Gordon Ramsay's beautiful UK holiday destination is growing in popularity – what to see and do
Cornwall's reputation as a tourist hotspot has just received a major boost thanks to Gordon Ramsay. Netflix launched the series Being Gordon Ramsay last month, following the celebrity chef as he opens his newest venture – a cluster of restaurants at 22 Bishopsgate in London.While the series largely focuses on Ramsay's culinary expertise, it also offers glimpses into his family life and Cornish getaways. Ramsay gave viewers a tour of his Cornwall bolthole in the picturesque village of Rock, describing it as his escape from London's fast pace.The village boasts numerous beautiful holiday cottages, with prices beginning at £412 for Trevanger Farm Cottage, for example.There's also the upmarket Upper Deck, which sleeps six and has four-night stays costing around £1,469.Elliot Walker, editor of local travel guide Cool Cornwall, said: "We always knew Rock was pretty special. But its appearance in a top TV show has dramatically boosted its fame and appeal. It's wonderful to see more people discovering what those of us in Cornwall have quietly cherished for years."Nestled on the Camel Estuary in north Cornwall, Rock sits directly opposite the ever-popular holiday destination of Padstow. Long adored by affluent second-home owners and sailing devotees alike, it has firmly established itself as one of the county's most strikingly beautiful locations.Frequently compared to the "Saint-Tropez of Cornwall", it comes as little surprise that Ramsay has chosen this coastal treasure as his go-to holiday retreat for years, even splashing out a whopping £9.65 million on a neighbouring property."Anyone who visits Rock will understand why Gordon Ramsay has chosen this as his out-of-London retreat. The estuary views, dune-backed sandy beaches, lovely coastal walks, watersports such as sailing and wakeboarding, as well as several great restaurants and pubs, make this a truly special place to spend time," Elliot added.To help prospective visitors get the very best out of their trip to Rock's stunning coastline, Cool Cornwall has put together a handy local guide to the area, shining a spotlight on the finest attractions and activities on offer.From exploring Daymer Bay and rockpooling at Greenaway Beach, to scaling Brea Hill or dining at celebrity chef and Ramsay's pal Paul Ainsworth's The Mariners restaurant, there's no shortage of things to keep you busy during a weekend break or week-long escape.Elliot described Rock as a "wonderfully laid-back, naturally beautiful destination with real soul", and expressed his hope that visitors will come to cherish it for far more than its recent celebrity connections. "Rock has been quietly doing its own thing for years, and it will carry on doing so long after the cameras have moved on," he added."If the documentary is what brings people here for the first time, brilliant. But we'd love them to stay a little longer, explore a little further, and leave with a genuine feel for what makes this corner of Cornwall so special."Drawing in millions of visitors every year, Cornwall has long been a treasured destination for Britons seeking a seaside escape, boasting golden beaches and crystal-clear waters. The county has equally captured the imagination of film and television producers, with hit productions including Poldark and James Bond making full use of its breathtaking coastline as a backdrop."Cornwall is no stranger to appearances on screen," Elliot said. "Each time there is [...] an influx of visitors. Rock is simply the latest example of that."
