A short crossing with tide-dependent landings / PADSTOW

Padstow to Rock ferry

Cross the Camel Estuary from Padstow for a different view back towards the town. The ferry links two separate places: Rock is on the opposite bank, and a return involves another crossing. Make the trip a modest outing with time to enjoy the arrival area, rather than treating it as an automatic connection to every beach farther along the coast.

Black Tor II passenger ferry at Padstow — Photo: Nick Birse

Before you go

Check the landing points as well as the last return. The operator publishes separate pontoon, slipway and low-tide points, and the final Rock departure is earlier than the final Padstow sailing.

The practical details

Where to find it: Padstow-side departure around North Quay or its advertised low-tide point; arrival in Rock, across the Camel Estuary in Cornwall.
Directions and arrival information ↗
Tickets and booking: Pay on the ferry by contactless card. Only single tickets are sold, so pay separately in each direction. Hours change through the year, with a winter lunch break; consult the current timetable and conditions before setting out.
Access and getting around: Boarding arrangements change with the tide. Contact the ferry on 07773 081574 about the landings and assistance available for your intended crossing if you use a wheelchair, walking aid or pushchair; do not assume the same access at both ends throughout the day.
Official access information ↗
Visiting with children: Keep children with you at boarding points and follow the crew’s seating instructions. Leave a return-time margin and choose a town-based alternative if conditions or the approach to the landing do not suit the family.

Practical information checked 15 September 2026. Confirm anything essential to your visit with the venue.

Make it part of your day

Allow allow 1–2 hours for queues, crossings and a short pause in rock for the visit, plus travel and breaks. This is a suggested planning allowance; opening times, access and availability may affect your plans.

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