Top 10 things to do in and around the Camel Estuary

There's so much more to do in and around this area aside from visiting Padstow. We asked holiday letting agency Latitude50, who are based in the village of Rock, for their top 10 picks for things to do in and around the Camel Estuary.

1. Immerse yourself in the Rock lifestyle

Rock's unique waterside position, boating culture and relaxed, trendy vibe make it a world class holiday destination. With its wide estuary and waters sheltered from the Atlantic Ocean by the infamous Doom Bar, Rock is the place to sail and water ski. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or a boating beginner, it’s easy to get out on the water. After working up an appetite, walk the Rock Road and discover a fantastic array of eateries. Experience fine dining at The Dining Room, local ale paired with local produce at Nathan Outlaw's pub The Mariners and a meal with a view at The Rock Inn.

2. Hop on the ferry to Padstow

A holiday wouldn’t be complete without a ride on the ferry from Rock beach across the calm waters of the Camel Estuary to the harbour town of Padstow. You can even bring your four-legged friend along for the ride too! Take in the spectacular scenery and enjoy the salty sea breeze before strolling along the harbour where you can watch the fishing boats bob on the water below. Here you can sample Rick Stein’s famous fish and chips followed by a locally made ice-cream for desert (we recommend Kelly’s chocolate!).

3. Discover Porthilly Cove

Hidden away off the beaten track, Porthilly Cove is a wonderful discovery just around the corner from the well-trodden sands of Rock beach. Porthilly is a tranquil haven for evening barbecues, dog-walks and watersports. If you have ever sampled a Porthilly muscle or oyster, here is where they are farmed. You can often see baskets full of fresh oysters lining the shore. You can’t visit Porthilly without having a look inside St Michael's Church. Steeped in history, its location alone is enough to take your breath away. Perched majestically above the estuary, separated by a sea wall with steps leading down to the sand, this picture postcard church is popular for weddings.

4. Walk the South West Coast Path

With one of the beautiful stretches of coastline in the UK, walkers and explorers will be spoilt for choice here. Our personal favourite is the stretch from Polzeath, taking in the dizzying heights of Pentire Point. The climb is rewarded with spectacular view back towards Polzeath and the Camel Estuary. Keep your eye out for seals and dolphins in the water below. Keep walking and you will stumble upon The Rumps, a fantastic rock formation that is well worth seeing. From here you can carry on walking to Port Quin, Port Isaac and beyond. Check out the area here.

5. The Brea Hill Challenge

Nestled between Rock and Polzeath, Daymer Bay is a coastal haven with a sloping beach, safe waters and rugged sand dunes. On calm days, its shelter makes Daymer Bay a popular spot for swimming, while wind surfers and water sports enthusiasts flock here when the breeze gets up. Brea Hill rises above the soft golden sands. Challenge your family to a race to the summit and catch your breath whilst taking in spectacular views of the Camel Estuary out to sea.

6. Visit the resting place of Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman

A trip to Daymer Bay wouldn’t be complete without taking in the endearingly crooked spire of St Enodoc Church, which can be found nested within the rolling greens of the world-famous St Enodoc Golf Course. This fantastically historic church is the resting place of the famous Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman who spent much of his childhood in the area. This inspired many of his poems which you won’t find hard to believe with the scenery you find yourself surrounded by.

7. Rockpooling at Greenaway Bay

Hidden between Daymer Bay and Polzeath and undiscovered by many, Greenaway Bay is a beautiful beach, perfect for rock pooling if you catch the tide right. Accessed via the South West Coast Path and down a set of stone steps, this sheltered beach is the perfect spot for a beach barbecue or picnic. Here you can escape the crowds and enjoy exploring the rock pools, hunting for shells and soaking up the Cornish sunshine.

8. Indulge in a British heritage at Polzeath

The white rollers of Polzeath are world famous. Fantastic surf conditions coupled with quality surf schools makes it the ultimate place to learn or improve your surfing. However, if you want to try something a bit different, how about a spot of bellyboarding in the white water? There is something beautiful in the simplicity and timelessness of wave riding on a hand crafted bellyboard. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Surfside on the beach for a delicious lobster roll and a cheeky rum cocktail.

9. Beach bonfires at Baby Bay

Officially known as Pentireglaze Haven but fondly nicknamed 'Baby Bay' by locals, this small inlet is separated from Polzeath at high tide and can be accessed via an amble down the pretty coast path from New Polzeath. This is the ideal place to enjoy time away from the crowds whether it's a relaxed beach day together or a romantic evening stroll. Sheltered by headlands to either side, Baby Bay offers a calm refuge for beach bonfires and barbecues. Spend quality time with friends and family sharing tales of the day gone by as the flames flicker and the marshmallows toast away.

10. Experience the best self-catering property in Cornwall

After a day’s adventures, what better place to fest your feet than Carn Mar, a salt-kissed, clifftop hideaway perched above Polzeath beach. Quite literally, the best self-catering accommodation in Cornwall (as voted by the Cornwall Tourism Awards), Carn Mar is a seriously special holiday home. Sleeping 14, this luxurious and spacious property has world-class interiors, panoramic sea views and direct beach access. Carn Mar can be booked through Latitude50, who specialise in breathtaking coastal properties in and around Polzeath, Rock, Daymer Bay and Port Isaac.