Padstow to Rock ferry
Every 20 minutes in summer the Padstow to Rock ferry transports foot passengers, their dogs and bicycles to and from Rock to Padstow across the calm waters of River Camel estuary. The Padstow to Rock ferry is even part of the official route for those walking the South West Coast Path. The ferry is known as the Black Tor Ferry.
Ferry timetable and prices
More about the ferry, and any updated operating times and fares here.
Note: In Winter the Rock to Padstow ferry doesn’t operate on Sunday’s.
About the Rock to Padstow ferry
At Rock the Black Tor ferry drops the boarding platform at its bow onto the sand near the main slipway to allow passengers to disembark and board. In just a few minutes, after navigating around the sand bars, you’ll be dropped off on the slipway at Padstow harbour. When the water is very low the ferry stops about half a mile down Rock beach from the slipway.
In Rock you’ll find it’s mostly about sailing dinghies, RIBs, White Stuff, Jack Wills and walking or lounging on the beach. Eat and drink at The Blue Tomato Café, Rock Inn or No.1 Rock Road and you won’t be disappointed.
Padstow might be a compact town but as well as the harbour full of boats and crabbing opportunities it’s packed with a fascinating array of shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs, chip shops, ice cream shops and loads more. A meander through the narrow streets is a half-day very well spent. You can also take a trip on the speedboats or fishing boats that set out from Padstow.
The Black Tor ferry is a Seakeeper 715 model and is run by Padstow Harbour Commissioners.
Apparently there’s been a ferry at Black Rock Passage since 1337. So you’ll be following in the footsteps of many thousands of people over the years.
A trip on the Padstow to Rock ferry is unforgettable, for all the right reasons.
