls across gently undulating green hills, rather than being the typical Cornish fisherman’s town of whitewashed cottages jumbled together, hugging a harbour, and is renowned for its fabulous sandy beach. The best places to stay in Rock are a disparate bunch but our favourite is a luxurious family friendly hotel with stunning views and fantastic facilities for all ages.

As well as being brilliant for families, Rock is also very popular with surfers, sailors, and windsurfers. As you get closer to the mouth of the estuary the winds become more interesting, and there are some long shallow stretches where conditions are ideal. Rock’s rolling sand dunes are as much a draw for families as the rock pools, soft sand and safe swimming conditions, but they’re also popular with birdwatchers and walkers.

Rock is a good option for couples looking for a romantic escape. There are some fantastic places to eat and drink around here with some exceptional local seafood to be savoured — Rick Stein and Paul Ainsworth's Padstow offerings spring to mind — and there are a couple of excellent delis and cafes if you fancy something lower key...Not to mention the pubs and more relaxed bars and restaurants.

As with all popular locations in Cornwall, the best places to stay in Rock are incredibly busy during the peak summer months. So if you want to ensure a room in July or August, get organised and book well ahead!

The Best Places to stay in Rock

For Families

• The St Enodoc Hotel is every bit the classic seaside hotel, set on a ridge overlooking Rock, with great views over the Camel Estuary beyond. Inside are 20, airy rooms in a good range of sizes, decorated with contemporary style, arty prints, and a nod to the seaside location. There’s also a lively restaurant with a contemporary menu and a wonderful terrace, plus a chic, fine dining option with a six or nine course tasting menu. The family suites are a good size, there’s lots to do locally, and the service is really warm and welcoming for families. Other notable features are the excellent facilities, including games room, outdoor pool and Elemis Spa.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Rock’s closest airport is Cornwall Airport Newquay, which is about half an hour away by car or cab, or about an hour by bus to Padstow, and then a trip across the Camel on the ferry. Exeter Airport is on the opposite coastline, about an hour and a half away by road, or two and a half hours by train, bus and ferry via Padstow. If you’re travelling via London it’s about four and a half hours in the car, or about the same by train from Paddington.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Rock is definitely busiest in the summer, when it becomes an absolutely idyllic sun, sea and sand destination for families. Once the schools start breaking up in late June Rock starts buzzing, and there’s plenty of buzz during the other school holidays as well — it can be absolutely lovely at Christmas. Outside of the holidays you can get much more affordable rates, and a charmingly relaxed attitude. If you do visit out of season make sure you check to see what is and isn’t open, and whenever you visit it’s a good idea to pack your wet weather gear.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Cornwall
• Include neighbours like the best places to stay in Padstow across the estuary, or the best places to stay in Port Isaac which is about 20 minutes away by car.
• Refine your search by the type of accommodation you’re looking for and consider the best hotels in Cornwall for families, Cornwall’s best pubs-with-rooms, the most romantic hotels in Cornwall or Cornwall’s best sea view hotels
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.