TREALLEN ROCK Review: a family-friendly holiday home in Cornwall
An honest review of our two-night family stay at TREALLEN ROCK with EVLA Stay, plus things to do and places to eat in Rock and Padstow.
Ad /Gifted stay: EVLA Stay kindly invited us to stay at TREALLEN ROCK in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and experiences are my own. This article contains tracked booking links to EVLA Stay.
A family weekend in Rock, Cornwall
When I think of Rock, I think of, well, to be blunt, a quite posh part of Cornwall, with multi-million pound houses and celebrity chefs. You know who I mean. I’d only visited once before and never stayed there, so perhaps my impression was a little influenced by what you see on television and social media.
But Rock has a lot more going for it than fancy houses and famous people. There are beautiful beaches, plenty of wonderful places to eat and Padstow is just across the Camel Estuary. We were invited to spend two nights at TREALLEN ROCK with EVLA Stay, a modern three-bedroom holiday home sleeping six, and it was a lovely excuse to explore more of North Cornwall.
Now, I’m not going to lie, I do love a hotel. However, self-catering has its advantages when you’ve got children. You can come and go as you please, eat out or stay in, and spread out without feeling you’re on top of each other. TREALLEN ROCK had enormous comfortable beds, a cosy fire and lots of thoughtful touches. We settled in rather quickly. Of course, it wouldn’t be a family weekend without a few mishaps. I will explain later!
In this article
- TREALLEN ROCK at a Glance
- Location, Parking and Nearby Essentials
- Inside TREALLEN ROCK: What Was It Like?
- Things to Do in Rock and Padstow With Children
- Where We Ate in Rock and Padstow
- What We Loved — and What to Know Before Booking
- Booking TREALLEN ROCK With EVLA Stay
TREALLEN ROCK at a glance
- Location: Rock, North Cornwall, set in its own grounds at the end of a private drive
- Sleeps: Six across three bedrooms (super king, king and zip-and-link bed that can be configured as a super king or two full-size singles)
- Bathrooms: Two upstairs, including an ensuite, plus a downstairs WC
- Parking: Private parking for two cars
- Family extras: Toys and games in a games room, children’s plates and cups, and a high chair
- Other useful bits: Wi-Fi included
- Outside: West-facing garden, patio, outdoor seating, BBQ and seasonal hot tub (July and August only)
- Pets: Pet-free property
Location, parking and nearby essentials
TREALLEN ROCK is in the coastal village of Rock, across the estuary from Padstow. The house is set in its own grounds at the end of a private drive, with countryside views to the rear. Personally, I liked how peaceful it was. We even heard owls hooting at night, which was lovely.
There’s private parking for two cars. Having somewhere to park makes life easier when travelling with children and the copious amount of luggage that somehow comes with them!
What’s Within Walking Distance of TREALLEN ROCK?
One thing I always want to know when staying somewhere self-catering is whether there’s somewhere nearby to pick up essentials. It’s all very well having lovely restaurants nearby, but sometimes you just need milk and emergency snacks. Actually, who am I kidding? We always need snacks!
Luckily, there are quite a few useful places within walking distance of TREALLEN ROCK.
Here’s what’s nearby:
- The Pityme Inn – 4-minute walk
- Rock Fish & Chips – 6-minute walk
- Convenience store – 6-minute walk (next to the fish and chip shop)
- Bluntrock Brewery – 8-minute walk (one I’d highly recommend!)
- Trewint Lane children’s play area – 13-minute walk, outside St Minver Community Hub
- Rock to Padstow passenger ferry – approximately 25-minute walk
Please note that these are approximate walking times based on our own experience and may vary depending on your pace.
A little further along Rock Road, you’ll also find a fishmonger, butcher, Malcolm Barnecutts bakery and Fee’s Deli. Everything you need for a self-catering holiday.
We used the convenience store during our stay, although we didn’t get around to trying the fish and chip takeaway. It’s handy to know it’s there if you fancy an easy evening without cooking, and having a play area nearby is another bonus when travelling with children.
Although the ferry is walkable, we decided to drive with our six-year-old because we knew he’d be tired after a day exploring Padstow. Rock car park was around a six-minute drive away when we visited, and we found driving really straightforward. It worked well for us because we could keep everything we needed in the car and head straight off on our next adventure without returning to the house.
My advice….if you’re visiting during the school holidays, get yourselves up and out early, particularly if you’re heading to popular places like Padstow. I probably sound like a broken record, but it’s something I always recommend when exploring Cornwall!
Inside TREALLEN ROCK: What was it like?
We arrived on Friday evening, when it was already dark and starting to get chilly. The heating was on, the fire was cosy and we were ready to unpack and settle in.
There was a lovely selection of welcome treats waiting for us, including milk in the fridge. The treats are all sourced from Cornwall, although the selection may vary between stays. I can confirm that those little touches really do make a difference. We felt right at home.
Living rooms and space to spread out
The main TV room had two big comfortable sofas, a huge television and an electric fire that we became slightly obsessed with over the weekend. It was easy to use too, always a bonus. There were lots of streaming options to choose from, so plenty to keep everyone entertained after a day out in the Cornish weather.
There was also a separate games room with another sofa, toys, games and space for a laptop. I thought that was a really useful feature, particularly if you’re staying with extended family or friends. Everyone can do their own thing without being on top of each other.
The bedrooms and bathrooms
The beds were possibly my favourite thing in the house. They were enormous! The main bedroom had a super king bed and an ensuite, the second bedroom had a king-size bed, and the third had a zip-and-link bed, which can be made up as either a super king or two full-size single beds.
All three were spacious, and the mattress in our room was so comfortable I’d genuinely like to know where it came from!
Full disclosure: our son ended up sleeping in with us because we were somewhere unfamiliar. But the bed was so big there was still room for all three of us, and we slept really well. There are two bathrooms upstairs, including the ensuite, plus a downstairs WC. Never underestimate the value of enough bathrooms when everyone’s trying to get ready to go out.
Kitchen, dining and my breakfast disaster
The kitchen was well equipped, with a cooker, hob, dishwasher and everything we needed. There was also a dining table seating six, where we had breakfast and snacks. We didn’t cook a full evening meal, but the facilities were there if we had wanted to, which is especially handy if you’re staying for longer.
I appreciated the children’s cups and plates, and I spotted a high chair too. It’s those practical things that make travelling with younger children easier. I love being able to eat out when I fancy it but also make breakfast without having to get everyone dressed and out of the door.
Although, in my case, breakfast didn’t go entirely to plan. I managed to burn the toast and set off the smart smoke alarm, which very helpfully announced there was a fire in the kitchen. I panicked that it might send an alert to the owners telling them I was burning down the house. So that went well!
On the plus side, at least I confirmed the alarm worked. You’re welcome, TREALLEN ROCK.
The Garden and family-friendly touches
Outside, there’s a west-facing garden with a patio, seating, a BBQ and a grassy area where children can play. There’s also a seasonal hot tub, available during July and August only. We were there in October, so we spent more time exploring than sitting outdoors, but I can imagine enjoying a drink there on a summer evening.
As a mum, I always notice whether accommodation genuinely works for families rather than simply ‘allowing’ children to stay. Between the toys, high chair, children’s crockery, separate living spaces and easy-to-use heating, I thought TREALLEN ROCK had made a real effort. The Wi-Fi worked well for us too. It felt like somewhere you could comfortably stay for a week, not just a weekend.
Things to do in Rock and Padstow with children
One of the best things about staying in Rock is how much there is to explore nearby. We managed quite a bit in two nights, despite the mixed October weather.
Catch the ferry from Rock to Padstow
Taking the passenger ferry across to Padstow was one of our favourite parts of the weekend. The crossing takes roughly ten minutes and feels like a little adventure in itself for children. We parked at Rock and paid for a longer stay so we could explore without rushing back. Where you board can vary with the tide, so check the arrangements on the day.
Padstow has plenty of independent shops, cafés and restaurants, and I love having a nose around. I mean, how often do you find a shop dedicated to Christmas in a Cornish harbour? Or a dedicated bear shop? Speaking of the bear shop, we wandered around and somehow ended up buying yet another teddy bear from Abbey Bears. Consider yourself warned.
The National Lobster Hatchery
We visited the National Lobster Hatchery while we were in Padstow. It’s a fascinating little attraction where you can learn about lobsters and the conservation work being done to support them. We spent around an hour there, so it’s not an all-day outing, but our son enjoyed the colouring and we all had a laugh at one of the videos.
A member of staff told us about the baby lobsters, what they eat and where they’re released around Cornwall. I’d love to take our son to see a release one day; I think children would really connect with seeing that work happening in the wild.
Our tickets also allowed return visits during the rest of the year, although I’d check the current ticket terms before you go.
Visit Daymer Bay
We also visited Daymer Bay, a beautiful sandy beach near Rock. October in Cornwall doesn’t always mean sunshine, and we ended up playing football in the rain. We always keep a football in the car — boy mum stuff! The tide was out, leaving lots of space to explore, and I’d happily go back in better weather.
We accessed the beach by steps from the car park, which is worth knowing if you’ve got a pushchair. Parking was £1 for 30 minutes when we visited, so keep an eye on the cost if you’re planning a longer stop. Car parking prices are eye watering these days.
Trevathan Farm shop and restaurant
We also made time for a farm-shop stop. Always a good idea in my book! Trevathan Farm Shop and restaurant was roughly 10 minutes from the house, and although it was raining again, our son was happy because there were £1 coin-operated tractors and diggers. We also spotted play equipment, a big slide, alpacas and sheep, plus pumpkin picking for the season.
Inside, the shop had plenty of local food, frozen goods, vegetables, biscuits and other goodies. Farm shops aren’t always the cheapest, but I like supporting local producers and discovering things I wouldn’t normally find in a supermarket. There was also a restaurant, which we didn’t try this time. That’s on the list for another visit.
Next time we visit Rock and Padstow I’d love to cycle part of the Camel Trail, spend longer in Polzeath and finally explore Port Isaac and Tintagel. Two nights really wasn’t enough to do everything.
Where we ate in Rock and Padstow
Naturally, no Cornwall Travel Mum weekend would be complete without finding some good food! Rock and Padstow have everything from bakeries and relaxed pubs to rather special restaurants, and we made the most of it.
The Mariners, Rock
I’d heard so much about The Mariners that visiting was an absolute must for me. It deserves a separate review, which I’ll hopefully write soon, but here’s the short version: we really enjoyed it!
It was busy even at 4.30pm on a Saturday, so my biggest tip is book ahead. We got the last early table; the next available time was around 8.30pm, which would have been far too late for us with a six-year-old. We sat downstairs, although I’d quite like to try the upstairs dining area next time.
The staff were lovely, chatting and having a laugh with us, and our son was given colouring pencils and an activity sheet. They also catered for his dairy allergy, which is always important to us when eating out. We sat near a window looking towards the water, although outside seating can interrupt the view.
I ordered the fish and chips. I mean, how often do I get to eat at a Paul Ainsworth pub? Sometimes you’ve just got to treat yourself! The fish was enormous and absolutely lovely, so I’m glad I went for it. Our son had fish and chips too, and we were so full we didn’t manage dessert. I’m still slightly annoyed about that!
Would I take children? Yes, based on our visit. It was welcoming and the food appealed to us all, although downstairs might be a bit lively later in the evening. Next time I’d be tempted to book upstairs.
Padstow Brewing Company
We didn’t eat here, but stopped for a drink and a rest. We’ve visited before and I really like it as an escape from the Padstow crowds. It’s on Duke Street in a former post office, with lovely light, friendly staff and a relaxed atmosphere. I’m not sure whether I should gatekeep this one, but I think it deserves more credit. We found it welcoming with our son, too.
Malcolm Barnecutts, Padstow
We picked up some absolutely enormous baps from Malcolm Barnecutts. One was made especially for our son to suit his dairy allergy and food preferences, which was appreciated. Mine was so big it lasted two days! There were plenty of cakes and other baked goods too, so naturally I may need another visit to investigate properly.
And a quick mention for Cherry Trees Coffee House, which I’ve visited on other occasions and would recommend to anyone who loves a good cake.
What we loved — and what to know before booking
For me, the best thing about TREALLEN ROCK was having somewhere lovely to come back to after a day exploring. We could hop on a ferry, visit beaches, eat out and discover new places, then return to a comfortable house where everyone could relax. The beds were wonderful, the fire was cosy and those little family friendly touches made a difference.
A couple of practical things are worth knowing. TREALLEN ROCK isn’t a waterfront location, and the ferry crossing is not immediately on the doorstep. However, we found the short drive to Rock car park really easy, and having everything in the car meant we could carry on exploring elsewhere without having to pop back to the house. With a six-year-old, that suited us perfectly!
I think TREALLEN ROCK would particularly suit families, extended family or friends wanting space to spend time together while exploring North Cornwall. It’s more of a luxury family holiday home, but travelling together could help you share the cost, provided you stay within the maximum occupancy of six. The property is pet-free, too.
I’d happily stay again, especially with a bit more time to explore. I’d probably bring friends with us or extended family next time. And perhaps I’ll manage breakfast without setting off the smoke alarm. No promises on that, though!
Book TREALLEN ROCK with EVLA Stay
Looking for a spacious, family-friendly holiday home in Rock, Cornwall?
You can check prices, see availability and book TREALLEN ROCK directly through EVLA Stay using the link below.
Get 10% off with Cornwall Travel Mum! Use code: CTM10
EVLA Stay has kindly offered my readers an exclusive discount.
Use code CTM10 at checkout to save 10% on eligible direct bookings with EVLA Stay for stays taken before 30 October 2027.
A few things to know: The offer applies to stays of 3–7 nights and cannot be combined with other offers or applied to existing bookings. TREALLEN ROCK is a pet-free holiday home. All bookings are subject to EVLA Stay’s prevailing terms and conditions, which may change without notice.
You can also explore TREALLEN ROCK and EVLA Stay’s other accommodation in Rock.
Our stay at TREALLEN ROCK was kindly gifted by EVLA Stay. As always, all experiences and opinions shared in this review are entirely our own.
