Rock, Cornwall: A Family-Friendly Destination

Like most of the Duchy, Rock, in north Cornwall, is a fabulously  family-friendly holiday destination. Much smaller in size and quieter than Padstow or Newquay, it’s positioned on the stunning Camel Estuary.

If you’re looking for things to do in Rock, you’ve come to the right place. Perhaps you’ve chosen Rock for its watersports credentials? Rock’s waterfront is an enthusiast’s dream; there’s a sailing club, access to Rock fishing, and a wide range of on-the-water activities for all the family to enjoy.

Check out some of the hotspot’s highlights for your family holiday in Rock.

Rock watersports, © St Enodoc Hotel

Watersports in Rock

Surrounded by water, Rock is home to a plethora of watersports for the whole family. For those who like thrills and spills, Camel Ski run wakesurf, waterski, wakeboard, inflatable rides, SUP and kayaking sessions, starting from as young as five years old.

Or why not hop onboard one of Wavehunters’ 12-seater RIBs for a family activity? Binoculars and life jackets are provided and all ages will appreciate the views from the water.

Outside of Rock, for something different for competitive families, Retallack Aqua Park is a brilliant adrenaline-filled Cornish attraction. Families can surf the perfect wave whatever the weather on Cornwall’s only FlowRider, providing safe and easy to ride waves. Or take on the challenging inflatable Aqua Park? Featuring separate inflated islands, giant trampoline, ‘stepping stone’ climbing obstacles, tough balance beams and lots more. The race is on with a ‘total wipeout’ style set up.

Cycling near Rock

If you like to bring the bikes or hire bikes on your family holiday, Rock’s access to Padstow makes this a good location for active family days out.

Cornwall’s famous Camel Trail, a flat ‘car-free’ route is the perfect trail for a spot of family cycling. From Rock, cross the estuary using the Black Tor Rock Ferry to Padstow. The ferry runs every 20 minutes taking around 5-10 minutes, and bikes are allowed onboard (small charge) or you can hire bikes once you arrive at Padstow.

The route is 17 miles in total from Bodmin to Padstow, but for younger cyclists we recommend the Padstow to Wadebridge section which is just over 5 miles long. The easy level terrain makes it a safe route to enjoy some off-road terrain making it one of the best ways to entertain the kids while taking in the fresh Cornish air.

Family walks near Rock

Whether you’ve a baby in a carrier, or energetic young ones, a Rock walk is one way to tire out the kids. For a route which isn’t too taxing, follows the dunes from Rock to Daymer Bay, which is around 1.4 miles from Rock, along to Trebetherick Point where you’ll see unusual striped rocks coloured purple and green and the remains of shipwrecks. If you’ve the energy, continue onto Polzeath (roughly 3 miles from Rock) where a rewarding ice cream awaits.